women smiling as she pets a small dog with their tongue out.

Man petting service dog who is sitting on his lap on the couch.

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BY MY SIDE

Directed by Vicki Topaz, Wynn Padula

Award Nominee, Healing, PTS, Transitioning Home
USA
Documentary
English
2023
30 mins
World premiere

Set in Northern California, “BY MY SIDE” is an intimate portrait of three veterans suffering from the “invisible wound,” called post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is the most prevalent and unhealed wound suffered by veterans. Approximately 20% of those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are still haunted by visions, chased by enemies they can never outrun, and tortured by the fear that the enemy is them. The three veterans and their families bravely share their pain, fear, and the difficult realization that they’ve lost time and love that they may never get back again. All three found hope where no one had looked—in the heart of a faithful service dog.

Award Nominations | Best Documentary Short
Honorable Mention | Founders’ Choice