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“…a moving and deeply resonant exploration into the enduring impact of racial trauma, the profound power and bonds of friendship, and the universal quest for identity and a sense of belonging. It skillfully navigates these complex themes with authenticity and grace.” - Bend Film Festival
Winner - Best Documentary Short
Bend Film Festival
Winner - Best Documentary Short
Beaufort International Film Festival
Winner - Best Heartland Documentary Short
Kansas City FilmFest International
Winner - Reel South Short Film Award
Sidewalk Film Festival
Winner - Alan Hunter Best Alabama Film
Sidewalk Film Festival
Nominee - Best International Documentary Short
Regina International Film Festival
Winner - Best Documentary Short
Veterans Film Festival
Winner - Best in Show
Veterans Film Festival
“The Volunteer is a heartbreaking exploration into the devastating, life-long psychological impact of repressed racial trauma, as endured by a Japanese-American soldier maneuvering the multi-faceted realities of American anti-Asian racism during the Vietnam War. It is also a stirring tribute to the cross-racial bonds of military brotherhood forged in the shared anguish of racial oppression.”
Kelly H. Chong, Ph.D. Professor and Chairperson, Department of Sociology, University of Kansas
"The Volunteer is the moving and beautifully rendered story of two men from different worlds who were brutally tested and forever bound by the crucible of war."
Prof. Peter Maguire, Author: Law and War, Facing Death in Cambodia, Thai Stick, and Breathe (New York Times bestseller)
“The pain in The Volunteer is capturing the unforgivable realities of war, things that hurt any combat Veteran to the marrow. The joy is realizing, from Bruce Nakashima's experiences, that I am neither a criminal nor am I a victim.”
Francisco Juarez, Vietnam Veteran; Commander of the El Camino Real Chapter of the American GI Forum of the US.
"A beautiful wee film that deserves to be seen."
Doc Edge Film Festival