Meet Tracie Hunter | WWII Documentary Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracie Hunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born into a family with a long line of military service, with my own father serving in the Army for most of my life. As most other military children will tell you – we often feel that we are from everywhere, and no where at all, as many, including myself, relocated every few years. Growing up on bases and in this environment, I gained an understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices of our Veterans, as well as how combat, war, and trauma impact communities and individuals.

My grandfather served in the Army, during WWII in the European Theatre. He was a Purple Heart recipient and also a Prisoner of War. My upbringing deeply impacted the trajectory of my career. I chose filmmaking as my career path with the intent to approach it with an attitude and understanding that media can be a powerful tool used to bring change, education, and a means of advocating for human rights. I felt that by creating documentaries based on the experiences of our WWII Veterans as well as survivors of the Holocaust, it could help not only bring understanding to this critical piece of our human history…but also offer a safe platform for the individuals to share their story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Tracie Hunter, is a documentary filmmaker and executive producer of Emmy Award Winning WWII Documentary – The Last Signal.

The daughter of a U.S. Army officer, Tracie spent her developmental years on military bases across the U.S. and extended time overseas. Lone Star State roots and global travels have given her a unique perspective on life and a deep compassion for people of all different backgrounds. This has greatly influenced the types of stories she aims to tell through her filmmaking.

Her talents have led her to several positions at major media companies over the years. After working for ABC’s “The View”, she went on to do various video and production work for CBS, TLC, MTV, NBC and eventually a full-time cinematographer and producer in Dallas, TX. Her proudest accomplishment is founding the non-profit ‘Beyond The Call’ that is dedicated to filming and documenting the first-hand accounts of WWII Veterans.

Tracie Hunter has many skills as a filmmaker; from producing, to directing, to camera operating. Though, beyond these traits one quality stands out among all the rest; Her compassion for people and the desire to tell honest, compassionate, real-world stories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a huge coffee drinker and can get lost in a book all day. First stop is always The Wild Detectives in the Bishop Arts District! This cozy house turned bookshop, bar, coffee shop is perfect for any occasion. For food? My go to suggestion for a visitor is Cosmic Cafe. Also, history is obviously very important to me! Taking some time out of your day to visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is essential to a visit to DFW. They have done a great job that really communicates how the lessons from the Second World War are still so relevant to us today.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The support and love I have had on this journey is tremendous. When I expressed my desire to start a non-profit organization (Beyond The Call 501c3) for the WWII Veterans that we serve in my documentaries, I had not one, but 5 women JUMP on board to help me in this mission. They dedicate their talents, time, love, and energy daily to help see these stories preserved and reach audiences across the globe. Elizabeth, Ashley, Anne, Hannah, and Tara…..your dedication is impacting so many lives including my own!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traciehunterfilm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwiibeyondthecall

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WWIIBeyondTheCall

Image Credits
Marcus Junius Laws NVMM