On April 1st, 2021, Media Burn presented a screening of excerpts from the upcoming film Walk with Frank. Frank Romeo and filmmakers Ryan and Matt Mayers joined a conversation moderated by Yana Khashper.
On April 1st, 2021, Media Burn presented a screening of excerpts from the upcoming film Walk With Frank in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s Department of Cinema and Media Studies. The screening was accompanied by a discussion including the film’s subject, Frank Romeo, and filmmakers Ryan and Matt Mayers. The discussion was moderated by Yana Khashper. Watch a full replay of the event above.
Walk with Frank – In his thirty years of advocating for PTSD awareness, Frank Romeo saw a disconnect between the younger generation’s understanding of the idea of war and the actual reality of war. Romeo believed that more education concerning the realities of war and PTSD are essential to understanding and confronting veterans’ issues. “Walk With Frank” will tell the story of Frank Romeo’s 50-year journey, which began in 1968 when he enlisted in the US Army to fight in the Vietnam War. By documenting Romeo’s conversations with homeless veterans, the film will provide insight into PTSD and its impact on society. The film will also honor the veteran by giving them a voice. The film seeks to increase public awareness of the impact of PTSD on veterans, their families, and society.
Frank Romeo – Decorated Vietnam veteran, artist, and educator, Romeo has made a life’s study of the effects of PTSD on veterans of every generation. He knows what the experts say: that 20% of the male homeless population are Veterans and that there is a strong correlation between PTSD and homelessness. After decades of work in high schools, where he has educated young people about the realities of war, Romeo is hitting the streets.
On March 1, 2019, the day he celebrated his 70th birthday, Frank Romeo began a 750-mile, three-month walk across New York State. Developed with the assistance of Mr. Thomas Ronayne, Director of the Office of the Suffolk County Executive Veterans Service Agency, Romeo’s itinerary included 25 homeless shelters that span the state. Romeo will engage the homeless veterans he meets in a conversation about his own 50-year fight with PTSD. Walk with Frank documents this journey.
Ryan and Matt Mayers – Since they were boys, Ryan and Matt Mayers have been making movies together, and bring that same passion to their films today. Ryan is an Emmy award-winning editor known for various film and television projects, including the hour-long documentary series Oprah’s Next Chapter and A&E Biography. Matt has produced films for national brands and musicians, and his original series of family friendly shorts have received national attention. Their goal is to make films that find an emotional truth, while telling an entertaining story.
Yana Khashper – Yana graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and went on to work with The New York City Fire Department Counseling Unit where her focus was to provide services to firefighters and emergency personnel of the FDNY impacted by the WTC tragedy and other disasters. Yana’s addiction took hold of her life during this time, leading to complete incapacitation. After recovering thanks to an emphasis on physical activity, she co-founded ROCovery Fitness with the goal of providing sober experiences and connections to other individuals pursuing recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
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