HOLLYWOOD, CA | October 24, 2026 | Dakar Foundation for the Performing Arts — Official Press Coverage

At AFI FEST 2026, SOUL PATROL brings a powerful chapter of African American military history to the big screen, honoring an elite, all-Black reconnaissance unit that operated behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War.

Directed by J.M. Harper, the Sundance award-winning documentary follows the extraordinary experiences of Team 2/6, Company F, 51st Infantry — young Black soldiers who fought for American freedom abroad while confronting racial inequality at home.

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Through archival footage, firsthand testimony, dramatic reenactments, and emotional reunions, SOUL PATROL reveals a remarkable story of courage, brotherhood, sacrifice, and survival. Inspired by Vietnam veteran Ed Emanuel’s memoir, the film preserves voices and experiences too often overlooked in American history.

#FiPresents a Programmers’ Picks screening of ‘Soul Patrol’ followed by an in-person Q&A with director J.M. Harper. The film follows the Vietnam War's first Black special ops team, opening on the war’s 50th anniversary as the surviving members reunite in a hotel.

SUN, NOV 15 🎟️…

— Film Independent (@filmindependent) October 20, 2026

The Dakar Perspective: Preserving Legacy Through Cinema:

Dakar’s journey began with our winning the award for NAACP outstanding documenary, For Love of Liberty, Championed by Retired Brigadier General Arnold Gordon Bray.

For the Dakar Foundation for the Performing Arts, the documentary resonates with our Victory by Valor initiative, dedicated to honoring African American military contributions and preserving stories of service, sacrifice, and achievement. Dakar Foundation’s Treatment of Blood & Treasure.

SOUL PATROL also demonstrates the importance of documentary filmmaking, archival preservation, and Backpack Journalism in preparing the next generation of storytellers through Dakar’s media arts apprenticeship pathways.

Following its AFI FEST presentation, SOUL PATROL begins its theatrical rollout in November 2026, introducing this extraordinary military legacy to new audiences.

These soldiers went behind enemy lines to defend their country. Their courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood must never remain hidden from history.

Film & Press Links:

• AFI FEST 2026 — SOUL PATROL
• Theatrical Release Announcement
• Watch More Of Our Interview JM HARPER

Dakar Foundation for the Performing Arts | Victory by Valor | Historical Preservation | Media Arts Workforce Development

#AFIFEST2026 #SoulPatrol #VictoryByValor #BlackMilitaryHistory #VietnamVeterans #DakarFoundation #DocumentaryFilm #BlackFilmmakers