A SHORT FILM ABOUT VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
It's reported that 22 Veterans die by suicide each day. Many estimate the true number to be as high as 44.
During the 20 year Global War on Terror, approximately 7,000 service members were killed in combat. In that same time frame, over 120,000 service members have died by suicide.
We continue to lose over 8,000 Veterans every year.
ABOUT THE FILM
Veteran mental health and suicide prevention are critical issues affecting countless lives, yet they often remain hidden beneath the surface. The Failure to Fire film brings these challenges into sharp focus through the intimate story of one Veteran’s internal battle.
In a pivotal moment of crisis, a middle-aged Veteran reflects on his life, with vivid flashbacks exposing the stark contrast between his lighthearted exterior and the internal chaos that has him on the edge of taking his own life. His struggle is a powerful reminder of the daily invisible battles many Veterans face.
Your support fuels our mission to amplify this crucial message, foster understanding, and provide essential resources for Veterans in need.
"As a veteran who lost my best friend to suicide, I am driven to help create this short film to raise awareness about the silent battles many veterans face. His upbeat demeanor masked the pain of PTSD, and I often wonder if I could have intervened had I understood the signs. This project is a heartfelt mission to ensure that others don’t endure the same heartache, and to inspire hope and connection among those who are struggling.”
Renford (Ren) Ligon - US Army Special Forces Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (MSG Ret.)
OUR GOAL
We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change. By supporting our film, you’re joining us in our mission to bring attention to veteran mental health issues. Together, we can empower others to be proactive in helping those who may be struggling.
We are honored to partner with the Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation (BKVF), a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans with mental health challenges. Their mission is to raise awareness and destigmatize military-based mental health issues by connecting veterans to personalized treatments without barriers. Together, we will ensure our film's messaging is accurate and impactful while providing vital resources for our audience.
An amazing nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans with mental health issues. Their mission is “To raise awareness of and destigmatize military based mental health issues by connecting those in need to personalized treatments without any barriers of entry, as long as needed.” We will work with BKVF to ensure that our films messaging is on point and that our audience has a resource to reach out to.
Interview with Chris Cathers, Former Green Beret and founder of BKVF.
Donate to Support The Making of Our Short Film: A Call to Action for Veteran Mental Health
All cash donations are tax-deductible. FAILURE TO FIRE Titles are transferable. All proceeds are donated to the Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation
THE STORY
We are introduced to James, a middle-aged Veteran in his suburban home adorned with family photos and military memorabilia. The film captures a moment of domestic bliss as James makes pancakes for his young son, illustrating a tender family dynamic. However, this warmth is short lived when the tension of a rejected disability claim from the VA is all it takes to flip his mood.
The narrative takes a darker turn as James’ frustration manifests into an explosive outburst, frightening his wife and child. Afterward, he sinks into despair, grappling with guilt over his anger. A text from a fellow veteran, Christian, in crisis prompts a shift in James’ demeanor as he momentarily suppresses his own turmoil to support his friend. Ignoring his wife’s concerns, he leaves to meet Christian at a bar.
At the bar, James’ personality transforms; he is lively and well-liked, sharing drinks and laughter with Christian. Intercut with this camaraderie are flashbacks to James’ traumatic experiences in combat, particularly a harrowing moment when he lost a fellow soldier. The film contrasts these memories with scenes of domestic life, revealing James' internal struggle between his past and present.
As the night progresses, James returns to his truck, where he confronts his isolation and despair. He reflects on his struggles with pain and medication, and ultimately finds himself in a precarious moment, holding a gun to his head. Just as he is about to pull the trigger, a phone call from Christian interrupts. A gun in one hand and a phone in the other, the right decision pulls him back from the brink. Their conversation is filled with camaraderie and support, reaffirming the bond between veterans.
The film concludes with James starting his truck, symbolizing a tentative step back from despair, followed by a call to action for veterans in crisis to seek help. A message appears on the screen, encouraging those struggling to reach out, reinforcing the film’s poignant themes of mental health, camaraderie, and the importance of seeking support.
WE NEED YOU TO BRING THIS STORY TO LIFE
All cash donations are tax-deductible. FAILURE TO FIRE Titles are transferable. All proceeds are donated to the Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation
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THE FILMMAKERS
PRODUCER | ACTOR
RENFORD (REN) LIGON
Founding member of Round Table Film Productions and US Army Special Forces Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (MSG Ret.) with 25 years of experience. During many national level crisis events while serving as a US Army Special Operations Senior Operator and Military advisor, assigned in Central and South America, he worked years supporting the Global War on Terror. Completing several military schools including: US Army Ranger School, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance and Target Exploitation techniques (SFARTEC), Special Operations Target Interdictions Course (SOTIC), Basic/ Advanced Antiterrorism and Force Protection, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) CAT III, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant (18F) Course, Gryphon Group Tactical Driving Course. After retiring from the military, he began writing and is currently working on a memoir with Pulitzer Prize winning author “Nick Chiles.” He has also appeared as an actor in films such as Emmitt Till, Mayor of Kingstown, Righteous Gemstones, and Civil War.
