I had the privilege of seeing Danfung Dennis incredibly powerful, beautifully crafted documentary about Marines in Afghanistan last night. A photojournalist who has logged many months embedded with troops in Afghanistan, Dennis turned to the moving image for its impact and capacity to more fully document the war. The resulting film is extraordinary. By focusing on the efforts of a single platoon and the impact of a wound on Sergeant Nathan Harris life once back home, Dennis manages to shed light on the many, many issues of the Afghanistan War: goals and tactics, impact on Afghanis caught in the middle (Marines repeatedly ask village elders how they can help and are repeatedly asked to 'please leave'), as well as the cost to soldiers, specifically those killed and the challenges of recovery, the frustrations and demons that arise once Sergeant Harris returns home. Harris is a magnetic man with a great sense of humor and the depth of his commitment to the larger cause and his fellow Marines was striking, as were the marital and life strains he and his wife Ashley faced as his recovery faltered. A very powerful experience.
On a technical level Dennis innovative use of sound and the film's intercutting between battlefield and home front provide a visceral sense of the haunting, alienating experience of having been through something no one at home can fully appreciate.
I had the opportunity to speak with him afterward and am hopeful we can bring the film to CFF 2011. I had visions of screening the film as a closing event to honor those serving and spark a discussion of the many issues raised. Could we invite a group veterans from Walter Reed for the event?
1 comment:
Interesting and exciting idea for a closing event, Doug. We have a local group who helps with the Yellow Ribbon Fund - an organization that gives help and hope to the recovering vets at Walter Reed (and elsewhere, I believe.) Perhaps they can help us coordinate such an event. I would love to have this movie at CFF 2011!
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