A hidden epidemic affects ten percent of the American population daily and for those it grasps, hope can seem like a distant dream. With a little light, however, everything can change.

Interview with Executive Producer Kimberly Resch and Director Daniel Gartzke

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

A hidden epidemic affects ten percent of the American population daily and for those it grasps, hope can seem like a distant dream. Light in the Darkness is a feature length documentary dedicated to illuminating an understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) In a message of hope, the film provides an opportunity of support to so many who may be struggling through difficult mental health conditions; and by means of storytelling will offer a platform for education, discussion, and healing of one of the most common diagnosis in our country. By combining the expertise of Neurologists, Psychologists, and other experts, with the experiences of Survivors and their families, Light in the Darkness reintroduces PTSD to the national conversation at a time when trauma and mental health are meant to take center stage.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

An estimated 7.8% of Americans will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. PTSD is a disorder where something major and traumatic happens, and after that major event, it creates a change in your life. Most people associate PTSD closely with Military Service; however, many experiences are capable of causing traumatic reactions through any individual. As a result of the traumatic experiences, evidence shows that the neurological networks of the human brain function improperly. Those who experience PTSD may withstand nightmares, flashbacks, triggers causing panic, negative feelings and paranoia, as well as isolation and depression.

Unfortunately, even though information regarding PTSD is improving, thanks to investment in post-trauma veteran aids, there is much more to be understood. We are able to provide a resource to those who endure the difficult life of PTSD, by helping them understand that they are not alone, that there are places for them to go to heal, that there is a way to regain control and happiness. While many with PTSD choose to not talk about the problem, to avoid admitting the difficulties, it is important to remind people they have the strength to find help. Our film will provide resources for those with PTSD, understanding and education for the general population, an effort dedicated to instructing individuals how they can care for their loved ones.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

PTSD is an issue that affects everyone – there are so many surviving through this, and nearly everyone knows someone personally who lives with traumatic remnants every day.

Light in the Darkness: Living Well After Trauma

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The film originally began as a small project to support a lip gloss effort to raise money for a PTSD charity, as opportunities opened, it took us all over the country and evolved into a full feature, as well as a full production company effort.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

LITD has been the recipient of 8 official selections, including premieres in London, Paris, Los Angeles, and more.It is still in festival circuit. It has been nominated for awards in the Best Documentary Category, and has received finalist nods for its Directing and Cinematography.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

LITD did not necessarily make it instantly in to larger more competitive festivals and the feedback we have received has humbled us in a positive way! Our releases of documentaries is a new road we are walking and there are always many ways for us to improve our storytelling, cinematography, and editing. We quickly continued adapting our strategies for our next films.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

LITD is a powerful resource for anyone who has PTSD as well as a unique tool for anyone who has a family member or friend with the disorder. We want this film in front of as many eyes as possible as it is a genuinely helpful project to our society. It is an informative, healing-centric film that will hopefully provide light to someone who needs it the most. LITD is looking for an audience, including distribution.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

LITD needs buyers or distributors. The film as been completed and is looking to sell exclusive rights to host the film on a platform/channel. Interested parties may contact Kimberly@consciouscontent.org.

Light in the Darkness: Living Well After Trauma poster

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

The film is meant to bring hope to those who may be lost in themselves and their trauma. PTSD is a serious affliction that affects 8% of Americans. We want viewers to use the resources to improve their mental health and provide better support systems to their loved ones who may be struggling.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

After trauma, can you live well again?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks for the opportunity!

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

The teams at Conscious Content and Shaman Motion Pictures are in Production on their next Feature Documentary; EcoSPEARS: The Journey to Clean America’s Waterways. This film follows a clean tech company that uses a revolutionary NASA developed technology to permanently eradicate PCBs (poly-chlorinated biphenyls) from water systems across the country. We are also in pre-production on an abundance of other short and feature documentaries ranging from Animal Adoption to Prisoner Civil Re-Entry.

Interview: January 2019

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

Light in the Darkness: Living Well After Trauma

A hidden epidemic affects ten percent of the American population daily and for those it grasps, hope can seem like a distant dream. With a little light, however, everything can change.

Length: 84 Minutes

Director: Daniel Gartzke

Producers: Conscious Content LLC, Shaman Motion Pictures, Richard Resch

About the writer, director and producer:

DANIEL GARTZKE (director) is a Wisconsin native and filmmaker. He has his B.A in Radio/Tv/Film from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. Daniel was also the editor of Light in the Darkness. The film also features experienced cinematic visuals created by director of photography Joshua Murphy, (Fox2-O, Shred, Renew, Cycle) and by Aerial Cinematographer Mark Dexter.

The film’s executive producer, KIMBERLY RESCH, rounds out the talent by bringing over 25 years of experience in marketing and product distribution, as well as an invested network of supporters. The film is also Executive Produced by Brian Ross, CEO of Conscious Content, a media production company dedicated to causes of mindfulness, education, and support. The film is also financed and Executively Produced by Richard Resch.

Looking for: Buyers, Distributors

Facebook: @consciouscontentllc

Twitter: @CContentMedia

Instagram: @conscious_content_media

Funders: Richard Resch, Kimberly Resch, Brian Ross

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? LITD is still seeking a platform to call home.