PRODUCER | ACTOR
CHRISTIAN BRUNETTI
Founding member of Round Table Film Productions, Brunetti is individual with a diverse and impactful journey. A married father of two, he embraces his roles as a family man while his passion for filmmaking and as a stunt performer. With a background as a former US Army Special Operations member, Christian’s dedication and commitment have transcended military service, leading him to create a film production company. Driven by his mission to make a meaningful difference, Christian’s production company produces captivating content, and also serves as a platform to empower veterans.. His visionary approach extends beyond traditional filmmaking, seeking to enrich the lives of those who have served their country offering them opportunities for creative expression and personal growth. Christian is a testament to his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. His journey as a filmmaker, stunt performer, and advocate for veterans embodies the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and innovation.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
JIM WAHLBERG
Jim Wahlberg aims to serve God by writing, speaking, filmmaking and serving our community. Jim serves as the executive director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which was created to improve the quality of life for inner-city youth through a working partnership with other youth organizations.
Jim is a producer, writer, and director of films, and uses his talents and experiences to raise awareness about opioid addiction and point to the hope found in Christ. He is the author of The Big Hustle & Executive Producer of Mother Teresa: No Greater Love.
Jim has been married to his lovely wife Benny for 28 years and they have 3 children.
Find Jim's novels and more at jimwahlberg.com
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
MIKE KELLY
Mike Kelly is a creative force and marketing innovator known for pushing brands into new territory. As Co-Founder of Fob Depot, he’s helping automotive dealerships turn lost key fobs into a smart, profitable revenue stream with a first-of-its-kind SaaS platform. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Mike spent over two decades at PVH Corp, where he built and led The PVH Marketing Group as CMO and later served as Global Chief Innovation Officer. In those roles, he shaped global consumer strategies, drove digital transformation, and helped iconic brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and IZOD stay ahead of the curve. His expertise spans breakthrough work in marketing, IoT-connected products, AR/VR, and sustainability. Today, Mike channels his creative and strategic instincts through his consulting firm, DialedIn, advising brands like Reebok, John Deere, and King Ranch. Whether building brands from scratch or future-proofing global giants, Mike brings a rare mix of visionary thinking, creative leadership, and real-world execution.
PRODUCED BYby
MATT PARRISH
Matt Parrish is a powerhouse producer with a proven ability to deliver high-quality content across both film and commercial sectors. With award-winning credits, including the Oscar-qualifying short film North Star (50 festival wins) and the Sundance-premiering documentary short Hoops, Hopes & Dreams, Matt thrives under pressure, turning complex projects into seamless productions. His commercial work speaks for itself, with notable clients like Coca-Cola, Nike, Adidas, Home Depot, Budweiser, and Popeyes trusting him to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a film that captivates audiences or a commercial that drives engagement, Matt’s versatility and precision make him a standout producer.
DIRECTOR
BEN ORISICH
An award-winning commercial director based out of Atlanta and New York. His unique visual style and comprehensive post-production background are key elements to his success. With over 20 years of experience in production, visual effects, design, and editorial, Orisich brings an understanding of the entire filmmaking and story-telling process to each project. Ben has traveled the globe garnering recognition for his work on national advertising campaigns including clients such as Chevy, Google, ESPN, Honda, Hyundai, Bank Of America, Oregon Tourism, USAA, IZOD, Speedo, Cooper Tires, LG and many others, along with two commercials featured during the Super Bowl. For almost a decade, he has created the opening film for the Indy 500 for ESPN, which has garnered Emmy nominations and gold at the New York Festival Awards. Early in his directing career, Ben was selected as one of Shoot Magazine’s Best New Directors. Along with a passion for crafting beautiful pictures into stories, Orisich’s other hobbies include road trips in fast cars, the perfect cappuccino, and the occasional explosion. Failure to Fire
MUSICIAN
JESSTA JAMES
A self-taught singer, songwriter, music producer, film maker and actor from the mountains of Big Sky Country. Jessta James has been a surprise to most who have witnessed his rise and has continued to break the rules since day one. Jessta’s early sound was consistently evolving. Pioneering the combination of organic country sounds with the cadence and grit of real hip hop, his journey took him from touring with rap legends to performing at the CMA Festival in Nashville, TN. In 2013, Jessta’s debut LP, ‘Time To Get Right’ reached #63 on the Billboard Charts, and #18 0n the Billboard Heatseeker Chart. This, paired with extensive touring throughout the South and Midwest, helped him make his mark in the industry. Like a fine whiskey aged to perfection in an oak barrel, Jessta took the time to perfect his craft. In 2018, Jessta found his signature sound and Montana Outlaw Music was born. You’ll hear echoes of the past wrapped in something brand new. This timeless vibe pays homage to the legends that inspired Jessta, while giving you a glimpse into his own experiences.
WRITER
SCOTT HUNTER
Writer, producer, career stunt performer and actor for film and television. His titles include films like: The Hunger Games series, The Avengers, The Suicide Squad, Den of Thieves, Baby Driver, The Accountant, and Castle Falls. He is a member of the prestigious Stuntmen’s Association. Born in Denver, Colorado, Scott’s natural athleticism had him skiing, playing soccer, and practicing martial arts nearly his whole life. As an avid movie fan, he would often sneak out late at night to re-watch some of his favorites. He took his first dive into film making by using his dad’s video camera to make “ninja” movies inspired by greats like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Scott abandoned his child- hood movie work as he got older to pursue a more “practical” career in medicine. However, it wasn’t long after earning his degree that he drifted back into entertainment, working in live shows and theatre, and eventually Hollywood blockbusters.
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is in crisis, get help now.
Call 988 - SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE
If you’re a Veteran or the loved one of a Veteran struggling with mental health or suicide, reach out to Brothers Keepers Veteran Foundation - help@BKVF.org