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In the process, Spann and the film\u2019s other subjects hone in extensively on their own imperfections. There is anger, resentment, uncertainty of worth, and the patterns that so often ensue once uniforms are closeted for the last time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy unhappiness has led me to do a lot of stupid, self-destructive shit,\u201d Spann said. \u201cBut if sharing that unhappiness on camera demystifies why veterans struggle and desperately seek community among other veterans \u2014 often at the cost of other friends and family \u2014 then I\u2019ll continue to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, getting a personally-funded film off the ground is no easy task. There are the costs, but beyond funding, any pitches to major production companies often involve pressure to alter content, structure or themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome places felt like it was too raw,\u201d Kershaw said. \u201cThey said, \u2018You got to end this on a happy note,\u2019 like things are all good, and they\u2019re not. That\u2019s not how the film would have its biggest impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is Kershaw\u2019s hope that sticking to his guns via a more gritty portrayal of veteran struggles will lead to it becoming the force multiplier he believes it can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTribal\u201d might not offer an uplifting ending depicting a successful veteran figure with a quintessential family, successful job, or comfortable home. But for Kershaw, Spann, Gomez and Hernandez, it does provide a catalyst to conversation that could prevent additional losses and act as an incubator for community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That potential is well worth the individual vulnerability, Kershaw said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs veterans you\u2019re going to take on a burden, and that\u2019s what this is,\u201d he said. \u201cBut that\u2019s what we\u2019re supposed to do as leaders, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n