Watch We Are Not Done Yet

We Are Not Done Yet is a powerful and emotional documentary that follows a group of veterans as they come together to cope with their experiences through the art of poetry. The film was released in 2018 and directed by Sareen Hairabedian. The documentary opens with a glimpse into the lives of these veterans who are struggling with PTSD and transitioning back into civilian life after serving in the military. We see a glimpse of their daily routines, the struggles they face, and the emotional baggage they carry with them.

The film then introduces these veterans to the world of poetry, giving them a platform to share their stories and experiences. Through poetry, they are able to express the pain and trauma they experienced while serving in the military, and find a sense of validation and purpose.

The movie is set in a workshop run by the USO Warrior and Family Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where a group of veterans is brought together to write poetry. The group is diverse in age and background, with some having served in the Vietnam War and others having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The documentary follows the group as they work with gifted poets and mentors like Seema Reza and Fred Foote, who offer guidance and support as they pen their unique stories.

We see how each veteran deals with their pain in a different way - some are more expressive while others are more guarded. But gradually, through the nurturing environment of the workshop and the bonds they form with each other, they all start to open up and share their experiences.

The documentary conveys the vets' feelings of isolation and disconnection, often stemming from difficult relationships with family, and the adjustment to civilian life, which the workshops attempt to address. We see how the simple act of writing poetry helps to heal deep emotional wounds, and how the veterans are able to find their voice and share their experiences with others.

Through the medium of poetry, the veterans are able to connect with each other on a deeper level, recognizing the shared experiences of trauma and loss. Some sessions of the workshop are tearful and heartbreaking, but there are also moments of laughter and camaraderie.

One of the most compelling stories in the documentary is that of Vainuupo "A.V." Avegalio, a former Marine who served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Avaegalio shares his story of having to deal with PTSD and the challenges he has faced since returning home. Through poetry, he finds an outlet for his pain and is able to explore the memories of his traumatic experiences.

The documentary also touches on the issue of the lack of resources and support for veterans dealing with PTSD. We see how the veterans struggle with healthcare, employment, housing, and relationships, and how the military often fails to provide adequate care for their needs.

Throughout the documentary, we see how the power of poetry helps the veterans overcome their struggles and find peace in their lives. We are inspired by their strength and resilience, and moved by their stories of hope and healing.

In conclusion, We Are Not Done Yet is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that explores the struggles and challenges faced by veterans dealing with PTSD. The film captures the power of poetry in helping these veterans find their voice and heal their emotional wounds. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by veterans, and how we can do more to support them.