Almost Sunrise


Almost Sunrise is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Michael Collins and produced by Marty Syjuco. It recounts the story of two Iraq veterans, Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson, who, in an attempt to put their combat experience behind them, embark on a 2,700-mile trek on foot across America. It made its world premiere on the opening night of the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival on 27 May 2016. After its theatrical run, it aired on the PBS series POV.

Premise

Two very troubled veterans of the war in Iraq, Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson, decide to walk from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Los Angeles – over 2,700 miles, taking 155 days – to help them heal from the combat experiences that haunt them. Along the way, the two men raised awareness of the unrelenting pain of moral injury many vets face and encouraged them to seek treatment.

Cast

The Hollywood Reporter stated, Almost Sunrise makes for powerful viewing. While its principal subjects are clearly in a better place at the film's conclusion, the fact remains that thousands of other veterans are still floundering. If Almost Sunrise succeeds in helping even a handful of them find firmer ground, it will have done its noble job.
Human Rights Watch Film Festival: Almost Sunrise is an intimate, vérité film that eschews stereotypes, and instead, captures an unprecedented portrait of veterans – one of hope, potential and untold possibilities.