said Clarke.

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In every project, you have an uncanny ability to detect insincerity and, on the other hand, recognize genuine authenticity. The upcoming action film “Sunray: Fallen Soldier” is a production by and features a group of ex-British Royal Marines Commandos – the UK’s top-tier amphibious special operations force. And it shows. The plot goes like this, “A war veteran enlists the help of old acquaintances to track down those responsible for his daughter’s demise. During the chase, he discovers more about himself than he ever expected as a criminal organization disintegrates behind him.” You can watch the trailer here.

James Clarke and Daniel Shepherd were responsible for writing, directing, and producing the film. Daniel Shepherd enlisted in the Royal Marines Commandos at the tender age of 18, serving for nine years. James Clarke joined the Royal Marines in 2015. In a director’s statement, Clarke noted:

Inside the Armed Forces, there’s a treasure trove of extraordinary talent and creativity, strengthened by the toughness and principles that military service instills. When these elements align, it results in an indomitable creative energy. The film Sunray centers around a veteran utilizing their experiences as a powerful asset, and the filmmaking process mirrors this, offering a moving depiction of the healing power of art. It’s been a privilege and a profound experience to use Sunray: Fallen Soldier as a platform to discuss mental health through an action-packed storyline.

As the lead actor of our movie, I proudly share that this film is deeply rooted in our community’s experiences. However, it transcends beyond a simple narrative about us; it’s a profoundly human tale. This isn’t your typical big-budget production; it’s an independent film, born from the heart of a dedicated team. We’re not backed by corporate giants, but rather a tight-knit group driven by passion, love, and curiosity about the art of storytelling through cinema.

The role I embody is a character deeply scarred… one that mirrors my own past, marked by consecutive mission deployments. Yet, I’m not the only one who’s faced such hardships. Many of us have endured trauma, but it’s ubiquitous in our circle. Escaping its grasp is challenging. My life experiences have been instrumental, yet as an actor, I’ve honed my craft. Those real-life encounters serve as a rich resource… particularly beneficial for the character Sunray.

The Universal Themes of Trauma Embedded in Action

Daniel Shepherd stated, “PTSD and mental health struggles manifest differently in everyone, not just those who served in the military. This idea resonates throughout our film. We’ve incorporated action sequences and standard movie elements, but there is a subtext that delves into mental health and PTSD. It’s essential to remember that appearances can be deceiving; you never truly know what someone is grappling with internally.

Speaking about the movie, Cullen stated that he faced a genuine ethical dilemma. He felt like a fraud and a deceiver since he was portraying characters based on real people who had died in operations. But then he realized, it’s because of these individuals that he can convincingly act; their presence gives him authenticity and credibility. So, if he fails to deliver, he is not doing justice to them… And every time he needs to revisit those characters, he considers it as a visit to his friends.

On January 24, 2025, experience the conclusion of Sunray: Fallen Soldier as it arrives on various digital platforms and cinemas scattered across the UK and North America, brought to you by Vertigo Releasing and Sunrise Films.

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2025-01-17 01:06