"Saving 22"

3790 North Oak Street,Metamora MI 48455

10 February, 2023

Description

The feature-length documentary “Saving 22,” which was produced by the Adaptive Performance Center – fitness center for Veterans and current service members in Billings, MT – and directed by a Kansas City based filmmaker. Two years in the making, “Saving 22” portrays the estimated 22 U.S. veterans who die by suicide every day, and the efforts of communities across the nation to prevent and eliminate this ongoing tragedy. Work began on “Saving 22” in the spring of 2020, with about 100 hours of footage shot in Montana, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Oregon and California. To capture a diverse range of voices, emotions and memories, Otte also interviewed more than 60 people. “I wanted to get as many individual stories as I possibly could,” said Otte, a professional cinematographer who served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army from 1991 – 1993. “About one - two percent of the American population serves or has served in the military. Even though our service members and veterans all served in the same military, each has individual experiences which overlap with those of so many other veterans.” People should see “Saving 22” to know what our veterans have been through, Pearson said. “We live in a time when civilians have a great deal of apathy for our military and veterans, and understanding what is really happening with them. Our film shows the impact on families that have lost a service member or veteran to suicide, and by interviewing people who have come close to committing suicide but didn’t,” Pearson explained. According to the film’s treatment (a short written summary created by the producers). The most significant factors contributing to veteran suicide nationwide are PTSD, depression, anxiety and survivor’s guilt. The documentary showcases the many private organizations that have stepped forward to make a difference in the lives of veterans who are at risk. “Saving 22” encourages concerned citizens to be part of the solution, by volunteering at veteran service organizations, spreading awareness to other veterans, starting their own organizations, and contributing financially to non-profits in support of America’s heroes. Otte said his work on the film has been the most intense project in his 25-year career, and likes to think of it as something of a second enlistment. “I want this movie to create empathy toward others. I want people to feel empowered, knowing we have the ultimate choice in our lives. Things get ugly for everybody, sooner or later, and some have it worse than others. But we all can choose what path we will take, and developing resilience will guide us down a better one.” Contributed by Eric Brown – US Navy.