Shaun Kota is bringing Richard F.Berg’s fictionalised account of a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress order to theatres. We speak to the writer-director of Scars, which is currently in development with prolific producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis.
Do you have to be familiar with PTSD to make a movie about it, in your opinion?
Shaun Kota: Yes, to show to those suffering that you’re listening.
I presume you’ve learnt even more and more about the disorder since developing the project?
SK: My awesome uncle has PTSD after the Vietnam War. I also have friends with PTSD. I’ve learned as the book and soon movie say, “You don’t ever get over it. You get on with it.”
Tell us about the book – and how you discovered it?
SK: Richard F. Berg, CSC wrote the book, SCARS, after interviewing many Veterans and their families. The book is a mildly fictionalized account of one Veteran’s story of war and the PTSD he experiences at home after war, with his loved ones always bearing witness. Father Berg is a much loved and respected Catholic priest in Portland, Oregon. I’m originally from Portland and know him through family friends. Fr. Berg asked if I wanted to adapt his book for a feature film.
How did you convince the author that you were the right man to turn it into a feature?
SK: He likes my work and asked me.
Why the title?
SK: As the book and soon movie say, “Wounds heal, scars remain.”
And can you tell us about some of the other people involved?
SK: Suzanne DeLaurentiis is producing SCARS. Suzanne is incredible. A regarded producer and staunch advocate for American Veteran affairs. We first met at a pre-Oscars charity event she put on for Veterans.
You’re from Oregon, would you shoot there?
SK: I hope so. We’ll see.
Why does ‘Scars’ need to be made – and seen -in your opinion?
SK: The goal is for SCARS to be an entertaining, authentic tonic for those living with PTSD.