In August 2001, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, a recent high school graduate from Wisconsin, enlisted in the Army to seek adventure. However, the events of 9/11 led him to Iraq, where he served as a paratrooper. As his enlistment neared its end, a stop-loss order extended his service involuntarily. Despite his desire to attend film school, a conversation with his colonel changed his trajectory. Recognizing Hausmann-Stokes' talent for filmmaking, the colonel exempted him from the stop-loss, urging him to pursue film school and become a voice for soldiers in Hollywood.
Enrolling at USC's film school, Hausmann-Stokes embarked on his filmmaking journey, culminating in his feature film debut, 'My Dead Friend Zoe,' a dark comedy premiering at SXSW. The movie, based on his experiences, aims to portray a nuanced perspective of military life, often overlooked in Hollywood's portrayal of veterans.
With a star-studded cast including Sonequa Martin-Green, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman, 'Zoe' has garnered significant attention, with NFL player Travis Kelce making his Hollywood producing debut as an investor. The film's focus on the complexities of military life sets it apart in an industry that often portrays veterans in stereotypical roles.
Hausmann-Stokes' personal journey, including a deployment to Iraq during his film school years, further fueled his commitment to telling authentic soldier stories. Collaborating with industry veterans and newcomers, he brought 'Zoe' to life, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by soldiers.
Supported by investors like Radiant Media Studios and Kelce, the film aims to reach a broad audience and challenge Hollywood's perceptions of veterans' creativity and artistry. By showcasing the diverse talents of veterans like himself, Hausmann-Stokes hopes to shift the industry's narrative and provide a platform for authentic storytelling.
