In honor of Veterans Day, Vet Tix, a veteran-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, partnered with Navy Federal Credit Union to launch a national Pay It Forward campaign. This initiative is designed to encourage military personnel, veterans, their families, Gold Star families, and first responders to see SHEEPDOG in theaters by purchasing tickets through Fandango.
“Vet Tix was founded to provide memorable, world-class experiences for veterans, military personnel, first responders, and their families,” said Michael A. Focareto III, a U.S. Navy veteran and founder and CEO of Vet Tix. “From concerts to sporting events like NASCAR and the Super Bowl, Vet Tix distributes millions of free tickets each year thanks to the generosity of donors, the American people and businesses across the country. Through this partnership, veterans will have access to SHEEPDOG, a film with a message of healing and hope, that will be accessible and in theaters to experience through Vet Tix.”
To maximize reach, Vet Tix works with Fandango, a leading online movie ticket sales platform, to purchase and distribute tickets to its 2.4 million veteran members. The goal is to have 100,000 veterans and their families and friends meet SHEEPDOG.
“SHEEPDOG is more than just a movie. It is a powerful reminder of the resiliency and strength of our military community,” said Capt. Keith Hoskins (ret.), executive vice president of military affairs and strategic partnerships at Navy Federal Credit Union, a founding partner of the campaign. “At Naval Federation, we serve those we serve, and this film reflects the courage, sacrifice, and hope that define our members. We invite you to experience this story and join us in honoring the heroes who inspire us every day.”
The film deals with the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the potential for post-traumatic growth, which is healing and personal growth through therapy and community support. Directed, written and starring Stephen Graeme, SHEEPDOG features an ensemble cast including Emmy nominee Vondie Curtis Hall, Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen, Tony nominee Lily Cooper, Dominic Fumusa and Matt Dallas. The film has been described as “poised to do for veterans what films like ‘Good Will Hunting’ did to normalize treatment and show that there is always hope.”
“We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming love and emotional response to SHEEPDOG from viewers across the country,” said Stephen Graeme. “It’s humbling to hear how this story resonates and sparks conversations about service, sacrifice, and healing. We are extremely grateful to VSO and our corporate partners, especially Vet Tix and Navy Federation Credit Union, for supporting us and believing in the power of this film.”
Graeme too Co-stars with an ensemble cast including Emmy nominees bondi curtis hallAcademy Award nominated film virginia madsenTony nominee lily cooper, Dominic Fumusaand matt dallas.
Shot in Western Massachusetts, SHEEPDOG is the first film to truly explore the physical and psychological effects of trauma, focusing on post-traumatic growth (PTG). This is an uplifting, original story inspired by countless first-hand accounts of recovery, redemption, and healing journeys. Additional details are included below.
Approximately 17 veterans take their own lives every day. The veteran community faces PTSD at twice the rate of civilians. SHEEPDOG’s mission is to spark a national dialogue that goes beyond empty words and provides communities with a clear roadmap to better support veterans.
Following its success on the indie festival circuit, the film Wide theatrical release January 16th.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
