The Boulder Crest Foundation reshapes the societal narrative around trauma once more through the non-profit organisation鈥檚 latest anthem film, 鈥淏reakthrough.鈥 Debuting during Suicide Prevention Month, the film focuses on the power of those struggling with traumatic events to transform and grow, with the central character shown as a hero fighting his way through layers of trauma to reach his son. Written and directed by Andrew Neymarc and Remy Neymarc of Neymarc Visuals and edited by Ashley Ingbretson of PS260, 鈥淏reakthrough鈥 artfully illustrates how the Boulder Crest Foundation鈥檚 life-changing Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) approach and programs support individuals and their families.
The PTG program, designed by veterans and first responders, helps participants rebuild their system of core beliefs in the aftermath of trauma. In 鈥淏reakthrough,鈥 a man finds himself in the grips of a series of flashbacks at his son鈥檚 birthday party. He readies himself internally before busting through several walls of increasing emotional intensity, from the battlefield to the locker room and eventually to the same room as his abusive father. The film brings to life the multi-layered鈥攁nd often generational鈥攔ealities of trauma and its myriad effects. Eventually, the struggle we see on screen leads to transformation, enabling the film鈥檚 hero to be present for his son鈥攄emonstrating the incredible fortitude it takes to manage trauma in everyday life.
Inventively shot on a single sound stage by directors Andrew Neymarc and Remy Neymarc and masterfully edited by Ashley Ingbretson, PS260鈥檚 collaborative nature synthesised the many layers of set design, stunt work, sound design, music, and VFX to make 鈥淏reakthrough鈥 the emotionally captivating film it is. The considered and aligned approach across all collaborators was a cornerstone of the visual storytelling necessary to make 鈥淏reakthrough鈥 as impactful as possible. By uniting on the importance of this message and championing the Boulder Crest Foundation鈥檚 mission, the realities of living with trauma are seen through an empathetic lens.
PS260 editor Ashley Ingbretson remarked, 鈥淭he Neymarc brothers were introduced to me through a director I worked with before. We met to discuss the project鈥nd the rest is history. Though the film's subject matter is heart-rending, we had a wonderful time working together and exploring all permutations possible and landing on the best sequence of shots to get the emotional beats of this story just right. I was given a lot of creative freedom to interpret the footage in what I thought was the most impactful way, and having that trust from the directors made for such a fruitful collaboration.鈥
鈥淭he important cause of overcoming trauma is so close to everyone鈥檚 hearts,鈥 added writer-directors Andrew Neymarc and Remy Neymarc of Neymarc Visuals. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no higher calling for us as filmmakers than to craft stories that convey hope for people who may have run out of it. We made this film for veterans, first responders and anyone who is experiencing trauma鈥攐r supporting a loved one with trauma鈥攖o find their own kernel of hope and path for breaking through. We thank all our collaborators for helping us bring our vision to the screen, and we particularly thank the Boulder Crest Foundation for the work they do every day to change the narrative around trauma.鈥