As a documentary buff with a knack for the oldies, it's genuinely encouraging to see films like Hell and Back Again -- films that skip the dramatized nonsense, ignore pacing and instead concentrate on telling a unique human story.
Director Danfung Dennis doesn't waste his time on the politics of occupying Iraq or Afghanistan. Instead, the story focuses on the troubling lives of soldiers who've been honorably discharged and returned to marriages, families and a country in collapse. What makes Hell and Back Again so unique, however, is that it was entirely filmed on a handheld Canon 5D Mark II DSLR, yet the picture quality is astonishing.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, opiate addiction and the painful normalcy of stateside life are just some of the problems that Sergeant Harris and his troupe of Marines have to deal with. If you're interested in seeing this Sundance Film Festival winner, just head over to the website and look for screenings in your area!
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new technologies and techniques in filmmaking to capture unique and compelling stories.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative therapies and support systems to help soldiers and veterans cope with PTSD.
- Opiate Addiction Treatment
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invent new treatments and interventions to address opiate addiction among military personnel and veterans.
Where This Applies
- Film and Entertainment
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms and distribution channels that empower independent filmmakers to reach wider audiences.
- Healthcare
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build specialized healthcare programs and facilities to cater to the mental health needs of soldiers and veterans.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Research and develop non-addictive pain management alternatives to reduce opiate dependency in the military community.
