About this project
$5,718
86
We are raising distribution funds to get our documentary short about the experiences of returning veterans out into the world.
UPDATE: We have already hit out target goal after a mere two weeks which is why WE ARE RAISING OUR TARGET GOAL TO $6000, which is still only a fraction of our total costs of $10,000. And yes, we can even go beyond that!
An Iraq War hero leads a ragtag group of veterans as they try to conquer the wine industry.
SYNOPSIS
When Marine Sergeant Josh Laine returned from intense fighting in Iraq to his native Livermore, CA, he couldn't find a job anywhere. When a girlfriend got him into wine, he decided to take a crack at winemaking and with the help of the other Marines that he served with, Lavish Laines Winery was born. The winery has since become a place where returning veterans can find a job, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose. The film follows Josh and his fellow vets as they try to take the winery from a garage start-up to a fully-fledged operation and in the process explores the challenges vets face in transitioning back to civilian life. Running Time: 15 mins
FILMMAKER STATEMENT
Last summer I was shocked by news reports about high rates of unemployment and suicide among returning veterans. Like many Americans, I had been feeling disconnected from the war and saw a film as an opportunity do something about it. I spent three months researching and networking in the veteran community until I heard about a group of Marines starting a winery in the East Bay. My first visit out there I was blown away by the sense of community and I knew I had found my story.
MESSAGE
Though much attention has been paid to the incredible challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder, much less attention has been brought to bear on the other challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Furthermore, media coverage often casts veterans as victims and feeds negative stereotypes. In contrast, No Wine Left Behind is an example of an uplifting story of vets helping vets. These vets are shown as the capable leaders they are as they work together to overcome obstacles and navigate their own path in the civilian world.
DISTRIBUTION
The film could play an important role in educating the general public about these challenges. To that end we are planning on distributing the film through festivals to reach viewers, raise its profile, and hopefully get it broadcast on public television. We also think that the film could inspire other veterans who might be struggling with the same issues. Various veterans groups have told us that the film could be utilized by organizations that serve veterans in therapeutic, educational, and motivational contexts. As a short film, it is also the perfect length for inclusion in meetings.
“No Wine Left Behind is a film that can inspire other veterans to harness the power of peer support and motivate the public to do their part to support returning veterans.” – Amy Fairweather, Policy Director, Swords to Ploughshares
WHERE THE MONEY WILL GO
*FILM FESTIVAL DISTRIBUTION – The film is having its premiere at the upcoming Napa Valley Film Festival but there is much more to be done. Festival submission fees add up fast. Help get the film seen by the general public.
*VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS - Instead of selling the film to veterans' groups, we would like to give it away for free. Your donation purchases copies for these organizations.
*WEBSITE - We want to build a basic website where viewers inspired by the film can learn more.
*PRODUCTION EXPENSES – This film was entirely funded out of the filmmaker’s pocket. The true cost of unpaid labor totals thousands of dollars but we hope to at least recover some of the hard expenses such as the cost of renting special equipment and hiring an amazing composer.
The total cost of all of the above exceeds $10,000 but we decided to set a more modest fundraising goal.
$50 x 80 FANS = THE FUNDING GOAL
And yes, we can exceed the funding goal!
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- DONATE AND BECOME A FAN
- EMAIL FRIENDS
- EMAIL WINE LOVERS AND VETERANS
- POST AND RE-POST IT ON FACEBOOK
- LIKE IT
- TWEET IT
- BLOG IT
All the necessary action steps are under the video player. You can like, copy the link, embed the video, or use the shortened URL.
Early momentum is key! And any help is appreciated!
Also click HERE to like the film's Facebook page and stay in the loop after the campaign is over.
MORE ABOUT JOSH AND LAVISH LAINES WINERY
Marine Srgt. Josh Laine served two tours in Iraq and was wounded three times, including once during the First Battle of Fallujah. You can learn more about the winery on their website.
PARTNERS
California Veterans Support Foundation
Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nov. 9-13)
CREDITS
Produced, Directed, Shot, and Edited by Kevin Gordon
Sound by Rory Fraser
Composed by Dominic Matar
Trailer Music: “Hardcore Hillbilly”, Performed by Iaian Thompson and “NUTS!”, an active-duty military band. Check them out on GI Jams and their website.
Additional Live Music by Terry Coleman and EXP
Logo Design by Carly Hall-Scott
Trailer Help by Amanda Larson
Many thanks also to the Warriors Watch Riders
CONTACT
kevingordonfilms at gmail.com
FAQ
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The passes listed for pledges at the $250 level and $500 level are only available for pledges made before November 5, 2011. The festival needs a minimum amount of time to process the passes, so pledges made on November 5 or after at those levels will not be able to receive passes.
Support this project
Funding period
- (30 days)