"The Healing"
Escapade Media to worldwide distribute the new documentary of Melbourne-based Director/Producer Nick Barkla from Staunch Films, "The Healing" (1x53’ 4K & HD), which examines the PTSD in military veterans and how an innovative equine welfare program provides hope and healing for both veterans and ex-racehorses, giving them both a second chance at life. The documentary will World Premiere July 21, on Opening Night of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
"The Healing" explores a life-saving equine welfare program that brings traumatised ex-racehorses and traumatised veterans together to help heal each other. Set against the stunning backdrop of country Australia, "The Healing" is an inspiring journey of recovery that immerses us in the emotional drama of two very different worlds.
The stakes are literally life and death for the horses and humans participating in the Thoroughbred and Veteran Welfare Alliance’s 5-day program. All were highly trained, regimented and of great service and value to their employers, but were then discarded and left to fend for themselves. Their previous skills have rendered them useless in the “real world,” and they now face uncertain futures.
The two vulnerable groups are brought together by professional horseman Scott Brodie, whose unique system of retraining teaches both horses and humans new skills that build trust, patience and confidence. In an extraordinary mutual-healing, the horses are retrained for second careers as equestrian, therapy or recreational horses. The veterans regain their pride and focus, return to work and repair relationships with family and friends.
Nick Barkla comments: “Five years in the making, I’m thrilled to be able to finally share 'The Healing' with the world. It was a privilege to document the journeys of the humans and horses in the film, and I’m sure audiences will be as moved and inspired by their transformations as I was.”
Natalie Lawley, Managing Director of Escapade Media states: “Escapade has followed this project during the last 18 months, and we are delighted to have secured the distribution rights. This film examines the global issue of military PTSD in a new light through equine welfare. The healing of both human and horse. We are really looking forward to launching this film.”