‘Sheepdog‘ makes its Texas Premiere at the inaugural Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, TX to a packed house Veterans Day Weekend.
‘Sheepdog‘ made its Texas Premiere at the inaugural Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, TX, over Veterans Day Weekend to a packed house, followed by a poignant Q&A with the cast. One poignant question stuck out from an audience member, which was, “How do we keep the wolves within us at bay?“, which ‘Sheepdog‘ does its best to answer.
This deeply impactful film, took an astounding 13 years to bring to the screen, stands as a testament to the dedication and resilience of its creator, Steven Grayhm, who not only stars in the film but also wrote, directed, and produced it after being rejected by every major Hollywood studio. ‘Sheepdog‘ is a labor of love that sheds light on the often-hidden struggles of military veterans, particularly the mental health challenges they face in the aftermath of combat.
Grayhm’s commitment to telling this story is evident in the film’s authenticity and emotional depth, touching upon the tiniest of details that military personnel in the audience appreciated, especially when using the proper lingo. The extensive research he conducted, including countless interviews and firsthand accounts of veterans’ experiences, helped him craft a film that resonates with both heart and accuracy. His portrayal of Calvin Cole, a decorated U.S. Army combat Veteran struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is nothing short of remarkable.
As Calvin is court-ordered into treatment following another run-in with the law, along with the help of his former ice hockey coach, Police Sgt. Clarence O’Riordan (played Dominic Fumusa), his is assigned to VA trauma therapist, Dr. Knox (played by Virginia Madsen), the narrative unfolds with raw honesty including an unflinching look at the complexities of recovery, loss and survivor’s remorse.
When Calvin’s estranged father-in-law, a retired Vietnam veteran, Whitney St. Germain (played by Vondie Curtis-Hall), arrives on his doorstep after being released from prison looking to mend fences with his daughter, Alice (played by Lilli Cooper), the tension escalates, highlighting the generational struggles that often accompany trauma and healing. What follows is an unforgettable journey of redemption, tough love, and the difficult but necessary path to recovery. The film’s focus on Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) offers hope and demonstrates the power of healing, resilience, and community support.
Filmed on location in Western Massachusetts, ‘Sheepdog‘ is a rare perfect film, exploring the physical and psychological aftermath of trauma while emphasizing the positive impact of recovery. It is a timely and powerful story of resilience that speaks to the struggles many face post-pandemic, with redemption at its core.
‘Sheepdog‘ is a call to action. Grayhm’s powerful storytelling and unwavering dedication to the cause, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the challenges of veterans, the impact of PTSD, and the importance of empathy and support in the healing process leading to PTG.
For more information about ‘Sheepdog‘ visit their official website at https://www.sheepdogthemovie.com/.
To find out when submissions open for year two of the Round Top Film Festival visit: https://www.roundtopfilmfest.org/.
Summary
‘Sheepdog‘ is a rare perfect film that helps audiences get a glimpse of what veterans suffer through, while allowing the voices of our armed forced to finally be heard.
