ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Jonathan Kitzen is a filmmaker and writer whose work focuses on historical storytelling and immersive documentary techniques. In Soldiers' Stories, he combines archival material with modern presentation methods to revive firsthand perspectives from one of the deadliest battles in history. His approach emphasizes authenticity and experiential engagement.

FILM SYNOPSIS

Soldiers' Stories revisits the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest conflicts of World War I. The battle resulted in more British and Canadian casualties than all of World War II combined, yet it remains relatively unknown in modern public memory. The documentary presents a “grunt eye view” of the battlefield, using original, never-before-seen 3D stereoscopic images from the era. Through narration and historical context, the film immerses viewers in the lived experiences of soldiers on the front lines. By blending rare visual material with reflective storytelling, the film brings immediacy and emotional weight to a century-old tragedy.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Jonathan Kitzen's creative vision for the film was centered on the concept of universal and timeless experiences of war. He sought to bridge a century-long gap by allowing modern combat veterans to narrate and "retell" the realities of the past using their own contemporary perspectives. Kitzen, an Emmy-winning filmmaker and technical innovator, focused on the emotional and psychological state of soldiers rather than just dry historical facts. His goal was to provide an intimate portrayal of trench warfare's thoughts and emotions, utilizing what he described as the "largest stereoscopic film restoration ever" to make the relatively unknown Battle of the Somme visceral for modern audiences.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

The film has received critical acclaim for its technical achievements and unique narrative structure:

IMDb Rating: The film holds a notable 7.5/10 rating from audiences.

New Media Film Festival: The documentary was discovered and featured by the New Media Film Festival, highlighting its use of innovative 3D technology.

Director's Individual Success: Director Jonathan Kitzen is a multiple award-winning filmmaker and co-producer of the Academy Award-winning short The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life.

High-Profile Collaboration: The film features narration by screen legend and veteran Mickey Rooney, who was chosen for his own decorated military service during World War II.

Museum Exhibition: The documentary has been showcased at prominent institutions such as the National Infantry Museum's Giant Screen Theater.