“Walk With Us: Stories of War and Connection” showcases documentary films-in-progress with veteran-related themes.

Now extended through November 30, four independent filmmakers join forces to showcase scenes from their up and coming or recently completed documentaries that artfully explore the emotional and psychological difficulties connected to military life.

Donations will also be accepted during the online screening. All funds will be split evenly between the four projects, helping to fund post production activities like editing, sound mixing, color correction, music, licensing, marketing, legal, and distribution costs.

The program will feature 10-minute scenes from each film along with a brief introduction from the filmmakers. On Tuesday, November 16th, a Zoom Q&A was held with the films' directors, moderated by Doug Bradley, author, educator and Vietnam Veteran. Excerpts from this Q&A are at the end of this program.

The four films in progress are:

• Vicki Topaz’s and Wynn Padula's Dog Walk Home depicts how highly trained service dogs have entered into and transformed the lives of three veteran families struggling with PTSD. The film captures a rare view into the families’ private lives and how they experience trauma. Tapping into research backed by science, the film shows the intrinsic value of service dogs and their ability to detect and ease symptoms of PTSD, bringing a promise of hope and change to those in need. Website, Facebook

• Donut Dollies , directed by Norm Anderson, tells the largely unknown story of a group of American women who volunteered to serve during the Vietnam War through a Red Cross program called Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO), known amongst soldiers as “The Donut Dollies.” Armed with nothing but cookies and home-made entertainment programs, the Donut Dollies risked their lives every day as they fulfilled their mission and cheered up the US troops. Website, Facebook

• Ryan and Matt Mayers’ Walk With Frank — Ambushed and critically wounded in the jungles of Vietnam, Frank’s life became a a dark spiral of drug and alcohol abuse, prison time, and family discord. As a way to release his anguish Frank discovers art as a means to heal himself and help others find their own path forward. Website, Facebook

• Jimmy in Saigon, a feature documentary from LA-based filmmaker Peter McDowell and executive producer Dan Savage. The film explores the mysterious life and death of Jimmy, a 24-year-old Vietnam veteran who died as a civilian in Saigon. Peter uncovers family secrets surrounding Jim’s drug use and sexuality, getting to know his brother who died when the director was only five. Website, Facebook