Confronting the Silent War at Home
Saving 22 is a searing documentary directed by U.S. Army veteran Gary Otte that focuses on the veteran suicide crisis and the mental health struggles veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. Shot extensively in Montana—the state with the highest veteran suicide rate and veteran population per capita—the film chronicles the shattered remains left behind when a veteran takes their own life.
However, Saving 22 is not just a story of tragedy; it is a story of hope and recovery. The film exposes the deep and dark realities of prolonged solitude and depression, but ultimately proves that we all have the power to choose who we are. By emphasizing a holistic wellness approach—encompassing physical, mental, financial, and spiritual health—the documentary demonstrates that moving the body makes the brain happy, and finding a new purpose can save a life.
Bridging the Gap Between
Combat and Community
Storytelling
The film features raw, unfiltered stories from military veterans and their families, aiming to show both the dark mental battles they endure and the tangible hope for recovery.
Bridging the Gap
It is designed to help spouses, loved ones, and friends understand the psychological toll of combat, enabling them to better communicate with and support the veterans in their lives.
Resource Connection
Screenings are often paired with community networking events featuring local nonprofits, mental health providers, and veteran services to ensure immediate help is available.
Bring Saving 22 to Your Community
The Saving 22 documentary tours frequently across the Midwest and the United States, often hosted at VFW posts, American Legions, local theaters like the Babcock Theatre, and museums. We offer tiered screening packages—including full-length, shortened, and intermediate versions—tailored for nonprofits and fundraising events.
By hosting a screening, you can spark a conversation that saves lives and generate awareness for veteran service organizations in your area.
How You Can
Support the Mission
Request a Screening
Bring the Saving 22 documentary to your community, school, or organization. We offer tiered screening packages (full-length, shortened, and intermediate) tailored for nonprofits and fundraising events. Spark a conversation that saves lives.
Share Your Story
Invite veterans or families of fallen soldiers to submit personal stories or messages. Spark a conversation that saves lives.
— KSAL News
"U.S. Army veteran and filmmaker Gary Otte's message and mission are the same – using film to prevent veteran suicide."
Voices Amplifying the Mission
The impact of Saving 22 is being recognized across the nation. From local news features to dedicated veteran networking events, the media is helping us shine a light on this critical issue.
— NonStop Local Billings
"This film depicts the mental battle many veterans face when coming back to civilization."
Veteran Crisis Resources
If you are a veteran in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out. There is a community ready to stand with you.
Resources List:
•Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
•Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net
•Partner Organizations: Mission 22, Wounded Warrior Project, NAMI Veterans Support, and local Vet Centers.
22 veterans commit suicide every day in America…
A Castle on a Hill decided that making a documentary film was an excellent choice for its first feature. Saving 22 is an epic depiction of the silent war taking place in our country within the hearts and minds of our service men and women.
Veterans and service members are taking their own lives at a rate that has never been seen before. 22 Veterans die at their own hand every day in America. Rates of PTSD, clinical depression, and anxiety disorders are at an all-time high.
Watch Saving 22, a powerful documentary uncovering
the truth behind veteran suicide.
Host a screening, support our mission, and be part of the change.
PASSION BEHIND THE PROJECT
This documentary, which was shot in Montana, chronicles the shattered remains left behind when a veteran takes his or her own life, the courage and bravery of those who have come back from the precipice, and the organizations that have stepped forward to make a difference.
While the government has thrown millions of dollars at studies to determine the cause of these suicides, little has been done to provide a solution. Currently, only 30% of veterans in the United States actually utilize VA services.
Many of the remaining 70% of veterans struggle daily with how and where to get help.
Montana has the highest veteran suicide rate in the nation, as well as the highest concentration of veterans per capita.
This state is tired of waiting for a solution.
Montana has stepped into the forefront, with many veteran service organizations reaching out to veterans and providing real solutions to this epidemic.
Mental health counseling alone is not enough to make the changes necessary for veterans to return to an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
Lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating habits, better sleep, journaling, and eliminating drugs and alcohol, do wonders, but veterans usually need help to do these things. A holistic approach is imperative.
Solid PTSD coping strategies include: socializing, mental and/or substance abuse treatment (which can take months to get), exercise, and mindfulness. The problem is that there are barriers for every one of these strategies.
ABOUT THE FILM
"Saving 22" exposes the problem of 22 Veterans who take their own lives each day. Although the movie goes into detail about what suicide can do to a family and community, "Saving 22" is really about having the power to get the life we want. Getting out and coming home, you don't have anyone you relate to anymore.
When your life feels like there's no reason to be and you're the outsider, not belonging anywhere, things get lonely and depressing. You lack motivation and energy. "Saving 22" is about mental health. The feature-length movies show that when you move your body, your mind is happy. The movement is determined by you. Do you like working out, working with horses, or riding motorcycles? It is your decision and your time to get up and move.
The conversation doesn't end with the film. Saving 22 is the foundation of a larger multimedia ecosystem, including the Saving 22 Podcast and future film production initiatives in South Carolina and Montana. We need your support to continue this vital work.
How to Help
Share Your Story. We invite veterans and families of fallen soldiers to submit personal stories or messages for inclusion in our ongoing projects.
Corporate Sponsorship: Align your brand with a mission that matters. We offer monthly subscription sponsorship models for corporate partners.
Donate to support our outreach efforts, community screenings, and partner organizations helping veterans in crisis.
