WATCH TRAILER (LONG VERSION)

Service: When Women Come Marching Home

A film by Marcia Rock, Patricia Lee Stotter

US | 2012 | 55 minutes | Color | DVD | English | Order No. 131097

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SYNOPSIS

Women make up 15 percent of today's military. That number is expected to double in 10 years. SERVICE highlights the resourcefulness of seven amazing women who represent the first wave of mothers, daughters and sisters returning home from the frontless wars of Iraq and Afghanistan. Portraying the courage of women veterans as they transition from active duty to their civilian lives, this powerful film describes the horrific traumas they have faced, the inadequate care they often receive on return, and the large and small accomplishments they work mightily to achieve.

These are the stories we hear about from men returning from war, but rarely from women veterans. Through compelling portraits, we watch these women wrestle with prostheses, homelessness, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Military Sexual Trauma. The documentary takes the audience on a journey from the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq to rural Tennessee and urban New York City, from coping with amputations, to flashbacks, triggers and depression to ways to support other vets. An eye-opening look at the specific challenges facing women veterans with a special focus on the disabled, SERVICE can be used for courses in military studies, women’s studies, peace and conflict courses and veteran support groups.

PRESS

“This work is a delicately balanced portrayal of our women warriors' battles and victories over insurmountable odds...a must see!"

Lourdes Alvarado-Ramos Director, Washington State Dept. of Veteran Affairs

3 1/2 stars..."Highly Recommended"

Video Librarian

"Highly recommended…an excellent probe of PTSD among female veterans, along with a broad analysis of the hurdles encountered by women in our armed services."

Library Journal

“Without doubt, the most powerful film I’ve seen about women veterans. It tears you to pieces to watch it and restores your soul . . . all at the same time. It’s a documentary about hope. It’s the best film you haven’t seen yet. Tell everyone you know about it."

Wendi Goodman 18-year Army veteran, author of One Weary Soldier blog

"The film stuns. These women veterans show extraordinary character and resolve as they deal with unforgiving injuries, and a culture dull with ignorance. Hawk or dove, we need to understand and appreciate this special group."

Associate English Professor Nancy Nevins Pierce and Glendale Colleges, CA

SCREENING HIGHLIGHTS AND AWARDS

  • Chargin Falls Documenta Film Festival - Honourable Mention, Best Feature Documentary
  • NY Emmy Award Winner for Best Military Program
  • San Antonio Film Festival

ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)

Marcia Rock

Marcia Rock is an independent filmmaker who has produced many documentaries on women's issues. "Salt Harvesters of Ghana" (2007) captures the dignity of women working in a grueling landscape. It won best short at the Newburyport Documentary Film. "Writers' Rooms: The Making of a Mural" (2008) follows painter Elena Climent's research of six American writers' workspaces. Her documentary on the changing role of women in Northern Ireland, "Daughters of the Troubles: Belfast Stories" (1997) won many awards including the AWRT Grand Documentary Award. She has produced several pieces on New York City and writers. McSorley's New York won an Emmy in 1987. "Village Writers: the Bohemian Legacy" (1990) recounts the literary history of Greenwich Village. Reynolds Price: a Writer's Inheritance (1989) explores the powerful relationship between family history and art. Rock's films have also gone in more personal direction. "Dancing with My Father" (2003), ponders how adult love is shaped by what a child learns at home and "Surrender Tango" (2006) compares the rules and roles of tango with contemporary relationships. Rock is a professor and Director of News and Documentary at the NYU Arthur Carter Journalism Institute. She is co-author with Marlene Sanders of, Waiting for Prime Time: The Women of Television News. Her work has been featured on Public Television and cable. Her films are currently in distribution with Cinema Guild, Filmmakers Library, Create Space/Amazon.com and Women Make Movies. (3/13)

Patricia Lee Stotter

A two time Emmy Award winner, Patricia Lee Stotter composes for film, theatre and television. From Sesame Street to HBO/PBS documentaries, independent features to plays and musicals, Stotter is all about the right voice at the right time. (9/18)

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