Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 18, 2014) — Filmmaker Claudia Myers’, an associate professor of film and media arts with American University’s School of Communication, military drama “Fort Bliss” opens in national theaters and is available On Demand tomorrow, September 19, 2014. “Fort Bliss” is a film about a decorated medic and single mother who returns home from an extended tour of duty in Afghanistan to a broken family. The film received the Audience Award at the 2014 Champs-Elysees Franco-American Film Festival and Best Narrative at the 2014 GI Film Festival.
“This story is unique because it sheds light on the life of a female soldier who is also a mother, and how difficult it is for the “ultimate working mother” to balance the demands of these two very different worlds,” said Claudia Myers, Film and Media Arts Professor, American University School of Communication.
Myers wrote and directed “Fort Bliss” staring Michelle Monaghan, who has appeared in the acclaimed HBO series “True Detective”; and Ron Livingston, who is best known for his role in “Office Space.” The cast includes other notable actors, such as Freddy Rodríguez from HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” Pablo Schreiber from “Orange Is The New Black” and seasoned pro John Savage.
Phase 4 Films acquired the North America distribution rights, enabling “Fort Bliss” to be available in the following theaters tomorrow: AMC Empire 25 (NYC), AMC Burbank 8 (LA), and The Grand 10 (EL PASO).
The film also highlights the challenges that soldiers and veterans face such as battles with post-traumatic stress disorder and sexual assault. Despite exploring these dark realities of military life, U.S. Army Public Affairs and other military approvers reaching all the way up to the Pentagon supported the film. Myers was allowed to film on location at Fort Bliss, Texas, use a number of active duty soldiers, military vehicles and subject matter experts to ensure technical accuracy.
“An estimated 2.5 million service men and women served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, and for many Americans these wars seem abstract and remote,” said Myers. “It is my hope the movie will create greater awareness of the difficulties associated with readjusting to civilian life and particularly how the stress of deployment affects the whole family.”
Myers uses her passion for storytelling to write and direct independent features and films. Her next film called “Wild Oats,” directed by Andy Tennant and featuring Shirley MacLaine and Jessica Lange, will be released in 2015 by The Weinstein Company. Myers is also known for writing and directing the feature length film “Kettle of Fish,” starring Matthew Modine and Gina Gershon. The movie was released in theaters in 2009 and aired on Showtime and TMC.
About the AU School of CommunicationAmerican University’s School of Communication is among the top communication schools in the nation, featuring researchers studying the many different intersections among media, technology, and society.
About American UniversityAmerican University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.
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