The truth of, The Lionhearted Film

Grab a cup of coffee or something stronger; I’ve got a story that’ll knock your socks off. It’s about a film project, but not just any film project. This is the tale of “Lionhearted,” a venture I directed and produced, born out of sheer frustration and a Eureka moment in a Las Vegas airport.

Picture this: It’s another Veterans Day, and everywhere I look, there are sales. Mattresses, cars, you name it – all screaming “Veterans Day discount!” But to me, it all felt like a big fat nothing. No substance, no real tribute to the brave souls who put their lives on the line. That’s when it hit me – why not create something that mattered? Something that wasn’t just a fleeting moment, but a legacy that could change lives.

raw, unspoken stories to life

I was with my buddy Tim, killing time at the Vegas airport, when the big idea exploded in my brain. The best memories, the stuff that sticks with you, they’re all about art, conversation, and bringing people together. That’s when “Lionhearted” was born.

The plan? Simple but powerful. I needed to find a veteran artist, someone who could bring these raw, unspoken stories to life. But here’s the twist – instead of the usual yawn-inducing interviews, we’d have these vets tell their stories for the first time, while the artist captures their essence not on canvas, but on body armor plates. Why body armor? Well, it’s not just any gear, it’s Safariland’s, and it symbolizes protection, weight, and something held close to the heart.

As the film draws to a close, the camera pulls back, revealing the big surprise – a 6-foot-long, 250-pound mosaic art piece of these valiant men and women, forming an American flag. This masterpiece didn’t just get eyeballs; it caught the attention of none other than Tony Robbins. My mom knew him from way back, and he was all-in for promoting this.

Lionhearted’ is more than a film; it’s a crusade to forever change how we see and support our veterans’ mental health battles.

The project snowballed from there. The National Veteran Art Museum wanted the artwork for permanent display, and get this – the film now shows on Veterans Day at the Smithsonian National American History Museum Theater in Washington DC. Talk about making an impact!

It’s about creating echoes that last forever.

But here’s the kicker – the response from veterans and their communities was overwhelming. Calls, emails, social engagement – it was like a fireworks display of gratitude and inspiration. Then, out of nowhere, YouTube pulls the plug, saying it violated their community guidelines. But I wasn’t having any of that. We took this to legal and, bam! In 72 hours, it was back up, more potent than ever.

The film, along with 22 individual stories, continues to inspire veterans and their families. The VA has even picked it up to show to their mental health staff. This, my friends, is how you make a difference. It’s not just about making noise; it’s about creating echoes that last forever. And as for me? Well, this is just the beginning. I’ve got more ideas brewing, waiting for the perfect moment to take flight. So, stay tuned, because if you thought “Lionhearted” was something, you ain’t seen nothing yet. That’s all for now, folks! Remember, it’s not just about the big ideas; it’s about the big impacts. Keep pushing the envelope, and maybe, just maybe, we can change the world one story at a time.