Almost Sunrise: Hope is on the Horizon 2017
Distributed by New Day Films, 350 North Water Street Unit 1-12, Newburgh, NY 12550; 888-367-9154
Produced by Michael Collins; Marty Syjuco
Directed by Michael Collins
DVD, color, 99 min.
High School - General Adult
Veterans, War, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Warfare, Military, Psychology, Religion, Social Work, Sociology
Date Entered: 10/26/2018
Reviewed by Michael Fein, Coordinator of Library Services, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VATom Voss and Anthony Anderson are two IraqWar veterans from Wisconsin who have struggled with depression and a host of other afflictions since returning home from service. In order to raise awareness among the public of the plight of so many recent veterans of America’s seemingly endless wars, the two embark on a hike from home to California to meet with some former comrades. Throughout their journey, they meet with a number of different religious leaders – Protestant, Catholic, and Native American – and fellow veterans. Along the way, they learn of the suicide of an active duty Marine from their hometown. Interviews with this Marine’s family and friends and footage of the funeral are very touching. Technically, this production is flawless. This reviewer’s family was affected by the suicide of a family member in the military nearly a decade ago and this production is recommended most highly.
Awards
- Winner, Moving Mountains Award, Telluride Mountain Film Festival, 2016
- Winner, Audience Award, REELWORLD Film Festival, 2016
- Winner, Best Film – Thought Provoking, Waimea Ocean Film Festival, Hawai’i
- Winner, Best Documentary, NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Media Awards, 2017
- Winner, Voice Award, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), 2017
- Nominated, Outstanding Current-Affairs Documentary, Emmy, 2018