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May 3, 2024 – Audiences across the US now have the opportunity to experience the powerful documentary film “Through Our Eyes: Homefront” on public television stations nationwide beginning May 1 (check local listings). In the New York metro area, it will air on Sunday, May 19 at 6:30pm on THIRTEEN; Wednesday, May 8 at 5pm on WLIW21; and Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30pm on NJ PBS and it is streaming on PBS.org. Homefront, directed by Kristi Jacobson and produced by Shine Global, is part of the Sesame Workshop documentary series “Through Our Eyes,” which features short documentaries about the lives and challenges of American families from the perspective of children.

In the US, more than three million children live in homes with service members and veterans who rely on caregiver support. Homefront illustrates the impact of military service on the entire family by sharing the stories of three different families. Gabby, Terry, and Luther all have parents who were injured while serving, and each family has found a way to heal the wounds of war. Homefront shows how Gabby (9), a fierce animal lover with a stock of chickens, rabbits, bees, and dogs, loves her family and faces her fears about her Dad’s traumatic brain injury and PTSD via equine therapy. Terry (10), an enthusiastic boy and his parents, Taniki and Brandon, share their experiences and mental health struggles as they work to heal and help each other cope with depression and PTSD through honest conversation and embracing joy. Luther (9) is a charismatic boy who wants to be “like my dad when I grow up.” His father, Joe, a Navy veteran who lost his leg in an IED explosion, struggles through chronic pain to put family first.

The film is directed by Emmy Award winner Kristi Jacobson (The Election Effect: Anmal, No Accident, A Place at the Table, Solitary) and produced by Shine Global’s Alexandra Blaney and Netsanet Negussie.  “We made this film to bring attention to the experiences of the children of veterans” they said.  “Through the voices of three remarkable kids, we witness the unique struggles that they and their parents go through, as they reconnect and rebuild their families.”

Shine Global’s ultimate goal with the film is to support the physical, social, and emotional health of military families and their children and has already been using the film to raise awareness about the issues military families face every day and to inspire people, communities, and government leaders to support military families.

In a powerful event, one of the film’s protagonists Gabby spoke at the White House about her experience as a military caregiver. It marked the first step in the work to provide effective support to caregivers of all ages with the announcement of nearly 40 public and private sector commitments for new and expanded resources, programs, and financial pledges in support of military-connected caregiver children and youth.

Shine Global also offers a companion discussion guide for the film that is free to download and which can help guide viewers in delving deeper into the issues raised in the film.  Additionally Shine Global hosted two different discussions with experts and activists about the unique mental health needs of military children and families and how to better meet and support them which are available to view online.

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About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit media company that improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since our founding in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for Inocente and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for War/Dance. Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid Liyana, the hit documentary The Eagle Huntress, Through Our Eyes: Homefront which is available on Max, and the Ariel Award winner Home Is Somewhere Else, which is currently in festivals.

About Catalyst Films
Founded by Emmy Award-winning Director/Producer Kristi Jacobson, Catalyst Films produces non-fiction films, television, and online content. We are committed to telling stories that treat societal issues with nuance, complexity, and high production values. Some of our partners include HBO, HBO Max, Netflix, Discovery Channel, ITVS, PBS, Sundance, Tribeca Enterprises, Chicken & Egg Pictures, Magnolia Pictures, Procter & Gamble, Orangetheory Fitness, and more. Equally important to our ambitious creative mission, Catalyst Films leads with conviction to center racial and gender equity, in our effort to challenge and re-shape the documentary industry behind and in front of the camera.

About Sesame Workshop 
Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.