Unseen Scars

Creating Unseen Scars has been a profoundly personal journey, both of self-reflection and artistic exploration. From the very beginning, as the project took shape, I knew I had to create a film that was both genuine and original. The subject matter holds deep personal significance for me, and I felt compelled to craft a story that truly honours the experiences of veterans struggling with PTSD, as well as the families and loved ones who are affected by it.

Having witnessed first-hand the challenges veterans face, including the devastating reality of losing a close friend to suicide, I wanted to make a film that transcended the typical, broad portrayals of this issue. I aimed to create something more intimate, more authentic and something that didn’t shy away from the complexity of these lives.

To achieve this, I dedicated months before writing a single word of the script to conducting deeply honest, "no subject off limits" interviews with veterans and their families. This invaluable process allowed me to write a script that was grounded in real stories and experiences, ensuring the film was as true to life as possible. What began as a story born from my own experiences quickly evolved into something far broader. A narrative that explores the universal human struggle with trauma and the often-overlooked choices we face when confronting our darkest moments.

My commitment to authenticity and vulnerability guided me through every aspect of the production. As the film’s director, my goal was to immerse both the cast and the audience in a world that felt raw, real, and emotionally honest. Every frame, every performance was crafted with the intention of drawing the audience into the characters' inner lives, so they could feel what these characters are going through, not just with their minds, but with their hearts.

From the cinematography and sound design to pacing and colour grading, every technical choice in the film was made to create an environment that reflected the characters' emotional realities. A particularly meaningful example of this commitment can be seen in the pub scene, where we enlisted real-life veterans as supporting artists. This small detail was a way to further ground the film in the lived experience of those it seeks to represent.

At its core, Unseen Scars is a film about choice. The choices we make, for better or worse, when we’re faced with trauma. Whether it’s dealing with our own pain or supporting a loved one through theirs, the film explores how we cope with life’s most difficult challenges and reminds us that, in the end, none of us are truly alone in our struggles.

My co-producer, Dr. Kasia Wilk, and I are incredibly proud of the team that brought this vision to life. From the cast to the crew, everyone involved poured their hearts into this project.

Thank you for considering this film. It is deeply meaningful to me to share this story with you, and I hope it resonates with you as profoundly as it did with me during the making of it.