Filmmaker Statement

Shot on 16mm, CA•DENCE, in one word, is about "stillness." It presents five minutes in a tree's life, yet as it progresses, it's revealed to really be on the subject of veterans and PTSD. What makes the film unique is that it’s all shot from Mother Nature's point of view: one long take of complete stillness, contrasting the human mind on trauma. When I first learned that more veterans have died by suicide than in combat, further research led to the making of this picture. Now with the recent withdrawal from Afghanistan and the current events in Ukraine, many veterans are getting triggered, and CA•DENCE has become more relevant than I personally ever expected it to be. It explores themes of isolation, trauma, and mental health within the veteran community, and delivers a simple message: Reach out to a veteran. Please enjoy the experience that is: CA•DENCE.