SUSAN SARANDON - SARANDON SLAMS ARMED FORCES

Actress SUSAN SARANDON has hit out at US Army bosses for refusing to show troops the new documentary THE GROUND TRUTH: AFTER THE KILLINGS. The film, directed by PATRICIA FOULKROD, is about the difficulties Iraq War veterans face after returning home from the Middle East. Sarandon tells the New York Daily News, "I understand why the Armed Forces would be afraid to show this film, because it shows the huge gap in recognising and providing help for returning soldiers' psychological and physical needs." Foulkrod adds, "It's hard for (troops) to reconnect to their families. They've been in a very dramatic situation. The adjustment is so difficult. They come back and are offered only minimum wage. We spent so much money on the war, the government didn't really set aside the proper money to take care of these guys when they get back." Replying to these criticisms, a spokeswoman for the Army says, "This is more of an activist piece than a documentary. If you look at The Ground Truth, it has a definite point of view. We don't say, 'Don't go see it', but we don't see why we should promote it." Other celebrities backing the documentary include THE OC's OLIVIA WILDE and pop veteran CHER.