Hunting in Wartime

Filmmaker Samantha Farinella's documentary about Vietnam vets from the Alaskan Tlingit community of Hoonah centers on their difficulties reintegrating into civilian society. Of the 28 townsmen who served (17 in the infantry), many of those still alive give Farinella extended interviews, explaining how their tribal mode of life, which involves hunting and fishing, prepared them physically for the military but not mentally for the reality of combat, in which the prey was other human beings with whom they often culturally identified. The men also offer poignant recollections of their struggles with alcoholism and PTSD after coming home, as well as medical conditions suffered in subsequent years, which in many cases has been linked to exposure to Agent Orange. The film emphasizes the attendant irony by pointing out that none of the Hoonah men who were called upon to serve refused to do so, despite the fact that the Tlingit had been systematically oppressed by the government, the use of their native language was forbidden in schools, and the forests surrounding their communities was depleted by over-logging that profited favored outsiders. Farinella also points out that such treatment continued after the veterans returned from Vietnam, with rules that made it impossible for some to resume their occupation as fishermen. A deeply affecting film that powerfully focuses on the plight of one particular group of Vietnam veterans while also illuminating issues that affected all, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)