Buried Above Ground

Soldiers returning from battle, victims of domestic abuse, and survivors of traumatic ordeals all experience different results of what they've been through. In the searing documentary, BURIED ABOVE GROUND, we are introduced to three brave people as they try to live with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Luis, a combat veteran; Ashley, a native of New Orleans who survived Katrina; and Erundina, who has endured domestic abuse her entire life and now fights drug addiction. Giving unprecedented access into each person's struggles with PTSD, this film provides the much needed perspective into how people suffering from this condition try to live their lives and seek help. Eye-opening in its scope and terrifying in how little is understood about PTSD, this documentary also takes the daring step of interviewing those who are closest to its subjects for a look into how far-reaching the effects of PTSD can be. Spanning several years, there is encouragement because of those who are working to bring awareness to the public. They include Senator Al Franken, who authored a bill providing service dogs for veterans. Brave and bold, BURIED ABOVE GROUND is the necessary look into how those who are suffering on the inside try to live on the outside. (Cleveland International Film Festival)