The Call is a powerful documentary that breaks the silence around firefighter mental health, offering an unflinching look at the trauma, PTSD, and suicide crisis facing first responders. Through raw interviews, real-life stories, and behind-the-scenes access to firehouses in New Mexico, the film explores the emotional toll of a profession associated with bravery, but rarely with vulnerability.

http://thecalldocumentary.com/

Review by Andie Kay:

There are several words that come to mind to describe this film. Beautiful is the first. I’m not just talking about Charlie English’s cinematography that was gorgeous but the emotion, the honesty and candor that these firefighters had during their interviews. We toss around the word “hero” a lot, and these men and women are absolutely heroes but that word also leads to a misconception that you are unfazed by trauma.

Mental health support systems to process repeated trauma exposure is necessary for these amazing individuals. The statistics of suicide in firefighters was staggering and this film gives you a deeper understanding of what they go through mentally, physically and emotionally. It also was incredibly inspiring to see the programs that have been created and the firefighters/EMS embracing them. Talking about mental health is massively important.

Laura Boyd Owen and Charlie English produced and directed this incredible film and they really went above and beyond. It’s educational, inspiring, and the programs they highlighted in this film made talking about emotional issues approachable. The Fire that Burns Within, Skulls for Hope and the Yellow Rose Campaign are all amazing resources and the men and women behind their inception are just incredible.

Honestly, I loved everything about this film. From the music that was sheer perfection to the wonderful color by Erin Turney in the cinematography. This film was beautifully done. Thank you Laura and Charlie, and thank you to all the EMS and firefighters around the globe.