BASTARDS’ ROAD
Directed by Brian Morrison
COMING HOME FROM WAR IS JUST THE BEGINNING
© Brian Morrison | Trailer for Documentary Film Bastards’ Road, 2020
ABOUT JONATHAN HANCOCK:
Jonathan Hancock, the subject of Morrison’s film, fought in the Battle of Ramadi with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, historically known as The Magnificent Bastards. They suffered the highest casualty rate in the Iraq War. 1 in 4 were wounded or killed. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2009, Hancock battled PTSD. He found himself caught in a cycle of anger, violence, alcoholism, and isolation. In 2015, Jon embarked on a monumental journey – 5,800 miles across the country... on foot. He set out to visit fellow veterans and families of the fallen, while confronting his own demons alone on the open road.
© Brian Morrison | Veteran Jonathan Hancock
© Kerry Schrage | 6,000 Miles of Contemplation
© Kerry Schrage | Aid to Commemoration
© Kerry Schrage | Wiley Stature
about bastards’ road:
Film Synopsis: Walking 6,000 miles around the country, Marine Veteran Jonathan Hancock uses the solitude of the road and the company of his fellow Marine brothers and the families of their fallen to successfully manage the wounds of war that never fully heal. With remarkable honesty, insight and humor, Jon’s journey is uniquely positive. It’s about changing the ways one relates to traumatic memories. It’s about beginning the healing process.
A LOCAL CONNECTION
Bastards’ Road illustrates the emotional effects of war and the strength needed to transition back into society. Jonathan’s unfolding journey also gives closure to families who lost a loved one.
Daytona State College student Kerry Schrage, whose story overlaps with that of Jonathan Hancock, joined him for the last leg of his journey–approximately 75 miles–to Camp Pendleton.
« A section of this documentary film is currently being screened in conjunction with Honoring our Heroes: The Art of Service and Sacrifice, on display now at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
““On September 11, 2001 my father dropped off my brother for Marine boot camp at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Three years later I mourned the loss of my brother to the war in Iraq. Eleven years later, my mom tells the family “Jon Hancock is coming to visit! He served with Dustin!” We all questioned who this guy was, but as the story unfolded, Jonathan has become like a brother to me. While he visited my family, I mentioned that I wanted to join him on the walk. It took some time, but he finally contacted me and said “you are going to finish the walk with me.” We pushed pavement in Southern California together for four days and ended at Camp Pendleton. I had an amazing experience, meeting Marines that knew my brother and being embraced into a brotherhood that few civilians get to experience.”
”
« Kerry documented aspects of his journey while walking along with Jonathan to their finish at Camp Pendleton.
Image descriptions (in order):
6,000 Miles to Contemplation | Veteran Jonathan Hancock just a few miles from Camp Pendleton, CA
Aid to Commemoration | Active Marine soldiers assist veterans in commemorating the fallen from the Battle of Ramadi, First Sergeants Hill, Camp Pendleton, CA
Wiley Stature | Taylor Wiley captured during a quiet moment at First Sergeants Hill, Camp Pendleton, CA
© Kerry Schrage
