Veterans' Affairs: Finding Our Way Back

The Bakery Collective x Veterans’ Affairs, releases Finding our way back.

Finding our way back is a short-form documentary that follows the personal journeys of three veterans: Ange Coyle, Anaru Watson, and Jared Booth, as they navigate the often-unspoken challenges of returning to civilian life. Through candid and heartfelt stories, the film sheds light on the mental and physical toll of service, and the resilience required to rebuild and find meaning outside of uniform.

Director Steve Baker of The Bakery Collective explains, "It became clear through my connection with Ange, Anaru, and Jared that each veteran's journey to civilian life is unique and nonlinear. Understanding each person's experience and providing tailored support is essential for their recovery and well-being."

The aim of the film is to encourage veterans to contact Veterans’ Affairs if they need support. Phil Bilbrough, Team Leader Communications for Veterans’ Affairs says that veterans of recent deployments can be reluctant to ask for support.
“We want to make sure that veterans who served in Bosnia, East Timor or Afghanistan or other recent deployments know who to go to for support and that we want to hear from them. Many don’t like asking and lose touch with organisations that can help them.”

The film was inspired by a mantra written by Steve Baker, translated into Te Reo and performed by Māori artist Geneva Alexander-Marsters. Its purpose is to wrap our arms around our veterans whilst acknowledging the past and reminding them that Veterans’ Affairs is here to walk alongside them. Offering guidance and a helping hand on their journey back to strength and self.

The Bakery Collective aimed to create a raw and honest portrayal, highlighting the everyday struggles and triumphs of those who have served. Their hope is that Finding our way back will inspire veterans who are struggling to reach out, reminding them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

For veterans and their families, support is available through Veterans’ Affairs, which offers a range of services to ensure those who have served can find their way back into their community and live with dignity and purpose. The film encourages eligible veterans to seek help and provides insight into the importance of understanding individual paths to recovery.