National Entertainment Academy for Military and Veterans
Best Narrative Short Film by a Veteran (Under 10 Minutes)
Unsaddled
Rodney Kent (Todd Tetreault, known for Papa, The Rookie, & The Gambler) was once a rodeo icon, breaking records and bones with equal glory. But after a near-fatal accident, his life spiraled into a decade-long haze of bourbon and bitterness. Now an aging recluse in a sun-scorched house frozen in time, Rodney spends his days avoiding mirrors, memories, and meaning. But when he stumbles across a forgotten box of letters from young rodeo students he once coached, including a heartfelt gift from a protégé, he is forced to confront what he’s thrown away. With nothing left to lose, Rodney walks back into the ring, not to chase fame, but to make peace with the ghost he’s become.
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The Way I Want It
Monique, a terminally ill woman, is seemingly kidnapped from hospice by two close friends—only for their act to be revealed as one of love. Honoring her final wish, they give her a last day of freedom: dancing in an open field, resting beneath the sun, and passing peacefully on her own terms.
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Cold Hands
A solitary skater trains alone in an empty ice rink, pushing through repeated falls until discipline replaces resistance.
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Divorce
Is a documentary-narrative short film that follows a U.S. Air Force officer in the immediate aftermath of his spouse announcing she is leaving. Told through reflective voiceover and reconstructed moments, the film captures the numbness, isolation, and emotional disorientation of the day that follows—an empty house, unanswered calls, and the quiet weight of a life suddenly erased. As he confronts despair and searches for meaning, the story transitions from survival to healing, guided by faith, therapy, travel, and rediscovered purpose. From the silence of Iceland to the joy of Brazil and the humanity of Kenya, he rebuilds his identity beyond loss. Divorce: The Day After is ultimately a story about resilience, spiritual growth, and finding love again—first in life, and then in another person—after believing everything was over.
Beyond Bravery
Starring Scott Levy – Marine Corps Veteran and Hollywood actor known for The Lost World: Jurassic Park, The Hell Patrol, and more – Beyond Bravery is a cinematic journey into the unseen war that begins after the battlefield.
This short film, presented by Grey Team, is a raw, unapologetic look into the mental, emotional, and physical trials that America's heroes face when the guns fall silent. It’s not about war. It’s about what comes after. And the warriors who choose to fight for their lives all over again — this time, in silence.
Through the eyes of one man, we see the story of thousands.
Through his pain, we witness strength.
And through his voice, we hear the truth.
This is more than a film. This is a mission.
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HEAL
A broken man must overcome physical and mental obstacles to try and make his life whole again.
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Medəkärpəs
Logline: A man bargains with a "genie" AI program, but fails to realize the cost of the transaction before trapping himself—and his pregnant wife—in a digital purgatory. #Blind ambition
Synopsis: A man embarks on a perilous journey of the mind as he enlists the help of a dubious app to reconnect with a loved one. Stuck in a continuous loop whilst trying to progress, he falls victim to the very thing he thought was going to help him.
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Eye of the Beholder
Trapped in the only safe haven remaining in a ravaged world, a contrite and reticent husband struggles with his own humanity while tending to his ailing wife shackled to his bed as he confronts his monstrous legacy at the center of a zombie apocalypse.
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To Live and Die in Key West
In sun-drenched Key West, a battle-weary Afghanistan vet takes a job with the local police, but the island's postcard-perfect surface hides a dark truth-the same heroin trade he once fought is now bleeding into the streets he patrols.
A Million Voices: Only One Matters
Showing the human struggle of trauma and social stigmas and the resilient spirit within each of us.
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Monoski Murder
A unique and quirky recreational skier who goes by the name of “The Monoskier” finds himself unwittingly and comically ensnared in a feud with a bad-tempered skier. He seeks a thrilling solo adventure of snow-bound activities, yet he can’t seem to escape the disapproval and rage of those around him. This darkly humorous tale leaves the audience wondering about disastrous fate in a presumed wintery wonderland.
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Mind Your Manners: A Day In the Life
Service Dog laws and etiquette are taught in this comedic 1950's style public service announcement that will get you thinking about the ADA in a different light.
Created for the Independent Film Coalition of Kansas City 10 hour film competition.
Best Narrative Short Film by a Non-Veteran (Under 10 Minutes)
Cold Hands
A solitary skater trains alone in an empty ice rink, pushing through repeated falls until discipline replaces resistance.
