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Not Alone

"Not Alone" tells the story of Jim, a young Latino veteran battling the heavy toll of survivor’s guilt, depression, and alcoholism, who is introduced to Bob, a Vietnam War veteran who’s walked a similar path. In a shared journey of silent suffering and unspoken understanding, Bob guides him to CampV, a veteran support center, where Jim begins to rediscover camaraderie and the strength to reconnect with his family. Through the eyes of these two veterans—each from a different generation but bonded by their shared trauma—"Not Alone" explores the unrelenting weight of PTSD, the importance of community, and the path to healing. Quiet moments of reflection, intense flashes of memory, and the slow, deliberate steps toward redemption highlight a raw and emotional story that sheds light on the realities veterans face when returning home from war. It is a film about finding support in the most unexpected places, showing that no battle—internal or external—has to be fought alone.

  • Bradley Lanphear
    Director
    American Warriors
  • Bradley Lanphear
    Writer
    American Warriors
  • Corbin Schweitzer
    Writer
    SOS: The Salton Sea Walk, Swipe Right, All Good Things
  • Corbin Schweitzer
    Producer
    SOS: The Salton Sea Walk, Swipe Right, All Good Things
  • Bradley Lanphear
    Producer
    American Warriors
  • Frankie Galvez
    Key Cast
    "Jim"
  • Melissa Blanco
    Key Cast
    "Katherine"
  • Vivian Atencio
    Key Cast
    "Sophie"
  • David Eagleston
    Key Cast
    "Bob"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 29, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Bradley Lanphear

With over a decade of experience behind the camera, Bradley has cultivated a career that merges technical precision with a deep passion for storytelling. Born into a military family, Bradley’s journey to filmmaking was one of self-discovery when a lifelong interest in photography evolved into a professional pursuit of cinematography and directing.

Bradley is best known for his work on the acclaimed documentary series American Warriors, which captures the resilience and camaraderie of military veterans. His time documenting their powerful stories profoundly shaped his creative vision and inspired the creation of "Not Alone". This project explores themes of connection, struggle, and healing—concepts that Bradley encountered firsthand while working with veterans.

An avid outdoorsman and passionate woodworker, Bradley draws inspiration from the natural world and his hands-on approach to creativity. Whether behind the camera or crafting a story, he seeks to create works that resonate deeply with audiences, reminding them of the transformative power of storytelling.

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Director Statement

The idea for Not Alone was born from two key inspirations: my years documenting the stories of veterans through the series American Warriors, where I witnessed their strength, struggles, and resilience firsthand, and my desire to explore the use of scripted narrative within nonprofit marketing. I partnered with the Texas-based veterans' nonprofit CampV to bring this story to life. My goal was to create an authentic, unfiltered portrayal of the emotional battles veterans face upon returning home, while also offering a glimmer of hope through the transformative power of connection fostered by the community at CampV.

Visually, I aimed for the film to feel both intimate and expansive, reflecting the characters’ isolation as well as their shared humanity. The cemetery scenes are framed to emphasize Jim’s solitude, creating a stark contrast with the warmth and camaraderie that later emerges at CampV. The muted, earthy color palette evokes the weight of memory and the grounding force of nature—a tribute to the landscapes veterans like Jim and Bob navigate, both physically and emotionally.

Inspired by my own military family roots and the stories shared by countless veterans, I sought to approach the subject of PTSD and recovery with both sensitivity and realism. The inclusion of long silences and moments of stillness was a deliberate choice—these quiet spaces hold profound emotional weight, allowing the unspoken to resonate deeply.

Not Alone is not just a story about veterans; it is a story about healing, hope, and the strength found in unity. My hope is that this film sparks meaningful conversations about mental health, reminds veterans that they are not alone, and inspires audiences to extend their support to those who have served. Every frame was crafted with this mission in mind—to honor their journeys and amplify their voices.