VFW: ‘Brothers After War’ to Debut Nationwide February 28
The long-awaited release comes seven months after Director Jake Rademacher addressed VFW convention delegates
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – From Executive Producer Gary Sinise and Director Jake Rademacher, “Brothers After War” combines footage from Rademacher’s time embedded with elite soldiers and Marines during the height of the Iraq War with present-day reunions, capturing the resilience and humanity of those who serve. Through moments of humor, vulnerability and reflection, the film speaks to audiences in the unique language of veterans to shed light on their struggles — PTSD, depression, suicide, loneliness, and the search for meaning — while inspiring dialogue, connection and hope for military families, veterans and supporters alike.
Rademacher addressed delegates to the 125th VFW National Convention last August, providing insight into the need for the film and how he would go about achieving its production. He went on to share the “Brothers After War” trailer which received rousing applause by the nearly 3,000 VFW and Auxiliary members in attendance.
Following his appearance at the VFW National Convention, Rademacher worked with several VFW Department commanders to ensure the film is brought to their communities on its opening weekend. For those who’ve seen its advanced screening, the impact is lasting. One VFW member cited the film saved his life.
“Brothers After War” invites audiences on a raw and moving journey as veterans explore themes of loss, identity and hope as they transition from the battlefield to civilian life.
“The battle doesn’t end when they leave the war. ‘Brothers After War’ is an insider’s look at the extraordinary journeys veterans undertake to heal and move forward,” said Director Jake Rademacher, a military family member himself. “The production was an intimate opportunity to witness veterans’ sacrifices, unseen battles and post traumatic growth. With ‘Brothers After War,’ we want to have Americans see our veterans as they really are and walk beside them on their journey home.”
Executive Producer Gary Sinise added, “This film is a beautiful portrayal of the journey from warfighter to veteran. It’s important that we do all we can to ensure the public does not forget about the men and women who have served and the families who supported them. This film is a tribute to their sacrifices, their resilience and their character — and that is why I and the Gary Sinise Foundation supported the creation of this important film.”
“Brothers After War” will receive a full theatrical run from Regal Cinemas on 100 screens beginning Feb. 28, 2025, with additional openings at major chains across the country.
“I had the privilege of seeing the film and it does exactly what the title says, it shows the effects of combat on warriors after they return, and just as importantly the effects on the family which are often overlooked. It gives permission to those watching to realize and engage their own emotions,” said Past VFW National Commander (2020 – 2021) and Executive Director of the VFW Foundation Hal Roesch.
VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt, an infantry platoon leader during the Vietnam War shared this anecdote after viewing the film:
“Seeing some of my men from our unit some 40 plus years later at a reunion was surreal. It was like zero time had passed though it was years later our physical appearances had changed yet we remained the 20-somethings that I left in the jungle. The last time we were together was 1968, it was now 2013. I resisted going to other reunions for fear of recalling the hell we endured and the nightmare that was the Vietnam War. In a town hall with Joe Galloway of the Battle of Ia Drange Valley, from the movie ‘We Were Soldiers Once and Young,’ someone asked when he was in Vietnam and his answer shocked me because I thought I was the only one who answered, ‘when was I in Vietnam? It was last night.’
“I have learned to deal with those memories but it was not until I connected with battle buddies of the VFW and the VA that I really began to heal. I continue to heal thanks to the camaraderie of the Veterans of Foreign Wars because conflict, branch of service, MOS, or gender, we are permanently impacted by what we saw, by what we did, by what we heard, by what we smelled, by the inhumanity that is war.”
“Brothers After War” will be released in Nashville, New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Antonio, Denver, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Seattle, Columbia, Norfolk, and many others. For more information please visit https://brothersafterwar.com.
