Calm in Chaos
A documentary exploring stories of first responders and military personnel as they experience the effects of operational stress injuries, and showcasing diverse ways of coping and healing.
Interview with Director/Producer Tracey Cochrane
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
As an independent film maker, I was inspired to make this film after reading “Damage Done. A Mountie’s Memoir”, by Deanna Lennox, a retired police officer from Alberta, Canada. I related it to my own suffering, and the need for community awareness of the issue of PTSD.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film gives some much-needed insight into the lives of those who serve their countries and their communities on the front lines in various professions and the price they often pay as a result of their service. It brings to light the damage that can be done as a result of trauma. Although the purpose of the film is to highlight the struggles of people on the front lines, it effectively shows that even though our experiences may be different, being exposed to trauma affects all of us, even the audience members, in similar ways. Trauma may be the thread that connects us, but helping each other and hope can be the light that guides us all to the same place.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Trauma is a condition of humanity. The majority of people in this world experience trauma on some level whether it be a car accident, a diagnosis of a cancer, abuse or a being a witness to trauma. How do we come together to see ourselves as individuals and take the time we need and deserve to find the coping strategies and resources required to move forward and navigate our way through life in a healthy way?
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Oh, yes! There was a lot of change that occurred during the production of Calm in Chaos. Mainly, interviews were added as more people became interested, and as I kept learning, I realized more professional opinions would be incorporated. I also was blessed to have some very strong characters come forward, and the theme solidified as they expressed themselves on camera.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from members of organizations who support those who are suffering. It has been extremely gratifying. I have also received positive feedback in terms of selection for quite a few film festivals, so considering this is my first film I am very excited to go on.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I think the stories of the people in the film were very revealing, and I have learned a great deal from them. There are many approaches that can be taken to cope with stress-related injuries, and that has inspired me a lot.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Hoping people who don’t work in these types of high-risk professions have a better understanding of First Responders and their struggles with PTSD and other related injuries. We’re also hoping to achieve the realization that First Responders are human. It’s opportunity to build some much-needed bridges between the public and the military and first responders.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I really am enjoying the film festival run, and to me ideally, the film would be picked up by first responder organizations and possibly military.
When I finished the film, I imagined it could be used as a training tool, and making it interesting and entertaining would get more people to watch, and gain understanding outside of conventional, structured training.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Looking to give the gift of hope to people who may be struggling with PTSD or other stress or trauma related injuries or illnesses, and to those close to them.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do we come together to address stress and trauma related injuries?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks you so much for your interest.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I just finished a short film about my community’s history called “Up Six Mile Down Nine Mile” and am contemplating a new feature documentary film.
Interview: October 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Calm In Chaos
Calm In Chaos is a documentary about first responders and the PTSD they face as a result of their work.
Length:64 min
Who is being interviewed for this article?
Director: Tracey Cochrane
Producer:Tracey Cochrane
About the writer, director and producer:
Originally from Vancouver BC, Tracey Cochrane lives with her husband Rob in Bouchie Lake BC. She volunteered at Shaw TV cable 10 in Quesnel BC for eight years, With a group of high school students she created a show called Tracey’s Traxx, a music based show on local musicians. she now runs a production company out of Bouchie Lake BC.
Key cast: Deanna Lennox, Ray Kinloch, Bob Devonshire, Terrence Popp, Daniel Garvin, Mike Russell, Allan Kobayash, William C Clifton. Narration by Bob Holowenko
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Film festival directors.
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calminchaosptsd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TraceCochrane
Other:
Where was this filmed? Various locations including, Quesnel, Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria and Detroit, Michigan
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Calm In Chaos will be playing at Commffest in Toronto on October 13th/2018 and in Canberra at the Canberra Mental Health Film Festival in Australia, same day.