Award WinnerBest USA ShortOPTIONS
THE FILM
A veteran-led short film confronting suicide, silence, and the life-saving power of one more choice.
Built by veterans, for veterans, families, advocates, and communities who believe hope deserves a louder voice.
Immediate Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 and Press 1, text 838255, or visit the Veterans Crisis Line.
Why OPTIONS Exists
Every veteran carries a story. Some stories are visible. Others stay locked behind silence, grief, trauma, transition, isolation, or the pressure to "stay strong." OPTIONS was created to open a conversation before a crisis becomes permanent. Through cinematic storytelling, veteran voices, and community outreach, this film is designed to remind viewers that one honest conversation, one phone call, one pause, or one person reaching out can change the outcome.
About the Film
OPTIONS is a veteran-led film project built to raise awareness around veteran suicide prevention, emotional crisis, hope, camaraderie, family, and the importance of asking for help. Created entirely by veterans, it aims to authentically represent the struggles many face and the profound impact of reaching out.
Read The Full Mission
The Mission
Turning a cinematic experience into a movement for life and hope.
Start the Conversation
Breaking the silence around mental health and creating safe spaces for veterans to share their stories without judgment.
Support Veterans & Families
Providing a cinematic mirror to the struggles of transition, reminding veterans and their families that they are never alone.
Turn Awareness Into Action
Inspiring communities to actively engage, support local veteran organizations, and learn how to intervene when someone is in crisis.
Support the Film
Join the mission. Your support helps fund production, post-production, outreach, and distribution to get this message where it's needed most.
Emergency Resources
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call 911 now.
For confidential support, call 988 and Press 1, text 838255, or visit the Veterans Crisis Line.
This film is an awareness project and is not a substitute for emergency, medical, or mental health care.
Awards & Accolades
Honoring the message, storytelling, and impact of OPTIONS on the global film festival circuit.
Best USA Short
Awarded to directors John Lewandowski & Jeff Lane for outstanding achievement in short filmmaking, veteran mental health narrative, and impactful storytelling.
Press & Media
OPTIONS is a veteran-led short film confronting suicide, silence, and the life-saving power of one more choice.
Our mission is to foster open dialogue within the veteran community and beyond, utilizing cinematic storytelling as a catalyst for awareness and intervention.
The Mike Broomhead Show
Listen to the OPTIONS The Film interview on KTAR radio.
The official music visual accompanying the OPTIONS The Film soundtrack — the song that carries the film's message of hope and one more choice.
Community Screenings
The Premiere Has Arrived
On Sunday, October 4th, 2026, veterans and community gathered at Pollack Tempe Cinemas for the private premiere of OPTIONS — a film made by veterans, for veterans.
Watch the interviews, reactions, and stories from the night.
The Writers
The creative minds behind the powerful message of OPTIONS.
John Lewandowski
Writer/Director/Producer
Jeff Lane
Writer/Director/Producer
Eleanor Nesimoglu
Writer
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the project, the mission, and how you can help.