The Call, 64min., USA
Directed by Laura Boyd Owen, Charles Edwin English
The Call is a powerful documentary that breaks the silence around firefighter mental health, offering an unflinching look at the trauma, PTSD, and suicide crisis facing first responders. Through raw interviews, real-life stories, and behind-the-scenes access to firehouses in New Mexico, the film explores the emotional toll of a profession associated with bravery, but rarely with vulnerability.

http://thecalldocumentary.com/

Get to know filmmakers Laura Boyd Owen, Charles Edwin English:

FEEDBACK Film Festival Interview

Charles English

Executive Producer | Cinematographer

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Making a documentary has always been a dream of mine and we were able to connect with amazing people from the firefighter community to help us tell this important story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took us a little over a year of hard work with a bit of help here and there from some of our colleagues.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!? Urgent, important.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The lack of budget was a real challenge! I borrowed gear from friends and did all of the filming as a one-man crew onsite. Laura put in the long hours in post-production and here we are now!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? It was strange at first since this is our debut film, but hearing their perspectives on The Call was really valuable to us.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I have always wanted to make a film since I first saw Star Wars and finally got the opportunity. It has been a long, but amazing journey!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? The Matrix

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? I think that there could be more opportunities for independent filmmakers to connect at events, even if your film isn't accepted.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? Film Freeway makes it really easy to submit to the festivals that you are interested in and has a pretty good search option for upcoming events.

10. What is your favorite meal? Easy pizza! Or maybe curry!

11. What is next for you? A new film? That is the goal. Now we just need the opportunity to tackle the next challenge!

FEEDBACK Film Festival Interview
Laura Boyd Owen
Director | Producer | Editor

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I've always believed filmmaking can be one of the most powerful ways to create change. The Call came from a desire to use my craft for something meaningful and to shed light on the mental health struggles first responders face and help spark a broader conversation about support and understanding.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Our very first official meeting took place on January 25, 2024, and we completed the film on May 31, 2025. What started as a small idea quickly grew into an incredible journey that lasted nearly a year and a half.

3. How would you describe your film in two words?
Impactful, hopeful.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Working with no budget was definitely the biggest challenge. