1997 graduate Jake Rademacher releases the award-winning documentary film ‘Brothers At War’ in six U.S. cities on March 13, 2009
CHICAGO, March 9 /PRNewswire/ — University of Notre Dame alumnus Jake Rademacher (’97) will open his first feature-length film, “Brothers At War,” on March 13, 2009, in six select U.S. cities including Chicago, Ill.
Rademacher spent three and a half years filming “Brothers At War,” which included embedding himself in four different combat units through two separate trips to Iraq. The film examines the lives of his brothers, Capt. Isaac Rademacher and Cpl. Joseph Rademacher, serving in the war-torn Middle East and how their relationships with their family and loved ones change upon their return.
“Our opening in Chicago is very meaningful to many members of our team,” said Rademacher. “Both myself and Executive Producer Gary Sinise have roots here. Gary was born and raised here, and he co-founded the famous Steppenwolf Theater Company. Chicago is the place where I began my career as an actor before moving to L.A.”
The University of Notre Dame community has played a large role in helping Rademacher achieve his goal of distributing the film on a national level. In June 2007, while visiting his alma mater for his ten-year reunion, Rademacher presented an early cut of his film as part of the reunion activities.
Also attending the reunion was David Scantling, chief executive of the private equity firm, Scantling Technology Ventures (STV), and a 1991 graduate of Notre Dame. Scantling had just returned from working with the Department of Defense on economic development projects in Iraq. Scantling and his wife, Molly, a 1987 Notre Dame graduate, attended the screening and were greatly moved by the film and its message.
“After watching just the first thirty minutes of the film, I turned to wife Molly and said, ‘This is what it’s like in Iraq,’” said Scantling. “The film resonated with me and I knew it was important for war fighters, veterans and the American public to see this film. It conveys the Catholic values of service, family and sacrifice that we learned at Notre Dame and it embodies the slogan engraved over the entrance to the Basilica on campus: ‘God, Country, Notre Dame.’”
Following the presentation at the 2007 reunion, Scantling reached out to Rademacher to inquire about the film’s progress. After being invited to attending a screening of “Brothers At War” in Hollywood hosted by Gary Sinise, Jon Voight and Rademacher’s production company, Metanoia Films, Scantling was inspired to join the film’s production team. Scantling joined Gary Sinise, recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal for his support of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as an executive producer. Both Sinise and Scantling were instrumental in helping the film launch nationally.
Producers of the film are Director Rademacher and legendary television producer and three-time Emmy nominee, Norman S. Powell (”24,” “The Unit,” “American Valor” and “Gunsmoke”).
The film has received praise from many active duty service members, veterans and military family members, including Chrissy Hicks, a former U.S. Army Cpt. and a 1997 graduate of Notre Dame. “I realize that you have risked your own life in order to get the truth out to the American Public… thank you. The film was incredible,” said Hicks.
“Brothers At War” was crowned Best Feature Documentary at the G.I. Film Festival in Washington, D.C. and was awarded the Grand Jury Prize and Best Documentary title at the Solstice Film Festival in Minneapolis. The film also features a score by six-time Emmy winner Lee Holdridge and the song “Brothers in Arms,” by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.
“‘Brothers At War’ has been the most terrifying, soul searching and gratifying thing I have ever done. I am deeply thankful for the support the film has received from the Notre Dame family,” said Rademacher.
