The Pride
- War, Religion and LGBTQ The film "The Pride" unites the themes of war, religion and LGBTQ issues by wrapping them in the values and emotions of one complex family. General Truman, wheelchair-bound and mute because of war, sustains pride in his past military services. He is a widower and the father of three adult children --- Christian, Ray and Jessica. When the army classifies Christian as MIA (missing in action) during a tour of duty in the Middle East, the General is never able to accept that fact. In an act of denial and deception the General writes fictitious letters and presents them to friends and relatives as if they are written by an alive-and-well Christian. Ray, the General's second son, is gay and happens to be in love with the boyfriend (Kevin) of his own sister(Jessica). Troubles begin for Ray when he confesses homosexuality not just to any priest but to the priest (Father John) who is his own Godfather. His confession incites further conflict. Jessica, the General's daughter fights depression from all angles. In the shadow of her mother's death and her brother's disappearance she bares the burden of a not-so-bright future when she realizes that her boyfriend Kevin is her brother's lover. The family load lightens when Christian returns from seven years of captivity as a prisoner of war. Haunted by flashbacks of war, Christian is strengthened by the faith that he acquired during captivity. He converts to Islam, believing that it is Islam that saved him. Self-worth as seen through the eyes of one diverse family is painted with innocence and experience, selfishness and public duty, Christianity and Middle Eastern dogma, sanity and PTSD. Everyone is a victim of their own ideas and their cure is depicted in "The Pride"
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Edi MehanaDirector
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Virtyt KelmendiWriter
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Edi MehanaWriter
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Kenny Lone EagleProducer
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Edi MehanaProducer
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Charles TiedjeProducer
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Charles TiedjeKey Cast"General Truman"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3721964/reference
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Gabija GuzauskaiteKey Cast"Jessica"
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Chris MaherKey Cast"Ray"
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Edi MehanaKey Cast"Christian"Ali, Eduart
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Diminic CaponeKey Cast"Dr"
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Harold DennissKey Cast"Father John"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2190859/reference
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Doug McdadeKey Cast"Jack "
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Project Type:Short, Television
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Runtime:25 minutes
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Completion Date:February 1, 2019
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Production Budget:30,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Red 4k
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Aspect Ratio:2:39
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
Edi Mehana is an actor and is originally from Kosova. He graduated a decade ago with a Bachelors of Arts degree from Pristina University's Theatre Department, with a focus on acting/directing. Edi now resides in Chicago, IL. Edi Mehana has been in 20 films to date, including shorts and features. In the theatre he has proven himself to be a success in which he has performed around 40 character roles.
The Pride is a remarkable new film addressing overlooked issues involving the military, religious, and lgbtq conflicts. Starring an ensemble cast of major Chicago actors. Delve into the struggles of a family attempting to find peace in the aftermath of war, and love despite the scars it has left them with.