When a homeless war veteran hits rock bottom, he stumbles into a rundown martial arts gym where bruises become therapy and strangers become family. Through discipline, sweat, unexpected kindness, and comedy, he begins to rebuild what war tried to destroy: his soul.
Turmoil shows how everyday people become heroes for each other, using small acts of courage and compassion to pull someone back from the edge.
TURMOIL HAS WON THE SANTA MONICA FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS!
I want to thank every single person who lifted Turmoil up. We were competing against films backed by $5 million budgets and directed by two‑time Emmy winners — and this tiny outsider film made by real people still took home the Audience Choice Award.
That’s not just a win for us. That’s a win for every underdog who creates with nothing but purpose. Thank you for giving this story a voice.
Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on instagram to get behind the scences footage and the latest news on where to watch.
The Story Behind Turmoil
A Zero‑Budget Film That Defied the Odds
Turmoil began as an experiment — a raw attempt by Iraq War veteran and registered nurse Dante Trinidad to honor the humor, pain, and resilience he witnessed in twelve years of caring for veterans living with PTSD and alcoholism. With no filmmaking experience, no budget, and a three‑man crew, Dante set out to make a film that felt honest, unpolished, and human.
TURMOIL OFFICIAL TRAILER
Instead of trained actors, he cast real combat veterans and active‑duty service members, many stepping in front of a camera for the first time. The film was shot entirely in San Diego, using whatever resources were available, driven by a belief that authenticity could be more powerful than perfection.
Turmoil is and official partner of the Veterans Village of San Diego who has been helping homeless Veterans since 1981.
What happened next was something no one expected.
Against staggering odds, Turmoil began earning recognition across the world.
Guerrilla Filmmaking, Refined
- No trailers. No safety nets. Just a camera, a boom pole, and a vision.
- Locations were secured with charm, hustle, and the occasional miracle.
- Lighting setups were improvised, optimized, and often powered by extension cords from sympathetic neighbors.
The cast—composed entirely of non-actors—brought raw vulnerability and unfiltered truth to the screen. Their performances weren’t rehearsed into submission; they were lived, felt, and fought for.
Turmoil was born in the quiet hours after long shifts at the VA. It was built by veterans and nurses who carried real scars, real memories, and real stories. No studio. No funding. No permission.
And still — this tiny outsider film stood toe‑to‑toe with $5 million productions and Emmy‑winning directors… and won the Audience Choice Award.
Now we’re stepping into Turmoil 2. No budget. No backing. Just the same fire.
If this story meant something to you… if you felt seen, understood, or moved… I’m asking you to stand with us.
Your donation is tax‑deductible. 20$ Donations and your name will be etched into the end credits as part of this film’s legacy. And if you’re able to give $500 or more, you’ll receive private screenings, behind‑the‑scenes access, and exclusive posters as part of our inner circle.
We’re not funded by Hollywood. We’re funded by the people who believe in the truth.
We need your help!
DONATIONS ARE 100% TAX-DEDUCTABLE through our fiscal sponsor From the Heart Productions a non-profit organization.
Check out the interview with the director Dante Trinidad where he goes into more detail about the film.
To view the trailers, click here.
For further development, you can follow director Dante’s Instagram.
Sign up for our mailing list below to receive the latest updates!