An untold chapter of Black military history comes to the big screen this November as Soul Patrol, an award-winning documentary exploring the experiences of the Vietnam War’s first all-Black special operations team, arrives in Los Angeles.
More than 50 years after the Vietnam War, a group of Black veterans is coming together to share stories that have largely remained outside the mainstream historical narrative.
Directed by J.M. Harper, Soul Patrol follows the surviving members of Company F, 51st Infantry, as they reunite to reflect on their service, the brotherhood they formed, and the lasting impact of their experiences during the Vietnam War.
The documentary won the U.S. Documentary Directing Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is being released theatrically by Kino Lorber.
Los Angeles audiences will have an opportunity to experience the film beginning with a special Veterans Day screening at Laemmle Monica on November 11, followed by a November 13 opening at Laemmle Glendale.
A Hidden Chapter of Black American Military History
During the Vietnam War, the men of Company F, 51st Infantry served as members of an all-Black special operations team, carrying out dangerous missions behind enemy lines.
Their experiences reveal a complicated chapter in American history: Black soldiers fighting for freedom overseas while confronting racial inequality in the country they served.
In Soul Patrol, the surviving veterans reunite to revisit those experiences, sharing memories of their missions, the relationships that helped them survive, and the emotional weight they continue to carry decades later.
The documentary draws on personal archives, including Super 8 footage, photographs, and audio recordings, offering an intimate look at the soldiers’ lives through materials preserved by the men themselves.
Rather than simply recounting military operations, the film explores the human consequences of war and the importance of preserving stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Brotherhood, Survival and the Legacy of War
At the center of Soul Patrol is the bond between men who experienced extraordinary circumstances together.
Their reunion creates space for conversations about courage, loss, identity, and the complicated process of remembering the past.
Through firsthand accounts and archival materials, director J.M. Harper examines how military service shaped these veterans’ lives long after they returned home.
The result is a documentary that connects Black military history with broader questions about service, sacrifice, racial justice, and the enduring costs of war.
Sundance Award Winner Arrives in Los Angeles
Soul Patrol received the U.S. Documentary Directing Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, recognizing J.M. Harper’s work bringing this remarkable story to the screen.
The film begins its select-theater release on November 6, 2026, with two upcoming Los Angeles-area engagements.
Los Angeles Screening Information
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — Veterans Day Special Screening
Laemmle Monica, Santa Monica
Friday, November 13, 2026 — Glendale Opening
Laemmle Glendale, Glendale
Additional screenings and showtimes are available through the film’s distributor and participating theaters.
BlackNLA Take: Stories That Deserve to Be Remembered
Black Americans have played an essential role in every major chapter of United States military history, yet many of their contributions remain underrepresented in the stories we commonly hear.
Soul Patrol offers an opportunity to hear directly from veterans whose experiences deserve recognition, understanding, and preservation.
What makes this documentary particularly compelling is its focus on the men behind the history. Their personal footage, memories, and reunion remind us that historical events are lived experiences that continue to shape families and communities for generations.
With its Los Angeles arrival coinciding with Veterans Day, this is a meaningful film for anyone interested in Black history, American history, documentary filmmaking, or the stories of those who served.
BlackNLA encourages audiences to support this release and help bring greater visibility to an important chapter of Black American history.
Film & Ticket Information
Film: Soul Patrol
Director: J.M. Harper
Distributor: Kino Lorber
Genre: Documentary / History
Los Angeles Screenings: November 11 at Laemmle Monica and November 13 at Laemmle Glendale
Tickets and information: https://knlor.com/soulpatrolfilm
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8LIYqag82E
Community organizations, schools, and institutions interested in hosting screenings can also inquire about educational and community screening licenses through Kino Lorber.
