THIS ONE STEP - SHORT FILM
FILM TITLE
"This One Step"
FILM SYNOPSIS
A young Texan veteran and his wife must re-learn the rhythm of their relationship, complicated by lingering PTSD.
RUNTIME / GENRE
5 min, 47 sec / Drama
CO-DIRECTORS / cine
Austin & Westin Ray
CAST
AJ Johnston - “Travis”
Catherine Mersereau - “Ava”
SCREENINGS
Sedona International Film Festival 2019 - Official Selection
GI Film Festival 2019 - Official Selection
Lone Star Film Festival 2019 - Official Selection
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
Oftentimes, it is bravery on the battlefield that is celebrated, but in our film, we wish to celebrate bravery on the home front and the transition back into civilian life. One common thread which combat vets attribute to their recovery is the teamwork and strength of their relationships. This is why we were passionate about depicting an amputee vet and his strong-willed wife working together as a couple. Each day, they take steps—forwards and backwards, to re-learn their emotional and physical rhythm.
In creating “This One Step”, we chose to show how simple, everyday moments such as hiking a hill or dancing the Texan two-step can be huge milestone markers for a military veteran, who is adjusting to a prosthetic leg and overcoming PTSD.
It is important to erase the stigma attached to being an amputee and to show veterans suffering from PTSD that they are not alone. As co-directors, we are so inspired by veterans' personal stories and their families, that we hope they can watch and recognize themselves in this film we’ve created to celebrate their journey.
--- Westin Ray & Austin Ray
