WOODSTOCK – The Woodstock Film Festival (WFF), in association with the filmmakers, announces the world premiere of HERE. IS. BETTER., a documentary film by Emmy-Award-winning director Jack Youngelson, exploring the treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The film premieres Saturday, October 2nd, at 12:45 p.m. at the Bearsville Theater. The film, and three events inspired by it, are part of the 22nd Annual Woodstock Film Festival in Woodstock, Saugerties, and Kingston.
According to the promoters, HERE. IS. BETTER. is the first feature-length documentary to gain unprecedented access to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. It interweaves intense and inspiring stories of men and women struggling to leave traumatic memories behind as they try to rejoin families, friends, and jobs back home.
Each year in America, nearly eight million people struggle with PTSD, with veterans twice as likely to suffer than civilians.
HERE. IS. BETTER. reveals a new dimension in PTSD treatment, bringing hope to those who have been looking for answers. The official trailer can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8t51pshLg0.
Opening remarks before the film will be delivered by Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, a veteran’s advocate who served two tours in Iraq as an Army Intelligence Officer. A question and answer segment with the filmmakers and veterans featured in the documentary will follow the film.
Tickets for the premiere are available through the WFF website and at the WFF Box Office on Rock City Road in Woodstock.
A mental health panel inspired by the film will be held Saturday, October. 2, at 4:30 pm at the White Feather Farm, in Saugerties. The discussion will focus on mental health at this critical moment when suicide is a leading cause of death in both the veteran and civilian communities. The panel will feature Dr. Kathleen Chard, one of the leaders in the battle against PTSD, and Army veteran/former politician Jason Kander. On the third anniversary of Kander stepping down from political life, he and Dr. Chard will discuss his very personal journey and the wider impact of the global mental health crisis.
Tickets for the panel discussion are available through the WFF website.
A special free screening of the documentary for Veterans and their families takes place Sunday, October 3rd, at 11:30 am, at the Orpheum Theater in Saugerties. Seats for this screening are limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a question-and-answer segment following the film.
Tickets can be reserved via phone by calling John Mallen Communications at 914- 388-2848. Online tickets can be reserved by clicking here.
Strict Covid protocols and limited seating will be in place at all WFF venues. Proof of full vaccination is required for every attendee; Masks are required for all attendees when inside any venue and will be provided to attendees who don’t bring one. Attendees can present their vaccination card or display proof of vaccination on a smartphone; NYS residents, or anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine in New York State, may also present proof via the Excelsior Pass. Photo ID will be required in addition to proof of vaccination.
