Two Santa Maria veterans to star in upcoming Hollywood film
SANTA MARIA, Calif.-
Two Santa Maria veterans are starring in an upcoming Hollywood film.
An unexpected and unlikely event that found its way to the heartstrings of some Hollywood filmmakers. It was a long time coming. A story that Don Denoyer wasn’t sure would ever be told.
“It's about the struggles of people who serve, soldiers that serve,” said Donald Denoyer the lead actor of the film Memoirs of a Fighter.
Denoyer wrote the script Memoirs of a Fighter based on his life. A life of tragedy and triumph.
“We are a bunch of military guys suffering from a lot of different ailments. Alcoholism, drug addiction a lot of physical ailments,” said Denoyer.
Denoyer served in the US military for 27 years. Only to return home with a severe diagnosis of PTSD.
“There are a lot of things that people don't really see about soldiers that served. They see someone that is healthy and on the contrary, we are dealing with pain every day,” said Denoyer.
Denoyer has a background in acting and uses writing as therapy.
He enlisted his other veteran brothers who have been faced with similar traumas.
“I experienced pretty heavy depression for a long time. And I was willing to take my own life. I tried. So this is a very real part for me,” said Santa Maria's Band of Brothers non-profit CEO Steve Baird.
Baird plays alongside Denoyer in the film as his brother.
“This is a very in-depth look at a very real story of what's going on involving veterans that have walked that walk, and have been through that journey. From addiction, suicide, depression, and isolation,” explained Baird.
In the film, Denoyer's character competes in underground fighting to help his veteran friend pay for his sick daughter's medical bills.
“This movie is going to bring a lot of awareness because a lot of veterans are going to go out there and see this and go yup exactly,” said Denoyer.
The film will be directed by Nicolas Nathaniel, also a veteran who suffers from PTSD.
The production starts in April and will film in London, African and even on the Central Coast.
“I finally got an opportunity to be in a starring role and be with some amazing actors. And people really get to see what I can do. For me, it's a blessing and a dream come true,” said Denoyer.
Denoyer and Nathaniel plan to donate some of the profits from the film to Band of Brothers.
“We want to give veterans a job in the film industry. Also, this film is not just for veterans, it's for anyone who has ever had to fight in life. It's about human survival,” said Nathaniel.
