Boulder Crest Foundation Reshapes the Narrative around PTSD for Suicide Prevention Month

The Boulder Crest Foundation reshapes the societal narrative around trauma once more through the non-profit organisation’s latest anthem film, “Breakthrough.” Debuting during Suicide Prevention Month, the film focuses on the power of those struggling with traumatic events to transform and grow, with the central character shown as a hero fighting his way through layers of trauma to reach his son. Written and directed by Andrew Neymarc and Remy Neymarc of Neymarc Visuals and edited by Ashley Ingbretson of PS260, “Breakthrough” artfully illustrates how the Boulder Crest Foundation’s life-changing Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) approach and programs support individuals and their families. 

The PTG program, designed by veterans and first responders, helps participants rebuild their system of core beliefs in the aftermath of trauma. In “Breakthrough,” a man finds himself in the grips of a series of flashbacks at his son’s birthday party. He readies himself internally before busting through several walls of increasing emotional intensity, from the battlefield to the locker room and eventually to the same room as his abusive father. The film brings to life the multi-layered—and often generational—realities of trauma and its myriad effects. Eventually, the struggle we see on screen leads to transformation, enabling the film’s hero to be present for his son—demonstrating the incredible fortitude it takes to manage trauma in everyday life.

Inventively shot on a single sound stage by directors Andrew Neymarc and Remy Neymarc and masterfully edited by Ashley Ingbretson, PS260’s collaborative nature synthesised the many layers of set design, stunt work, sound design, music, and VFX to make “Breakthrough” the emotionally captivating film it is. The considered and aligned approach across all collaborators was a cornerstone of the visual storytelling necessary to make “Breakthrough” as impactful as possible. By uniting on the importance of this message and championing the Boulder Crest Foundation’s mission, the realities of living with trauma are seen through an empathetic lens.

PS260 editor Ashley Ingbretson remarked, “The Neymarc brothers were introduced to me through a director I worked with before. We met to discuss the project…and the rest is history. Though the film's subject matter is heart-rending, we had a wonderful time working together and exploring all permutations possible and landing on the best sequence of shots to get the emotional beats of this story just right. I was given a lot of creative freedom to interpret the footage in what I thought was the most impactful way, and having that trust from the directors made for such a fruitful collaboration.”

“The important cause of overcoming trauma is so close to everyone’s hearts,” added writer-directors Andrew Neymarc and Remy Neymarc of Neymarc Visuals. “There’s no higher calling for us as filmmakers than to craft stories that convey hope for people who may have run out of it. We made this film for veterans, first responders and anyone who is experiencing trauma—or supporting a loved one with trauma—to find their own kernel of hope and path for breaking through. We thank all our collaborators for helping us bring our vision to the screen, and we particularly thank the Boulder Crest Foundation for the work they do every day to change the narrative around trauma.”