ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the "I Was There" Film Workshops, an initiative that enables American and Israeli veterans to produce short films in collaboration with other veterans about their service-related experiences. These films articulate aspects of their service experiences in a safe and supportive setting. Professional video instructors and health care professionals work closely with the veterans to facilitate their storytelling process and help them reclaim their personal narratives. Pre- and post-workshop surveys indicated that this intervention was effective in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms for the majority of participants. Many participants reported their experience in the workshop as positive and empowering.
