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H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Our Veterans

π™ƒπ™Šπ™Šπ™‘π™€π™Ž | π™ƒπ™šπ™–π™‘π™žπ™£π™œ π™Šπ™ͺ𝙧 π™‘π™šπ™©π™šπ™§π™–π™£π™¨ is an experiential documentary created to show the world the healing power of horses as they transform Post-Traumatic Stress into Post-Traumatic Growth.
This film speaks to the need of mental health as it brings to life the journey of 9 veterans completing a transformational process that liberates them from the demons in their head, allows them to intrinsically connect to a new purpose, and ultimately find peace of the heart and mind.
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The mission of this documentary is to bring hope to those struggling with the effects of trauma and to help those who support our veterans understand what they experience at a deeper level.

  • Josh Nagel
    Director
    ONE The Documentary (2020)
  • Amanda Held
    Producer
  • Josh Nagel
    DP
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    60 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Josh Nagel
Distribution Information
  • Josh Nagel
    Distributor
    Country: United States
Director Biography - Josh Nagel

Josh Nagel
Director/DP
Toledo, Ohio

Josh Nagel is a passionate and dedicated filmmaker known for his commitment to telling meaningful and impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. With a background in storytelling, Josh brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and technical expertise to each project.

Growing up, Josh developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and visual media as a means of fostering empathy, understanding, and social change. This passion led himto pursue a career in filmmaking, where he has honed his skills in directing, cinematography, editing, and storytelling.

Throughout his career, Josh has demonstrated a strong commitment to exploring diverse and thought-provoking themes, from social justice issues to human-interest stories. He is particularly drawn to narratives that amplify the voices of marginalized communities, shed light on important social issues, and inspire viewers to reflect, engage, and take action.

β€œHOOVES: Healing Our Veterans” is a testament to Josh’s vision and dedication to creating impactful cinema. Through this documentary, he seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the healing potential of equine therapy. With a deep respect for the individuals whose stories are shared in the film, Josh approaches the subject matter with sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to authenticity.

Josh continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking, seeking out new challenges and opportunities to create meaningful and memorable cinematic experiences for audiences around the world.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As the director of β€œHOOVES: Healing Our Veterans,” I embarked on a deeply personal and transformative filmmaking journey that has profoundly shaped my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the power of human-animal connections.

This documentary is more than a filmβ€”it is a tribute to the courage, strength, and resilience of our veterans who have bravely served their country and faced unimaginable challenges upon their return. Through intimate interviews, immersive storytelling, and poignant visuals, β€œHOOVES” shines a light on the invisible wounds of war and the healing potential of equine therapy.

My inspiration for this film stemmed from a desire to amplify the voices of veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to explore alternative healing modalities that offer hope and renewal. Equine therapy emerged as a profound metaphor for the healing journey, as veterans forged deep connections with horses and found solace, understanding, and companionship in these majestic animals.

As a filmmaker, my goal was to create a space for vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy, where veterans could share their stories with honesty and dignity. Each interview, each moment captured on camera, became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of connection, compassion, and community.

β€œHOOVES Healing Our Veterans” is a call to actionβ€”a call to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans, to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and to advocate for holistic and inclusive approaches to healing. It is my hope that this film sparks conversations, fosters empathy, and inspires viewers to support veterans' mental health and well-being.

Through the lens of β€œHOOVES,” we witness the profound impact of equine therapy on veterans' lives, and we are reminded of the healing potential that exists within each of us. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery, compassion, and hope.

Sincerely,
Josh Nagel
Director, β€œHOOVES: Healing Our Veterans”