Film led by CreatiVets and backed by Alycia Kaback and Sir Michael Fomkin reveals how creativity becomes a lifeline for America’s wounded warriors.
By The Miami News Staff
Published September 10, 2025
Nashville, TN — In a cultural moment demanding deeper conversations around trauma and healing, a new documentary is stepping up to tell a story that too often goes unheard. Produced in partnership with the nonprofit CreatiVets, and helmed by executive producers Alycia Kaback and Sir Michael Fomkin, the film traces the emotional journeys of U.S. military veterans who have turned to art as a pathway out of darkness.
The documentary, set to premiere September 19 at the Nashville Film Festival, offers an intimate and unflinching look at how songwriting, painting, and storytelling are helping veterans process the invisible wounds of war.
“Veterans come to us broken, and they leave with hope,” said Richard Casper, co-founder of CreatiVets. “This film will finally allow millions of people to witness that transformation.”
The Art of Survival
Founded on the conviction that creativity can be a form of therapy, CreatiVets has served over 3,000 veterans through immersive programs in songwriting, visual arts, and narrative storytelling. Their work has led to powerful outcomes:
- 21 million+ song streams featuring veteran collaborations
- Partnerships with 12+ universities and cultural institutions
- National exhibitions and public art projects highlighting veteran experiences
These achievements form the backbone of the documentary, capturing not only individual stories but a broader cultural movement toward alternative healing.
The Producers with a Purpose
Executive producers Alycia Kaback and Sir Michael Fomkin bring more than star power to the project—they bring intentionality.
Kaback, co-founder of VIP Ignite and Truth Mgmt, is a longtime advocate for untold stories. “Veterans have given us everything,” she said. “Through this film, we hope to give something back: recognition, healing, and a platform for their voices.”
Fomkin, an entrepreneur and acclaimed producer, emphasizes strategic impact: “At the core of this project is a simple truth: creativity saves lives.”
Their collaboration bridges the gap between Hollywood storytelling and grassroots advocacy, aiming to deliver not only emotional resonance but measurable social change.
Stories That Cut Deep and Heal Wide
The documentary unfolds across three thematic arcs:
- The Veteran Experience: Raw, first-hand testimonies of trauma, survival, and reintegration.
- The Creative Process: Behind-the-scenes looks at songwriting in Nashville, painting workshops, and one-on-one mentorships.
- The Ripple Effect: How veterans’ healing reverberates through families, communities, and broader societal attitudes.
Footage captures moments of breakthrough, vulnerability, and catharsis—offering viewers a rare window into the emotional landscapes veterans navigate long after their service ends.
A New Chapter in Veterans’ Media Representation
Much like Born on the Fourth of July and American Sniper shaped public discourse around war and its aftermath, this documentary seeks to reframe the narrative. By centering creativity rather than conflict, the film presents a more hopeful, humanizing lens through which to understand veterans’ lives.
Premiere Details
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM CDT
- Location: Regal Green Hills Theater 16, Nashville, TN
The premiere will host veterans, mental health advocates, artists, and changemakers in a communal celebration of resilience and artistry.
From Film to Movement
Beyond the premiere, the project aspires to national reach and lasting influence. The producers plan a strategic rollout of screenings, partnerships, and educational initiatives aimed at:
- Raising awareness of PTSD and mental health challenges
- Promoting creative therapies as viable healing tools
- Educating the public and policymakers
- Encouraging donations to sustain CreatiVets’ mission
Kaback and Fomkin stress that this is not just a film—it is a call to action.
“Sometimes the bravest act of all is not fighting a war, but telling the story afterward,” said Fomkin.
Sidebar: CreatiVets by the Numbers
- 3,000+ veterans served
- 21M+ streams of veteran-created music
- 12+ institutional partnerships
- Founded by Marine Corps veteran Richard Casper
As the curtain rises in Nashville, it won’t just mark the debut of a film. It will signal the rise of a cultural moment where healing through art is no longer a side story—but the main one.
To learn mor,e please visit: https://creativets.org/
Be First to Comment