The Way I Want It
Monique, a terminally ill woman, is seemingly kidnapped from hospice by two close friends—only for their act to be revealed as one of love. Honoring her final wish, they give her a last day of freedom: dancing in an open field, resting beneath the sun, and passing peacefully on her own terms.
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Echoes of War
U.S. soldiers race to stop a vengeful missile strike, leading to a deadly confrontation that tests their morality and humanity.
Baying in the Night
When her son’s childhood friend arrives one night to give her her son’s prized hunting dog, a Southern woman, already grieving the suicide of her Army veteran son, must confront her grief to help him as they both deal with the isolating grief of suicide loss and the specter of the fall of Afghanistan.
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Signalman
In the final months of World War II, two brothers serving in the Navy unexpectedly find each other. Told through quiet moments and flashes of light, "Signalman" is a personal, atmospheric retelling of a true story passed down through the family.
Best Director (Veteran)
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THE BUNKER
When mysterious alien ships appear in the sky, a scientist is sealed in an underground bunker and must create a bio-weapon to stop the unknown visitors, but paranoia and isolation cause her to question the true intention of her mission.
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Hollywood Grit
When his estranged daughter and aspiring singer mysteriously vanishes from the glamorous yet perilous world of a Hollywood jazz club, a fallen detective must confront his past demons and navigate a treacherous path of corruption and deceit to find her, unearthing a conspiracy that shakes him to his core.
Medəkärpəs
Logline: A man bargains with a "genie" AI program, but fails to realize the cost of the transaction before trapping himself—and his pregnant wife—in a digital purgatory. #Blind ambition
Synopsis: A man embarks on a perilous journey of the mind as he enlists the help of a dubious app to reconnect with a loved one. Stuck in a continuous loop whilst trying to progress, he falls victim to the very thing he thought was going to help him.
Black Metal
A black teen is determined to make it as a heavy metal artist in defiance of his father, a failed jazz musician.
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Love Song
Love Song is a drama that explores the intersections of ambition, intimacy, love and legacy, as a music producer wrestles with who he is and who he is expected to be.
Challenge to Change
Spc. Chris Coleman, a member of the District of Columbia National Guard, recalls his decade-long journey from attending the Capitol Guardian Youth Challenge Academy as a student, to becoming a Guard member, and now a cadre member at the academy.
The Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development preparatory program, run by the District of Columbia National Guard in partnership with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia. The academy is part of the larger National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program.
Cherry Pie
In an otherwise uneventful restaurant, tensions rise between Lana, a no-nonsense manager, and Marty, a laid-back bartender, over small grievances like misplaced guitar cords and stolen cherry pie. When a mysterious man stumbles in, dies, and reanimates as a zombie, their day takes a surreal turn. As the undead chaos spreads to an unsuspecting bystander, Lana and Marty must grapple with panic, guilt, and their own questionable choices in this darkly comedic tale.
My House
When JoAnna returns to her childhood home to care for her grieving mother, she begins to experience unsettling events that suggest her missing father never truly left. As the line between caregiving and control blurs, JoAnna’s warm exterior slowly unravels, revealing a terrifying truth neither woman is ready to face. Daddy’s Home is a slow-burn psychological horror that explores the corrosive power of unresolved grief, fractured memory, and inherited madness.
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Stories
Having just informed on his Boss, a
gangster on the run finds a place to
hide, in what he thinks is an abandoned Hotel and
befriends the inhabitants who offer safety, as the
hitman, his mentor in the Mob, closes in.
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Riding The Waves of Chaos
During the making of a skateboarding documentary, Rick an aspiring filmmaker and military veteran, struggles with the emotional turmoil of divorce and to make matters worse must now face the chaos of an unexpected health crisis with alarming implications.
Best Writer (Veteran)
Barren
A woman’s battle with infertility reveals a profound journey of loss, resilience, and the search for purpose as she leans on friendship and family to navigate the fragile hope of becoming a mother.
Cold Hands
A solitary skater trains alone in an empty ice rink, pushing through repeated falls until discipline replaces resistance.
Hollywood Grit
When his estranged daughter and aspiring singer mysteriously vanishes from the glamorous yet perilous world of a Hollywood jazz club, a fallen detective must confront his past demons and navigate a treacherous path of corruption and deceit to find her, unearthing a conspiracy that shakes him to his core.
