We are excited to team up with GOOD DOCS
for educational and institutional screenings and sales.
News!
We are excited to team up with GOOD DOCS for educational and institutional screenings and sales.
Our Story
BY MY SIDE tells a story of hope and possibility in an intimate portrait of three veterans suffering with the invisible wound PTSD, the most prevalent and unhealed wound experienced by veterans. Approximately 20% of those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are still haunted by visions, chased by enemies they can never outrun, and tortured by the fear that they are now the enemy. Through intimate interviews with the families and revealing footage of bonding with their service animals, the film demonstrates how wo/man’s best friend mitigates the psychic scars imprinted on those who have been in service to our country. BY MY SIDE celebrates our veterans and their love of country and family. And shows how and why service dogs – who match their loyalty and commitment – can heal broken hearts and quiet the wars within. That is the message our veterans and their families want others to know. There is hope and it can be found on the end of a leash.
Our Story
BY MY SIDE tells a story of hope and possibility in an intimate portrait of three veterans suffering with the invisible wound PTSD, the most prevalent and unhealed wound experienced by veterans. Approximately 20% of those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are still haunted by visions, chased by enemies they can never outrun, and tortured by the fear that they are now the enemy.
Through intimate interviews with the families and revealing footage of bonding with their service animals, the film demonstrates how wo/man’s best friend mitigates the psychic scars imprinted on those who have been in service to our country.
BY MY SIDE celebrates our veterans and their love of country and family. And shows how and why service dogs – who match their loyalty and commitment – can heal broken hearts and quiet the wars within. That is the message our veterans and their families want others to know. There is hope and it can be found on the end of a leash.
Join our Impact Campaign
While ushering in the New Year, we are thrilled to have achieved several milestones. Since the completion of BY MY SIDE in 2023, we have been selected for 40 film festivals, earned 12 awards, and organized 30+ community screenings. We are immensely grateful to our cast, crew and YOU for your generous support by attending events and contributing financial aid to help make it all possible. Thank you!
We are expanding our BY MY SIDE Impact Campaign to bring this film to more communities, raising awareness about the life-saving role of service dogs in veterans’ lives. These incredible animals provide not only companionship but essential support in navigating PTSD, daily challenges, and suicide prevention.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 by April to fund additional screenings, create impactful educational materials, and produce short videos and social media content. These funds will also help veteran cast members and their service dogs attend screenings, where their presence fosters deeper conversations and greater understanding. Every screening and discussion helps break the stigma surrounding veteran mental health and ensures this critical message reaches those who need it most.
Your support can make a real difference. Join us in making BY MY SIDE accessible to more veterans, families, and advocates. Donate today and be part of the change. Donations can be made via CHECK or ONLINE. Thank you for your generosity, interest, and support over the years.
Join our Impact Campaign
We are thrilled to report that since 2023, BY MY SIDE has been chosen for 40 film festivals across the country earning 12 awards including numerous screenings through our Host A Screening program.
Our Impact Campaign is well underway and we are seeking funds for continued nationwide outreach to veterans, their families and others experiencing trauma. Our current goal is $20,000. The task: Target and engage with 10 organizations whose mission is to help veterans and their families thrive. Create additional customized collateral materials, short videos and social media content; and, bring members of the cast to engage in panel discussions to aid further learning and understanding of the film’s themes.
Due to your generous contributions we’ve come a long way. As Indie filmmakers we continue to rely on your support. Please consider a contribution to the BY MY SIDE Impact Campaign. Donations can be made via CHECK or ONLINE. Many thanks for your generosity and support over the years.
“BY MY SIDE demonstrates in real time how the service dog and therapist provide support for the combat Veteran. In a very empathetic way, the film shows how the pairing works. This is a terrific film.” – Robert A. McDonald, Former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Board Chairman of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Host a Screening
We welcome you to bring BY MY SIDE to your community by hosting a screening. This one way to take action by raising awareness about the important ways service dogs help save veterans, challenging stigmas associated with PTSD, bridging the civilian-military divide, and helping to prevent suicide.
For screening inquiries, please complete our SCREENING REQUEST FORM or click CONTACT for more information. After receiving your questionnaire, we’ll be in touch to answer any questions you may have. Thank you!
“The stories in BY MY SIDE are raw and the willingness of the service member and the family to give insight into their very personal lives is very admirable. As a military spouse, I felt heard, seen and validated. Thank you to our veterans for your vulnerability and willingness to share and educate our communities on the challenges you face daily, thank you for showing us all that recovery is possible and there is always room for HOPE. You are greatly appreciated.” – Gemma Uribe-Cruz, USMC Veteran spouse
“The stories in BY MY SIDE are raw and the willingness of the service member and the family to give insight into their very personal lives is very admirable. As a military spouse, I felt heard, seen and validated.
Thank you to our veterans for your vulnerability and willingness to share and educate our communities on the challenges you face daily, thank you for showing us all that recovery is possible and there is always room for HOPE. You are greatly appreciated.”
Gemma Uribe-CruzUSMC Veteran spouse
This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the NEH.