“Blood on the Leaves” Exposes Gritty Realities of PTSD and Loss

In a gripping short film that unfolds against the backdrop of pain, resilience, and haunting memories, “Blood on the Leaves” takes audiences on a cinematic journey through the intricate web of a former police officer’s struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the quest for redemption.

The filmmaker behind this neo-noir piece is Sharieff Walters, an actor whose inspiration for the story originated from his personal battles with PTSD after returning from Iraq in 2005. In an exclusive interview, Walters delves into the depths of the narrative, shedding light on the emotional complexities that drive the film.

“When I got home from Iraq in 2005 I had some struggles that not only affected me, but my family especially my daughter” said Walters. “I wanted to write a neo-noir piece about PTSD , the impact it has on family, loss and how it can haunt you.”

The main character Guy Richardson, portrayed by Walters himself, is a former police officer turned private investigator grappling with the aftermath of his daughter’s abduction and murder. The film explores the profound impact of PTSD on both the individual and their relationships, particularly with the daughter who survived the traumatic incident.

Walters reveals that his favorite part of the production was taking on the lead role, a departure from his usual portrayals of cops, tough guys, and military figures. Playing such a vulnerable character challenged Walters, but he found solace in collaborating with a remarkable cast and crew, making the acting process more immersive.

However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. As a veteran dealing with PTSD, Walters acknowledges the difficulty of tapping into his own past for the sake of authenticity. The process, though demanding, proved to be rewarding as it added layers of depth to the character and the overall narrative.

Reflecting on the production, Walters expresses a desire for tighter scheduling, citing the absence of a concrete plan as a hindrance to efficiency.

“This being my production I would have taken a more hands on approach in pre production and ran through the entire game plan before filming.”

For aspiring individuals venturing into the production space, Walters offers sage advice. Humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are paramount. He emphasizes the importance of pre-production, urging meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of the game plan before stepping onto the set. Walters also encourages leveraging the experience of those with more expertise, utilizing free locations, and treating every team member with respect.

“Everyone’s job is important, be the hardest worker in the room and when you succeed it was the TEAM if you fail take ownership and learn from it.”

The cast and crew of “Blood on the Leaves” includes Michael King, Sharif Walters, Pete Capella, Sandra Oakly and Jason Avalos.

To stay updated on future projects, Sharieff Walters invites audiences to explore his Instagram profile, @actorsharieffwalters, and visit his website, 48mileproductions.com.

“Blood on the Leaves” is an official selection at the Utah International Film Festival taking place February 12-17th and will screen at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.