Case Study 2026
Not Alone documentary following a Latino veteran's journey through PTSD and healing, using restrained pacing and quiet moments to explore trauma and community.
The Brief
This project is a documentary-style narrative edit centered on Not Alone, a film that explores the lasting psychological impact of war and the quiet path toward healing. The story follows Jim, a young Latino veteran struggling with survivor’s guilt, depression, and alcoholism, and his unexpected connection with Bob, a Vietnam War veteran who has lived through similar battles.
The Challenge
The edit is built around restraint and emotional pacing, allowing silence, stillness, and observation to carry weight. Rather than relying on exposition, the narrative unfolds through quiet moments of reflection, fragmented memories, and measured interactions that reflect the internal experience of PTSD. Visual rhythm is shaped by contrast, moving between subdued present-day scenes and intense flashes of memory that surface without warning.
The Solution
As Jim’s journey intersects with Bob’s, the focus shifts toward connection and shared understanding. The introduction of CampV, a veteran support center, marks a tonal change in the edit, where framing opens up and pacing slows, emphasizing camaraderie, trust, and the gradual rebuilding of identity. The camera lingers on small gestures and unscripted moments, reinforcing the idea that healing often begins in subtle, human exchanges.
The Outcome
The result is a story-first edit that treats trauma with patience and respect, highlighting the importance of community and the long road back to family, purpose, and self. Not Alone is ultimately a film about rediscovering strength through shared experience, and the belief that no battle, internal or external, has to be faced in isolation.
