The NEA Big Read and Creative Forces, along with Casper College and the Natrona County Library, present a special preview excerpt from the upcoming film “Crossing the Threshold” as part of their NEA 250 Big Read collaboration. A community conversation will follow the screening, which will take place on Friday, Sept. 18, beginning at 6 p.m.
Previewing Crossing the Threshold and Community Dialogue
According to the “Crossing the Threshold” website, the film follows a group of Wyoming veterans as they reflect on their time in service, their return to civilian life, and the complex trauma each still carries.
“Part pensive retrospective, part examination of PTSD, part oral history, ‘Crossing the Threshold’ creates a space for veterans to discuss the difficulties and dissonances of returning home changed,” the website noted. Sophie Barksdale, a Heartland Emmy-winning filmmaker based in Lander, directs the documentary, which explores service to one’s country and the challenges of returning home.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the 20-minute preview of the film and then participate in a discussion with Barksdale, veteran participants, and local veterans about how veterans and civilians can coexist and deepen their understanding. The public is encouraged to attend because feedback and reflections on the excerpt will help the producers shape the final film.
Attendance is free, but registration is required via this link. Parental guidance is recommended for younger attendees because of strong language.
This screening tour is funded in part by the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force, and Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs that seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Creative Forces is managed in partnership with Civic Arts, The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, and Mid-America Arts Alliance.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
At a Glance:
Event Focus
- 20-minute preview excerpt screening of the documentary “Crossing the Threshold” followed by a community conversation on veteran transition and PTSD.
Key Participants
- Sophie Barksdale, Heartland Emmy-winning filmmaker and director.
- Wyoming veteran participants featured in the film.
- Local veterans.
Logistics
- Date: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: Natrona Public Library, 307 E. 2nd St.
Admission
- Free; no charge to attend.
- Advance registration required via provided link.
Audience Advisory
- Parental guidance recommended due to strong language.
