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Award-winning docu show’s tale of overcoming PTSD
Tom Voss, left, speaks with spectators about his experience that led to the creation of “Almost Sunrise” last Tuesday at the American Memorial Park’s Visitor Center. (Marc A. Venus)
An Emmy-nominated documentary that explores the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and one man’s journey toward healing was the focus of a film screening at the American Memorial Park’s Visitor Center Theatre last Tuesday, made more significant by the presence of one of the film’s protagonist himself, Tom Voss.
The documentary, Almost Sunrise, starred Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson follows their journey from their homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Los Angeles, California, to raise awareness of the unrelenting pain of moral injury many vets face and are encouraged to seek treatment.
Voss served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2006 during the Iraq War. After returning home, he was diagnosed with PTSD. His path to healing eventually led to his journey with Anderson. The trip took about 155 days and the trip itself spanned over 2,700 miles. The two were able to generate a lot of attention through social media and news outlets during their journey.
The documentary itself won six awards, including the Cine Golden Globe Award and a nomination for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary at the Emmy Awards.
Saipan residents will get another chance to catch the movie at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center Theatre tomorrow, Aug. 6, at 5pm.
Rota and Tinian residents will also get the opportunity to watch the movie as Voss will be visiting islands in the coming days. Almost Sunrise will be premiering on Tinian on Aug. 12 at the Kammer Beach Main Pavilion at 6:30pm; it will be premiering twice on Rota at Tiana’s Restaurant on Aug. 15 at 5pm and at the Sinapalo Youth Center on Aug. 16 at 2pm.
Voss is happy to be back in the CNMI—his second visit. “The people are very welcoming and I am very grateful for having the opportunity to come and be here a lot longer than the last time,” he said.
He was in the CNMI last year for five days as he attended the Power Breath Meditation workshop, and he will be in the CNMI this entire week.
The Almost Sunrise screening is a collaboration among the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, TanHoldings, and the American Memorial Park.
