He has the capability to identify an issue within a specific population and have it resonate with a general audience through compelling storytelling.  A trauma survivor himself, having lost his home in the Santa Barbara Painted Cave fire disaster,
he understands trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and how important HOPE is to the healing journey.  His previous films
(Faces in the Fire, Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, Searching for Home: Coming Back from War) have been transformative in the recovery process for thousands of people whose lives have been compromised mentally, spiritually and physically by trauma.

 

Leveraged as educational tools by top mental health institutions, Christiansen's films migrate from the entertainment arena into environments that help additional audiences navigate the profound collateral damage trauma creates not only on the individual but the family and community as well. The New York Times called his last film, “strikingly photographed” and “...sure to give comfort and support to countless veterans and their families.” By spotlighting these survivors and their journeys, Christiansen has been able to help unify a variety of audiences around the power of HOPE, and educate the general population about the complexities of trauma. Christiansen, a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient, has also produced for major networks including Discovery, TLC, PBS, MTV, and an Imax film.