Dushku Champions Veteran Healing in ‘In Waves And War’
Boston’s sold-out screening honors Navy SEALs’ courage and transformative healing.
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Last week, Boston truly showed up. At the sold-out screening of the groundbreaking film In Waves and War at the Coolidge Theater, a powerful story unfolded before an impassioned audience. Celebrity Eliza Dushku, known for her dynamic roles and dedication to meaningful causes, led an event that was as much about honoring the sacrifices of veterans as it was a call to reform veteran mental health support.
The film shares the transformative journey of Navy SEALs Marcus Capone, Matty Roberts, and DJ Shipley. These brave men, after years of service, returned home carrying wounds that were invisible but deeply scarring. Plagued by PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), addiction, and suicidal ideation, they encountered a broken system that relied primarily on medication. In a moment of desperate hope, Marcus Capone’s wife, Amber, discovered and embraced psychedelic-assisted therapy—a treatment that, despite its unorthodox beginnings, offered true healing. This intimate portrayal of struggle and transformation resonated with the audience, creating an atmosphere of collective empathy and resolve.
Honoring The Unsung Heroes
In Waves and War is more than a film—it is a movement. It recognizes the profound impact of the personal relationships and the fierce love of the women and families standing by these veterans. The film highlights the importance of transformative healing in the face of overwhelming challenges. In discussing the sensitive nature of the film, Dushku remarked on the unmistakable emotion of the screening, noting that the experience had remained with her even after 25 years in the industry.
Adding another layer to the cause, the screening event managed to raise nearly $1 million for the Homebase Program, an initiative founded by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This program is dedicated to supporting thousands of veterans, service members, and their families. Additionally, the event raised awareness for Veterans Solutions, an organization started by Marcus and Amber Capone, which aims to connect veterans with life-saving psychedelic-assisted therapy and advocate for overdue legislative change.
A Collaborative Effort For Change
The screening was made possible through an impressive collaboration. Alongside Eliza Dushku, the event was hosted by her husband Peter Palandjian and John Fish. A powerhouse committee—including figures like Linda Henry, John Henry, and Tom Werner—bolstered the effort. Esteemed clinicians and doctors from renowned institutions including Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, Dana-Farber, and McLean’s hospital were present, participating in an engaging Q&A session with Marcus, Matty, and filmmaker Jon Shenk. Their collective presence not only amplified the film’s impact but also underscored the urgency of mental health reform for veterans.
Raising Awareness Through Cinematic Storytelling
In Waves and War uses cinematic storytelling to shed light on the struggles faced by veterans upon returning from conflict zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. The film’s narrative is a wake-up call—an invitation to the community, policymakers, and supporters worldwide to reexamine and overhaul the current approach to veteran mental health care. With nearly 40 veterans losing their lives to suicide every day, the documentary underscores the pressing need for innovative, compassionate solutions.
Eliza Dushku’s involvement in the screening is significant. Beyond her established career in film and television, Dushku has consistently used her platform to spotlight stories that matter. Her personal connection to themes of resilience and transformation is evident not only in her recent post about the Boston event but also in her older Instagram posts. One such post, for instance, celebrated gratitude in sobriety and recovery—a theme that echoes deeply with the narrative of In Waves and War.
Connecting Past Reflections To A Future Of Healing
A review of Dushku’s previous Instagram content reveals a consistent commitment to issues of healing and recovery. In earlier posts, she expressed heartfelt thanks for each sober day, a testament to a long-term commitment to mental health advocacy. Furthermore, Dushku has shared messages that underline the importance of unity, service, and hope, mirroring the spirit of the screening. These reflections have not only reinforced her personal values but have also inspired her followers to engage actively with initiatives aimed at helping veterans access advanced mental health treatments.
The Documentary’s Broader Impact
In Waves and War goes beyond a traditional documentary format by intertwining personal narratives with broader social issues. The film addresses the systemic challenges within military mental health care and critiques the over-reliance on conventional medications, which often fall short of addressing underlying issues. Instead, the documentary makes a compelling case for psychedelic-assisted therapy—a treatment path that is still emerging but shows significant promise.
According to those involved, including one of the featured veterans, the treatment was a “complete success” for Marcus Capone. His story, marked by multiple overseas deployments and subsequent mental health challenges, is not just an account of individual healing but a rallying cry for reform. The narrative calls on legislators, healthcare providers, and communities to work together to create access to these advanced therapies for all who need them.
A Call To Action
The screening event in Boston is emblematic of a broader movement aimed at saving lives. The combined efforts of industry professionals, healthcare experts, and dedicated advocates have shown that when art and activism converge, real change is possible. The nearly $1 million raised through the event is a tangible demonstration of the community’s willingness to invest in the future of veterans’ well-being.
Dushku’s impassioned post, which has resonated widely on social media, is a reminder of the power of storytelling. By shedding light on the battles that continue long after military service ends, In Waves and War invites viewers to engage with difficult truths and to support transformative solutions. The film, and by extension the event, challenges the audience to consider the value of innovative, compassionate care for those who have sacrificed for their country.
Looking Ahead
As the documentary garners attention and support, advocates are hopeful that this surge in public awareness will translate into legislative and systemic changes. The conversation around mental health for veterans is evolving, and the integration of groundbreaking therapies offers a beacon of hope for many. Dushku’s commitment—both as a celebrity and a passionate advocate—signals a bright future where healing is prioritized over stigma, and where every veteran has access to the care they deserve.
In conclusion, the Boston screening of In Waves and War proved to be more than just a film premiere. It was a celebration of resilience, a call for systemic change, and a heartening reminder of the power of community. With efforts led by influential voices like Eliza Dushku and supported by a coalition of dedicated professionals and advocates, the journey toward transformative healing for veterans is well underway. The event stands as a testament to the belief that when we honor the sacrifices of our service members, we pave the way for innovative solutions that ultimately save lives.
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