Black Metal
A black teen is determined to make it as a heavy metal artist in defiance of his father, a failed jazz musician.
Love Song
Love Song is a drama that explores the intersections of ambition, intimacy, love and legacy, as a music producer wrestles with who he is and who he is expected to be.
My House
When JoAnna returns to her childhood home to care for her grieving mother, she begins to experience unsettling events that suggest her missing father never truly left. As the line between caregiving and control blurs, JoAnna’s warm exterior slowly unravels, revealing a terrifying truth neither woman is ready to face. Daddy’s Home is a slow-burn psychological horror that explores the corrosive power of unresolved grief, fractured memory, and inherited madness.
Stories
Having just informed on his Boss, a
gangster on the run finds a place to
hide, in what he thinks is an abandoned Hotel and
befriends the inhabitants who offer safety, as the
hitman, his mentor in the Mob, closes in.
Riding The Waves of Chaos
During the making of a skateboarding documentary, Rick an aspiring filmmaker and military veteran, struggles with the emotional turmoil of divorce and to make matters worse must now face the chaos of an unexpected health crisis with alarming implications.
To Live and Die in Key West
In sun-drenched Key West, a battle-weary Afghanistan vet takes a job with the local police, but the island's postcard-perfect surface hides a dark truth-the same heroin trade he once fought is now bleeding into the streets he patrols.
A Million Voices: Only One Matters
Showing the human struggle of trauma and social stigmas and the resilient spirit within each of us.
Best Actor - Female
Cold Hands
A solitary skater trains alone in an empty ice rink, pushing through repeated falls until discipline replaces resistance.
The Way I Want It
Monique, a terminally ill woman, is seemingly kidnapped from hospice by two close friends—only for their act to be revealed as one of love. Honoring her final wish, they give her a last day of freedom: dancing in an open field, resting beneath the sun, and passing peacefully on her own terms.
To Live and Die in Key West
In sun-drenched Key West, a battle-weary Afghanistan vet takes a job with the local police, but the island's postcard-perfect surface hides a dark truth-the same heroin trade he once fought is now bleeding into the streets he patrols.
A Million Voices: Only One Matters
Showing the human struggle of trauma and social stigmas and the resilient spirit within each of us.
Barren
A woman’s battle with infertility reveals a profound journey of loss, resilience, and the search for purpose as she leans on friendship and family to navigate the fragile hope of becoming a mother.
Best Documentary by a Non-Veteran (Over 30 Minutes)
27 Minutes at Son Tay
On November 21, 1970, U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and Air Force air commandos executed a swift and stunning raid on a POW camp 23 miles from Hanoi, within 5 miles of 112,000 N.V.A. regulars, and flying into the teeth of the most heavily defended airspace in the world.
61 American prisoners of war were being held at the Son Tay Prison Camp. For months, the combined services task force gathered intelligence, made plans for rescuing the prisoners, and trained meticulously for every contingency.
Operation Kingpin lasted for just 27 heart-stopping minutes. The raid stands as one of the most significant operations in modern military history as it brought together every military branch to fulfill the pledge of "no man left behind."
Highway Home: South Africa
In the heart of South Africa, four veterans embark on a life-changing journey where healing begins with a single act: speaking up.
Far from home and stripped of their comfort zones, they are challenged to confront the struggles they’ve buried since returning from war. Within just 72 hours, each veteran must open up in raw group sessions, then partner with a national recording artist to transform their truth into an original song.
What follows is a race against time—and fear—as they step onto a stage they’ve never stood on before, perform their story live, record it in a professional studio, and bring it to life through a cinematic music video.
Through songwriting, vulnerability becomes strength—and their voices become a lifeline not only for themselves, but for anyone still struggling in silence.
Listen to their story, watch as they record their 1st original and learn the process and bring to life their own journey through a cinematic experience in their very own music video.
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Tracers
The Vietnam War ended on April 30th, 1975. Approximately 2.7 million Americans served, representing nearly 10% of their entire generation.
Four years later, a group of actors, artists and writers, all veterans of the war, came together in a small Los Angeles theater to share their experiences. To embrace their collective pain and channel it through their creativity. To heal. They would go onto create a work telling their story. A play like no other before it. A play called TRACERS.
