War and Trauma

Terror and Hope: The Science of Resilience

Toxic stress is stress that's so severe, prolonged, or frequent that it can damage the developing brain - affecting mental and physical health, functionality, and behavior over a lifespan. Decision making capability is compromised. Control over impulses can be lost. DNA can actually be altered, negatively impacting generations to come.

In Syria alone, it's estimated that more than 8 million children are suffering from the unrelenting and brutal war.  Parents or siblings dead, homes lost, starvation, insufficient medical care and catastrophic injuries. It's no wonder that many boys choose the perceived dignity of fighting for ISIS or a militia over the uncertain future of a refugee.  For girls, an early marriage offers financial relief for their family and a sense of security in a terrifying world. The stability and health of the family is compromised as husbands and fathers are lost to war and the family forced to relocate and live for years or even decades in a refugee camp.

Terror and Hope offers a unique window into the impact of war on children through the pioneering work of an international team of scientists and humanitarians.  Our film follows researchers from Yale, Harvard and Hashemite Universities as they investigate the impact of toxic stress on young refugees fleeing the brutal Syrian civil war.  As our cameras join them in their research in Jordan's refugee camps and communities, we witness the role that science is playing to mitigate one of our planet's most intractable social problems—the forced displacement of entire populations due to war and famine. The film also explores issues not normally associated with scientific research, including the role of love and compassion in the practice of science.  Due to the innovative work of these dedicated researchers and aid workers, there is hope for the future of children scarred by war.

Directed by Ron Bourke

USA

Made In America

The story contrasts the life of a young man growing up in urban America against a young Iraq veteran. The two seek healing in a country vexed with screens, brands, and isolation.

PTSD is not just a veteran experience. It can be experienced by all of us-- especially those growing up in a context of poverty and violence, like much of urban America.

• Kevin BryceDirectorWe Are Superman, All These Flowers
• Stacey ShannonProducerAll These Flowers

  Kevin Bryce Award winning director, producer, editor, and documentarian. For the past 10 years has worked independently producing documentaries, and corporate videos for national and multinational companies.