An exclusive interview with co-directors ANGUS BENFIELD and KENDALL BRYANT JR, USMC (retired) discussing the emotionally powerful THE KEEPER; “No one walks the trail alone.”
SYNOPSIS: Based on a true story, THE KEEPER is the story of Army veteran George Eshleman. Heavily impacted by his fellow veteran’s suicides, Eshleman decides to help raise awareness of military member suicides by hiking the full Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia while carrying 363 name tapes from the uniforms of military members who committed suicide. He is given the trail name “The Keeper” (of the names) by a special group of veterans he meets along the way, and finds support and comfort from fellow hikers, civilians, and other military veterans alike, in the “Hiker Universe.” Despite their support, his depression threatens to overtake his judgment as the days pass. With his darkness only a few paces from his mind as he travels the trail, George struggles to prove his mettle, conquer his depression, and focus on the mission.
Co-directed by ANGUS BENFIELD and KENDALL BRYANT JR, THE KEEPER is written by Todd Tavolazzi (U.S. Navy) and stars Angus Benfield as “The Keeper” along with Andrew Ferguson (“Taz”), Michael Maclane (“Mini Me”), Haley Babula (“Peanut”), Nicholas Asad (“Bacon”), and Judah Bonza (“Bug”), among others.
Speaking with AGNUS BENFIELD and KENDALL BRYANT JR about THE KEEPER was a joyful experience. As you will hear in this interview, both are passionate about telling George Eshleman’s story with authenticity and respect, honoring both Eshleman and the memories of those soldiers whose name tags he carried on his journey while bringing this story to life with honesty. The issue of veteran suicides (22 veterans die from suicide each day) is rarely addressed in public let alone be the subject of a film, but that is exactly why it was important for Angus and Kendall to make this film, and for the public to see it.
Discussing the importance of authenticity and personal experience in storytelling, particularly in the context of making a film based on a true story, Angus and Kenny also share their personal experiences working on the film, highlighting the impact of storytelling on mental health awareness and healing. While Angus is a seasoned director and actor, THE KEEPER marks Kenny’s first feature film direction (he has previously directed shorts), and with Angus in front of the camera for more than 50% of the film, collaboration between them was key.
As we dig into the “making of” THE KEEPER, you’ll hear them discuss, among others:
- their collaboration on the film
- having a clear vision
- staying true to the film’s core themes
- importance of military doctrine
- authentic banter between the characters representing various military services
- overcoming logistical challenges
- finding George Eshleman’s story and adapting it for film
- casting the core principals
- shooting a linear story along the Appalachian Trail
- choosing specific locations along the Trail
- Richard Galli’s cinematography and use of natural lighting
- the need for nimbleness to break down and set up quickly along the Trail
- casting in different cities as they moved from point to point along the Trail
- importance of the Trail locations for emotional beats; calming effect of nature
- Eden Mulholland’s score
- humor in front of and behind the camera
- illustrating the potential of storytelling to break stigmas and provide hope for those struggling with mental health challenges
- and more
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 05/16/2024
THE KEEPER is in theatres Memorial Day weekend.
