Penitent

Martin,

A profound film.

None of us knows how we will respond - no matter the extent of our training- until we are actually under fire for the first time.

In this film, you have illustrated a way out of shame, guilt and self-loathing to the redemptive space where we can (no matter our experiences and responsibilities in war operations) find reason to continue to live and have a hope for peace in our hearts.

Semper Fidelis

Joe Johns (US Marine Sergeant American Embassy Security Detachment Beirut March 1980 to March 1981).

Canadian Armed Forces Catholic Chaplain 2000-2009 (Persian Gulf 2002) Royal Australian Air Force Chaplain 2009-2014 (MEAO 2010)

Medically Retired 2014.

A very successful and completed project for the film company .

The story is well written , scripted , well produced and well directed . The film company has delivered a film that highlights the difficulty of veterans in a loud voice.

The cast are simply fantastic and deserve recognition for bringing the struggles to life.

It also addresses the lack of mental health support available within the uk .

The story involves some twists which were extremely well written .

Kudos to all involved.

This film moved me and reminded me of the mental trauma that our servicemen and women endure as part of their everyday job. It is easy to forget the heartache, horror, anxiety, loneliness, anger, confusion, self-doubt, sadness, and, of course, ultimately, the fear that military personnel live with all of the time. We forget because these people are professionals and just get on with the job they signed up to do. But we must never forget. And this powerful film tells us why. As ex military myself, I know only too well that many servicemen and women do not share their experiences because they find it too difficult. This why a film like "Penitent" is important because it is their voice, a voice that needs to be heard. It also made me think a lot more about being too judgmental and pausing to consider the reasons behind other people's behaviour.. Congratulations on a job well done! Full marks for the music score too!

Being an Ex-Squaddie and serving in the balkans I found this film to hit me right where it hurts, Firstly the Whole squaddie way was nailed to a T with the way the officers spoke to JNCOs and the way that all commands were given it felt very real and non scripted. But mainly the locations and the way the events all unfolded was very hard hitting, it took me back 25years and gave me a nostalgia trip.

Well done to all who was involved and the awards are justifies.

The acting was superb, I found the whole thing very emotional to watch and that's unusual for me watching a film. It reminded me of films like Dead Mans Shoes and Just a Boys Game.

Excellent.