Finding Our Way Back is a short documentary following three veterans: Ange Coyle, Anaru Watson and Jared Booth, as they navigate the often-unspoken challenges of returning to civilian life.
Through candid and heartfelt stories, the film sheds light on the mental and physical toll of service and the resilience required to rebuild and find meaning outside of uniform.
Director Steve Baker of The Bakery Collective says: “It became clear through my connection with Ange, Anaru and Jared that each veteran’s journey to civilian life is unique and nonlinear. Understanding each person’s experience and providing tailored support is essential for their recovery and well-being.”
The film was inspired by a mantra written by Baker, translated into Te Reo and performed by Māori artist Geneva Alexander-Marsters.
The path towards recovery
The purpose of Finding Our Way Back is to encourage veterans to contact Veterans’ Affairs if they need support. Phil Bilbrough, team leader communications for Veterans’ Affairs, says that veterans of recent deployments can be reluctant to ask for support.
“We want to make sure that veterans who served in Bosnia, East Timor or Afghanistan or other recent deployments know who to go to for support and that we want to hear from them. Many don’t like asking and lose touch with organisations that can help them.”
For veterans and their families, support is available through Veterans’ Affairs, which offers a range of services. The film also encourages eligible veterans to seek help and provides insight into the importance of understanding individual paths to recovery.
Credits
- Client: Phil Bilbrough and Elaine Myers-Davies
- Director: Steve Baker
- Producer: Nikita Kearsley
- Production manager: Leah Burson
- DoP: Ben Mikha
- 1st AC / Focus puller: Rayne Mokaraka
- Gaffer: Marcus Upton
- Grip: Jesse Currie
- Sound: Mark Williams
- Drone op: Ron Hailes
- Art director: Angus Kerr
- Safety: Rob McKenzie
- Editor: Steve Baker
- Music and sound design: Peter Murray
- Vocals: Geneva Alexander-Marsters
- Colourist: Max Ferguson-hook Online: Kyle Stoffberg
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