“Apache Warrior” is a feature-length documentary that puts the viewer in the cockpit of an Apache helicopter during one of the most intense missions in aviation history. Telling the story of an elite U. S. Army Aviation Squadron, this film highlights the adaptability, courage and selflessness of Apache pilots and their crews as they launch an attack during the initial surge into Iraq in March, 2003. The mission unfolds in near real time as these heroic soldiers fight to stay alive.
Director – David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud
As Directors, what drew us to this story was meeting an Apache Pilot (Allen Hahn) who started The Apache Warrior Foundation and a former Apache Crew Chief (Joshua Lang) who where both passionate about how a great film, done in our first person immersive style, would help open peoples hearts to the Apache community. So their passion and enthusiasm inspired us to make something no one had seen before. We researched hundreds of hours of footage and during that process recovered several of the attack pilots gun tapes which allowed us to tell the story of this incredible and historic mission.
What unfolds is a singular true story of a group of heroic Apache pilots who made a commitment to take care of the soldiers fighting on the ground against the fourth largest mechanized army in the world at that time. This Apache Warrior “Deep Attack” mission unfolds in real time putting the audience in the moment and fighting for survival.
This EPIC, HUGE HEART, EXPERIENCE is one of the last Air “Cavalry” Charges in American History.
The audience will be on the edge of their seats and feel the chaos and horrors of air combat and in the process, witness real valor under the most hellish of conditions. The Apache Warrior film will immerse you in the Attack Pilots world, with no judgment and no political point of view. People will know why Aviators and Crew Chiefs say they fight “Above the Best” and why they risk their lives for the soldiers on the ground at all costs.
– DAVID SALZBERG & CHRISTIAN TUREAUD