Exit 12

Greetings again from the darkness. After two tours in Fallujah, Iraq, U.S. Marine Roman Baca returned home a changed man. He struggled with anger, anxiety and depression. Transitioning from soldier to citizen did not go smoothly for him. PTSD was a part of his life.

At the encouragement of his wife Lisa, Roman founded a dance company called Exit 12. He had previously trained as a classical ballet dancer, and was now using his talent and love for dance to choreograph the effects of war ... telling stories that had previously haunted him. His workshops for active military and retired veterans are designed to facilitate and mediate the conflicting messages of soldiers and civilians.

Director Mohammad Gorjestani's 23 minute film won the Grand Jury prize at SXSW, and it provides a look at PTSD that we hadn't previously considered. Mr. Baca calls it "reprogramming" the soldiers, and it also allows for a communication outlet so that families can better understand what caused these personality shifts. Exit 12 Dance Company and the workshops allow veterans to have a voice, as well as an outlet. The transformation from Marine to dancer is good for all.

Translation, in dance, of a painful experience. The idealism and the need to escape from his demons of a man. A long and intense struggle. Reflected by a film about art, a sort of exorcism, full bravery and something out of words. A film for feel. Dramatic and profound useful. Portrait of a ballet about experiences who can not be ignored . Short, a great short film. A real remarkable one.

A documentary about the stresses produced by conflict/war, as viewed through the experiences of those involved with the dance group Exit12. The group was established by a former marine, as a way for him to work his way through challenges associated with service, and as a film it is quite a honest story which allows time to talk, but also makes space for the art to breath as well. In doing this it will mean the viewer needs to go with both, and perhaps the ballet sequences will put some off, but probably not too many as I think the blend of it all works well to produce a story with human roots, and with a connection to something greater than we expect.

The film avoids politics, but there is certainly an edge to the idea that vets and 'patriots' do not come in one mould or ve(R)sion that is uniform. The story of the subject is small but inspiring, as it shows a person connecting with something that matters to them, and helping themselves and others in the meantime. It runs a little long, and I didn't think it connected all the subjects perfectly, but it was engaging and heartfelt, and worth seeing for that.