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Autumn Gold
A feature length documentary about a relentless investigative journalist who must outwit and out maneuver the Pentagon in order to expose the cover-up of a secret government bio-chemical experiment hidden for decades and bring justice to the veterans who were used without their consent and harmed by it.
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Ronin 3: The Battle for Sangin Episode 1
In 2010, Ronin 3, a USMC platoon, was sent with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines (3/5) Darkhorse to clear a notorious area in Afghanistan, entrenched with malicious Taliban fighters causing havoc. Although many had tried, no one had succeeded to stop these marauders. The tip of the spear of these modern-day Spartans traveled far to hit this enemy stone and break it apart. Regardless of rank we explore the human side of highly trained warfighters and what they went through to build resiliency in a Taliban kill zone, a dangerous labyrinth of IED bombs and murder holes. Narrated by Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner, Tom Berenger. Music by award-wining film composer Alan Williams.
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Sacred Texts of War
This documentary on moral injury follows six combat veterans through a groundbreaking narrative therapy treatment.
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Village of Death: Oradour-sur-Glane 1944
Narrated by actor Jeff Daniels.
Robert Hébras stepped carefully through the crumbled ruins of the village where he once lived. “There’s the school bell still hanging up there, reminding me how I was always late,” said the former mechanic.
Almost 80 years after this idyllic rural village near Limoges burnt down, there are still traces of life. Not far from Hébras’s old house, the mayor’s Peugeot 202 carcass is still parked. “When I come here, I see faces, people, not ghosts,” he said. But for the French state, this is Europe’s most crucial ghost village, and there are fears that its ghosts are threatened.
Oradour-sur-Glane is unique in Europe: a fully preserved, ruined village that was the site of the worst Nazi massacre of civilians on French soil. 643 people, including 247 children, were shot or burnt alive on 10 June 1944 in an unexplained act of barbarity.
Best Documentary by a Veteran (Under 10 Minutes)
Beyond Bravery
Starring Scott Levy – Marine Corps Veteran and Hollywood actor known for The Lost World: Jurassic Park, The Hell Patrol, and more – Beyond Bravery is a cinematic journey into the unseen war that begins after the battlefield.
This short film, presented by Grey Team, is a raw, unapologetic look into the mental, emotional, and physical trials that America's heroes face when the guns fall silent. It’s not about war. It’s about what comes after. And the warriors who choose to fight for their lives all over again — this time, in silence.
Through the eyes of one man, we see the story of thousands.
Through his pain, we witness strength.
And through his voice, we hear the truth.
This is more than a film. This is a mission.
Challenge to Change
Spc. Chris Coleman, a member of the District of Columbia National Guard, recalls his decade-long journey from attending the Capitol Guardian Youth Challenge Academy as a student, to becoming a Guard member, and now a cadre member at the academy.
The Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development preparatory program, run by the District of Columbia National Guard in partnership with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia. The academy is part of the larger National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program.
In Formation
Chicago Public Schools JROTC students get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Chicago Air & Water Show! Watch as they meet the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels, interact with pilots and crew, and experience firsthand what it takes to put on their legendary aerial demonstration. Don't miss this inspiring chance to experience the thrill of military aviation through their eyes.
Divorce
Is a documentary-narrative short film that follows a U.S. Air Force officer in the immediate aftermath of his spouse announcing she is leaving. Told through reflective voiceover and reconstructed moments, the film captures the numbness, isolation, and emotional disorientation of the day that follows—an empty house, unanswered calls, and the quiet weight of a life suddenly erased. As he confronts despair and searches for meaning, the story transitions from survival to healing, guided by faith, therapy, travel, and rediscovered purpose. From the silence of Iceland to the joy of Brazil and the humanity of Kenya, he rebuilds his identity beyond loss. Divorce: The Day After is ultimately a story about resilience, spiritual growth, and finding love again—first in life, and then in another person—after believing everything was over.
Riding The Waves of Chaos
During the making of a skateboarding documentary, Rick an aspiring filmmaker and military veteran, struggles with the emotional turmoil of divorce and to make matters worse must now face the chaos of an unexpected health crisis with alarming implications.
Best Documentary by a Veteran (Over 30 Minutes)
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D-Day+80
A documentary film about a Soldier's journey to Normandy 80 years after D-Day. The movie offers our Greatest Generation an opportunity to share their stories one last time, while connecting our younger generations with the importance of standing up and fighting for those who can't fight for themselves.
