Riley Keough and Clay Tweel have joined Brandon Kapelow’s documentary “Under Fire” as executive producers. As the toll of his work follows him home, threatening his future and his relationship with his teenage daughter, Rob turns to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in an effort to reclaim his life. The film marks Kapelow’s directorial debut and is based on his award-winning New York Times Op-Doc “An Act of Service.” Produced by Laurel Thomson for Long Holiday, the film will play at fall festivals as a title for acquisition, with an impact campaign launching alongside it.
Kapelow explores a mental health crisis that has hit first responder communities particularly hard, as well as the complicated cultural attitudes surrounding seeking help in professions where resilience and self-reliance are often deeply ingrained and expected. A suicide loss survivor from Wyoming, much of his work has focused on mental health in the American West. He has also worked as a peer support facilitator with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where he also serves on their Ethical Reporting Advisory Committee, an experience that has brought him into direct contact with families and individuals navigating mental health crises.
Riggs for Parkside Films and Andrew Hutcheson for Voyager. Terry David Fine, Ronald Richardson and Emily Richardson round out the EPs. I’m grateful that Felix Culpa has been able to stand behind a film that treats that experience with such honesty, compassion, and hope.” The film’s impact campaign strategy is being led by Together Films, with support from Perspective Fund.
We love telling stories that explore why people do the things they do, and we believe ‘Under Fire’ can open up a meaningful conversation about mental health and the dynamics within families.” The film is represented for sales by CAA Media Finance. Worldwide rights are available. Thomson said, “We’re so excited to have Riley and Clay, and their teams at Felix Culpa and Parkside, behind Brandon’s film.
Psychedelic therapy is moving from the fringe into federal policy, but the people who stand to benefit most are often the hardest to reach. We’re grateful to have their support amplifying Rob’s story for the communities that need it most.” Hutcheson added, “Brandon deftly navigates every project he takes on with singular grace and empathy, and a keen eye for cinematic realism. These gifts are on full display in ‘Under Fire,’ a film that’s as brave as it is beautiful.
It’s been a genuine honor to help support this project at every stage over the past few years since it first took root.”
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