For most people, the war in Iraq is a distant event with remote, intangible costs and consequences. Two groundbreaking new documentaries supported by IAVA premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival will do their part to change that. They're raw, vivid portrayals of what this war is like for the people who've fought it and how their lives are forever changed.
When I Came Home explores the plight of homeless veterans in America, focusing on my friend Herold Noel, a 25-year-old Iraq War veteran from Brooklyn who faced homelessness upon his return from Iraq. Be sure to check out the powerful trailer on the website. Using Herold's story as a fulcrum, NY-based filmmaker Dan Lohaus examines the epidemic of homeless U.S. military veterans who served when called but now must fight tooth-and-nail to receive the benefits promised to them by their government. HOPE For New Veterans is currently tracking over a dozen homeless Iraq Vets in New York City right now. It's a tragedy and a travesty that there are homeless Iraq Veterans already -- and not enough people are aware of the problem. The film also traces the creation and day-to-day work of IAVA as Herold shows up at the office one day looking for help. From Senator Hillary Clinton to legenday rapper Chuck D, a broad spectrum of American icons are touched by their meetings with this young veteran and his story. When I Came Home premiers Friday, April 28th, at 5 p.m. More screenings will follow throughout the week, and tickets are available here.
The War Tapes is the first Iraq War documentary filmed entirely by the Soldiers themselves. This film will rock you. It has the best footage out of Iraq that I have ever seen. Filmmaker Deborah Scranton supplied hand-held video cameras to a New Hampshire National Guard unit deployed to Iraq just as the insurgency was emerging. The result is an unflinching depiction of this war, and the men and women sent to fight it. It's better than fair and balanced because it's honest and unfiltered. The War Tapes premiers Saturday, April 29th, at 3 p.m. It will also be showing throughout the week.
If you are in and around NYC in the next week, please check out these films and tell your friends. If you are not in NYC, hopefully they will be coming soon to a theater near you.