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Zzaslow K-427
Zzaslow K-427, honors the remarkable service of the longest tenured bomb-sniffing dog to ever serve in the U.S. Army, and how this unassuming black Labrador retriever saved lives, both on and off the battlefield, healing humans in extraordinary ways that are completely unexpected.
animal.
From Producer Vinny Lingham, animal. unmasks a century-long conspiracy of political, economic, and religious forces that have twisted our natural bond with meat—enslaving us to ill health and Big Pharma dependency. Through bold interviews, historical revelations, and groundbreaking science, it shatters nutritional myths and dares us to reclaim the ancestral diet that fueled our evolution.
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Manchu: A Brotherhood of Sacrifice
This documentary film follows a U.S. army unit named the Manchus during their service in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. This film depicts the Vietnam War from the ground up and explores the chaos of war.
Resilience - Warriors Rise, Season 1 Episode 1
Resilience – Warriors Rise is a powerful docuseries that begins with its first episode, “The Battle of Ameriyah.” The series chronicles the journeys of veterans who have transformed their military service experiences into a force for positive change. These men and women now serve as advocates, mentors, and leaders for others facing similar struggles.
It is an honor to share their legacy stories.
Through personal testimony, expert insight, and thoughtful exploration, this series offers an honest and empathetic look into the realities many veterans face after service—combat experiences, moral injury, PTSD, and the lifelong process of healing. At the same time, the series highlights the work of veteran-led nonprofit organizations that are raising awareness and helping cultivate understanding, compassion, and connection within both the veteran community and the broader public.
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Tribal
"Tribal" is a gripping docudrama/action film that brings to life the remarkable stories of three U.S. Combat Veterans on the big screen. These warriors courageously share their experiences for the first time, taking us through intense combat scenes and poignant moments of loss both on and off the battlefield. Their stories provide a powerful reflection of the American Veteran's journey after 20 years of war, highlighting the daunting challenges they face integrating into modern society.
This film transcends traditional military documentaries—it's a purpose-driven production aimed at raising awareness about the daily struggles of modern Veterans while entertaining millions. Through this journey, viewers will experience moments of revelation, realizing aspects of Veterans' lives they may never have understood before. It's also a heartfelt message to all Veterans that it's okay not to be okay and that seeking help is vital.
"Tribal" is an intense cinematic experience with a profound purpose—one that could potentially save lives by shedding light on the realities faced by our Veterans.
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Forward
Marine Corps Major Ashley Christman is battling stage four cancer—but she refuses to give up. Determined to stay in the Corps, she pushes her body to the limit, competing in elite-level endurance sports to prove she’s still fit to serve. Her wife Melissa and their young son Archer watch in awe as Christman fights not just for her career, but to leave behind a legacy of strength. With every grueling challenge, she defies the odds, knowing that even if cancer takes her, the legacy of people she’s touched and love for her family will live on.
Best Actor - Male (Veteran)
Beyond Bravery
Starring Scott Levy – Marine Corps Veteran and Hollywood actor known for The Lost World: Jurassic Park, The Hell Patrol, and more – Beyond Bravery is a cinematic journey into the unseen war that begins after the battlefield.
This short film, presented by Grey Team, is a raw, unapologetic look into the mental, emotional, and physical trials that America's heroes face when the guns fall silent. It’s not about war. It’s about what comes after. And the warriors who choose to fight for their lives all over again — this time, in silence.
Through the eyes of one man, we see the story of thousands.
Through his pain, we witness strength.
And through his voice, we hear the truth.
This is more than a film. This is a mission.
HEAL
A broken man must overcome physical and mental obstacles to try and make his life whole again.
Love Song
Love Song is a drama that explores the intersections of ambition, intimacy, love and legacy, as a music producer wrestles with who he is and who he is expected to be.
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To Live and Die in Key West
In sun-drenched Key West, a battle-weary Afghanistan vet takes a job with the local police, but the island's postcard-perfect surface hides a dark truth-the same heroin trade he once fought is now bleeding into the streets he patrols.
Spirit of the Cinema
Filmed in North Wilkesboro, NC at the Historic Liberty Theatre and in Winston-Salem, NC - A family-owned movie theater struggles with letting go of the past and switching from 35mm film to digital cinema to keep the theater open. . . A love letter to 35mm film, movies, and theaters... which so desperately need our love and help right now.
