Riley Keough and Clay Tweel have joined Brandon Kapelow’s documentary “Under Fire” as executive producers.
“Under Fire” follows Rob, a veteran Idaho fire captain living with PTSD who has spent decades responding to emergencies and saving other people. As the toll of his job follows him home, threatening his future and his relationship with his teenage daughter, Rob turns to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to reclaim his life.
The film marks Kapelow’s directorial debut and is based on his award-winning New York Times Op-Doc, “An Act of Service.” The film, produced by Laurel Thomson for Long Vacation, will be released for purchase at the autumn festivals and an influence campaign will also be launched.
Kapelow explores a mental health crisis that has hit first responder communities particularly hard, as well as the complex cultural attitudes surrounding seeking help in professions where resilience and self-reliance are often deeply ingrained and expected.
“While there is growing optimism about destigmatizing public conversations about mental health issues, mental health outcomes in America are increasingly worsening,” Kapelow said in a statement Monday. “Our hope is to add to the conversation by highlighting the heartfelt story of a family tackling increasingly common issues in an unconventional and beautiful way, and to empathize with the experiences of individuals facing mental health challenges who would benefit from these therapies.”
The topic is also deeply personal, according to Kapelow. A suicide loss survivor from Wyoming, much of her work has focused on mental health in the American West. She has also worked as a peer support facilitator at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where she also served on the Ethics Reporting Advisory Committee; an experience that brought her into direct contact with families and individuals dealing with mental health crises.
“Rob’s involvement in the film was a gift,” Kapelow said. “Her disarmingly open and empathetic personality makes her an ideal ambassador for exploring topics often out of reach of men in her profession.”
“Under Fire” is executive produced by Keough, Sacha Ben Harroche, Gina Gammell and Reef Oldberg for Felix Culpa, Tweel and Shannon E. Riggs for Parkside Films, and Andrew Hutcheson for Voyager. Rounding out the EPs are Terry David Fine, Ronald Richardson and Emily Richardson.
“What impressed me most about ‘Under Fire’ was the sensitivity with which Brandon told Rob’s story,” Keough said. “The experience of being the person everyone turns to for help while silently struggling with yourself is something we can all deeply relate to. I’m grateful that Felix Culpa was able to get behind a film that tackles this experience with such honesty, compassion, and hope.”
The film’s impact campaign strategy is being led by Together Films with support from the Perspective Fund.
“Parkside Films is honored to have Brandon’s voice as director and support this film as executive producer,” Tweel said. “The film is beautifully crafted, from the visual storytelling to the editing, and Brandon brings a real sensitivity to the material. We love telling stories that explore why people do what they do, and we believe ‘Under Fire’ can spark a meaningful conversation about mental health and family dynamics.”
The film’s sales are represented by CAA Media Finance. Worldwide rights available.
“We’re thrilled to have Riley and Clay and their team at Felix Culpa and Parkside behind Brandon’s film,” said Thomson. “Psychedelic therapy is moving from the sidelines into federal policy, but the people who will benefit the most are often the hardest to reach. We’re grateful for their support in amplifying Rob’s story for the communities that need it most.”
Hutcheson added, “Brandon masters every project he undertakes with unparalleled grace and empathy and a keen eye for cinematic realism. These talents are on full display in ‘Under Fire,’ which is as bold as it is beautiful. It has been a true honor to help support this project at every stage over the past few years since it first took root.”