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Roxy & The Man
A terminally ill Vietnam veteran finds solace and purpose in rescuing an abused dog no one else wanted, rediscovering the meaning of life and the profound power of companionship.
At its core, this film is about two wounded souls: a Vietnam veteran carrying the invisible scars of war, and the loss of his wife and an abused dog who has lost her trust in the world. Alone, each is broken. Together, they become whole.
Best Narrative Film by a Veteran (Over 30 Minutes)
THE BUNKER
When mysterious alien ships appear in the sky, a scientist is sealed in an underground bunker and must create a bio-weapon to stop the unknown visitors, but paranoia and isolation cause her to question the true intention of her mission.
Hollywood Grit
When his estranged daughter and aspiring singer mysteriously vanishes from the glamorous yet perilous world of a Hollywood jazz club, a fallen detective must confront his past demons and navigate a treacherous path of corruption and deceit to find her, unearthing a conspiracy that shakes him to his core.
MVP
On the streets of Hollywood, a recently retired NFL player is saved from scandal by a homeless Marine veteran. With their "glory days" behind them, the two men bond in search of purpose and identity.
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Harmless
Neighbors Grace Norway and John Gordon have something in common: their spouses have run off together. Grace's husband Tom has been gone for a week, and John's wife Shawna disappeared around the same time. They talk about what to tell their friends, and what to tell the police. They talk about what to say when they speak to their lovers again. They talk about what this means for them. But the more they talk, the more dread that Grace begins to feel. She wonders if this is more than a love affair, more even than a kidnapping. And maybe it isn't just more--it has happened more than once. The easy, obvious conclusion was that Shawna and Tom ran off together. But as Grace and John and police detective Morris examine the facts vs. the story, the narrative unravels. Now Grace, with the help of Detective Morris, must get to the truth to protect not only herself, but someone's past, future, and current victims.
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Paw Paw and DayJa
A happy widower and his Bigfoot-obsessed granddaughter set up camp in the north Georgia mountains - an area that turns out to be the legendary monster's backyard.
Best Supporting Actor - Male (Veteran)
Hyde
On the eve of his execution, death row inmate Hyde (David Michaeli) requests his last meal: Mable Mae's mushroom soup. But the sadistic guards—led by cellblock Captain Beauregard (Dante Pirtle) and his loyal Lieutenant BJ (Adam Burke)—subject him to relentless psychological torment, turning a simple final wish into an ordeal of cruelty.
Hollywood Grit
When his estranged daughter and aspiring singer mysteriously vanishes from the glamorous yet perilous world of a Hollywood jazz club, a fallen detective must confront his past demons and navigate a treacherous path of corruption and deceit to find her, unearthing a conspiracy that shakes him to his core.
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HEAL
A broken man must overcome physical and mental obstacles to try and make his life whole again.
To Live and Die in Key West
In sun-drenched Key West, a battle-weary Afghanistan vet takes a job with the local police, but the island's postcard-perfect surface hides a dark truth-the same heroin trade he once fought is now bleeding into the streets he patrols.
Best Documentary by a Non-Veteran (Under 10 Minutes)
Illuminating Antietam Hallelujah
Honoring American Soldiers at the annual Antietam Illumination with 23,110 luminaries.
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Radio Silence
A Major General in the British Military reflects on his career, memories, and decisions.
Face Off For Heroes
Warrior for Life features the stories of Gold Star Families as they are honored during the Face Off for Heroes Memorial Game features a reunion of 13 members from the 2011 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Championship team facing off against the Warrior for Life Fund All-Stars.
Dedicated to honoring fallen Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs), the event includes stories of the fallen and the importance of hockey. Over the past 13 years, the Warrior for Life Fund has hosted 23 Naval Special Warfare memorial hockey games, fostering unity and healing for the Naval Special Warfare community.
Best Comedy by a Veteran (Any Length)
HEAL
A broken man must overcome physical and mental obstacles to try and make his life whole again.
Werk
Set inside a fast-paced creative agency, WERK is a comedic series exploring the tension between ambition, hierarchy, and generational identity in the modern workplace. When employees from vastly different backgrounds and age groups are forced to collaborate, humor emerges from miscommunication, power struggles, and unspoken expectations. As each character fights to be seen, valued, and taken seriously, the series asks whether success requires assimilation or authenticity. WERK is a sharp, character-driven comedy about navigating work culture when your identity is being challenged on the job.
Best Narrative Short Film by a Non-Veteran (10-30 Minutes)
Soaring Together: A Tuskegee Airmen Story
Soaring Together is a short film inspired by a true story, centered on World War II Tuskegee Airmen James Shipley of Tipton, Missouri, and Harry Stewart Jr. of Queens, New York. Serving as Stewart’s crew chief, Shipley worked alongside him as the two rose above prejudice and war in pursuit of freedom. The film grounds a national history in lived experience, offering a deeply human chapter in the larger American story as the nation approaches its 250th year.
Roxy & The Man
A terminally ill Vietnam veteran finds solace and purpose in rescuing an abused dog no one else wanted, rediscovering the meaning of life and the profound power of companionship.
At its core, this film is about two wounded souls: a Vietnam veteran carrying the invisible scars of war, and the loss of his wife and an abused dog who has lost her trust in the world. Alone, each is broken. Together, they become whole.
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Lt. Oreo
An aging Vietnam veteran suffering from dementia journeys in search of his wife only to find he lost her years ago
Best Documentary by a Veteran (10-30 Minutes)
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Say Their Names
Earning their gold star through loss is a painful tradition a parent or family member faces when their loved one pays the ultimate price serving their country. And yet a small town with a big heart teaches us that there is a large community that believes they still live beyond their sacrifice.
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22
"22" is the story of Braga family and their unique facility "Bear-O Care" for children with multiple disabilities. Film explores the system currently set in place for special needs children, its flaws, and possible solutions for caretakers that will help to continue fulfill social, educational and developmental needs of their adult child after they cross the 22 year old mark. More importantly, the film tells the story of Mike, a burger flipper who became the founder of the Bear-O Care facility because of his adopted son.
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A Ranger Works Here
“A Ranger Works Here” is a documentary following Oskar Zepeda’s PTSD growth journey after suffering a grenade blast while serving in the U.S. Army. He and those close to him share about his ups and downs, and how he is able to pull himself out of the trenches. When he hit rock bottom, it wasn’t one day, it was a whole year. Oskar is a work in progress, and aims to help others through his story.
I felt called to tell Oskar’s story the first time I met him at his barber shop. After hearing his story and how real it was, I knew others could benefit from hearing it. Oskar isn’t a veteran that tells you everything is good after receiving treatments and counselings. He keeps it real by telling you how he messed up last week, and what he’s doing this week to get back on track.
As an Army veteran myself, and someone who also went through my own struggles, hearing Oskar’s story motivates me to continue finding “the good” every day and fight for what’s right. One of the U.S. Army values is “honor” and telling Oskar’s story is one way I could honor him through my craft, while simultaneously making in impact within the veteran community.
Oskar’s PTSD growth story is still on-going, and is unfolding in real time.
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Path to Heaven
Path to Heaven follows the story of a B-24 Liberator lost in World War II, the eleven crewmen who vanished with it, and the generations left with silence in its wake. Among them was 2nd Lt. Tomas “Tommy” V. Kelly, remembered only by a modest gravestone until a distant relative’s quiet act of remembrance set off an unexpected chain of events. What began as a simple gesture grew into a years-long journey—guided by persistence, synchronicity, and love—that transformed forgotten sorrow into connection. More than a story of war and loss, Path to Heaven is about what happens when we choose to remember.
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The Gift of a second Wind 26mn
Soldiers wounded in overseas operations are repatriated to France and cared for at the Percy Army Training Hospital. But what happens next? How do they cope with their physical and psychological wounds? How do they rebuild their lives?
These stories are the very definition of resilience.
A wonderful human and sporting adventure to discover!
The Last Patrol
Nearly 20 years after the Vietnam War, a group of Vietnam Veterans from New Jersey walked over 250 miles from the Vietnam Memorial wall in Washington DC to Holmdel New Jersey, to deliver the names of the New Jersey service men and women who were lost to the war. This extraordinary group from all parts of the military called themselves The Last Patrol. Their walk, with over 1500 names was the beginning of what has become The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Museum. It is the only place of it's kind in the world.
Best Documentary by a Non-Veteran (10-30 Minutes)
A Letter From Home
A Letter From Home is a mini-documentary about the life of founder Jason Graven and the founding of the nonprofit organization Task Force 20. This film won several local awards.
The Last Patrol
Nearly 20 years after the Vietnam War, a group of Vietnam Veterans from New Jersey walked over 250 miles from the Vietnam Memorial wall in Washington DC to Holmdel New Jersey, to deliver the names of the New Jersey service men and women who were lost to the war. This extraordinary group from all parts of the military called themselves The Last Patrol. Their walk, with over 1500 names was the beginning of what has become The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Museum. It is the only place of it's kind in the world.
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The War Inside Me
Jason Belford, a highly decorated US Army Retired 1SG, 75th Ranger Regiment, survived countless missions overseas—but nearly lost the most important battle of his life at home.
After returning from war, Jason found himself facing a quiet enemy many veterans know too well: the loss of purpose. As the weight of that struggle grew heavier, alcohol and substance abuse pulled him deeper into isolation. One night, at his lowest point, Jason made the decision to end his life.
But that mission would fail.
A last-minute text from a friend interrupted the moment—and changed the course of his life forever.
Today, Jason travels across the country and around the world speaking to military members and veterans, sharing his story of survival, faith, and redemption. His message is simple but powerful: a permanent decision should never be made for a temporary problem.
Jason Belford’s story is a reminder that even the strongest warriors sometimes need saving—and that hope can arrive in the smallest moment.
Sheepdogs
In the desert community of 29 Palms, artist Ted Meyer invites individuals living with life-altering injuries to participate in an intimate and unusual collaboration: transforming their physical scars into works of art. Among them are active-duty service members and veterans whose bodies carry visible reminders of trauma—alongside emotional wounds that are far less apparent.
As each participant confronts the story behind their injury, the act of tracing, drawing, and reimagining their scars becomes more than a creative exercise. It becomes an act of reclamation. Through deeply personal conversations and moments of vulnerability, Sheepdogs explores how trauma reshapes identity—and how art can offer a way to rewrite that narrative.
At its core, the film is about authorship over one’s own body. It is about making pain visible, finding connection in shared experience, and discovering that healing is not about erasing scars, but understanding them.
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Operation Overlord: OSS and the Battle for France
The film tells the story of Allied special forces, Free French Forces, and the French Resistance whose daring exploits behind enemy lines changed the course of World War II.
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THE PICTURE
More than 50 years after combat, three Vietnam War veterans are brought together by one picture
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Filming Under Fire: John Ford's OSS Field Photo Branch
orld War II was fought on many fronts. One of them was film.
“Filming Under Fire: John Ford’s OSS Field Photo Branch”
tells the story of how six-time Academy Award-winning director John Ford and many of its leading filmmakers - including cinematographers Harold Rosson, Gregg Toland, and Joe August; screenwriter Budd Schulberg and actor Sterling Hayden - contributed to America’s victory in World War II through their service in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Field Photographic Branch.
They conducted surveillance. They made training films. They shot combat. They created films to boost Americans’ morale and to demoralize the enemy.
Best Narrative Short Film by a Veteran (10-30 Minutes)
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RUNAWAY
Follow Naomi's journey as a runaway who finds herself ensnared in the clutches of a human trafficking ring. With fate on her side, she happens to cross paths with a pair of vigilante's who have taken the law into their own hands.
Black Metal
A black teen is determined to make it as a heavy metal artist in defiance of his father, a failed jazz musician.
Heroes
Rigo, the new kid in town, finds himself being bullied by some of the local kids. A chance encounter with Miguel, a comic book store owner, introduces Rigo to the vast world of superheroes. But are they fiction or real?
My House
When JoAnna returns to her childhood home to care for her grieving mother, she begins to experience unsettling events that suggest her missing father never truly left. As the line between caregiving and control blurs, JoAnna’s warm exterior slowly unravels, revealing a terrifying truth neither woman is ready to face. Daddy’s Home is a slow-burn psychological horror that explores the corrosive power of unresolved grief, fractured memory, and inherited madness.
Stories
Having just informed on his Boss, a
gangster on the run finds a place to
hide, in what he thinks is an abandoned Hotel and
befriends the inhabitants who offer safety, as the
hitman, his mentor in the Mob, closes in.
Best Supporting Actor - Female (Veteran)
To Live and Die in Key West
In sun-drenched Key West, a battle-weary Afghanistan vet takes a job with the local police, but the island's postcard-perfect surface hides a dark truth-the same heroin trade he once fought is now bleeding into the streets he patrols.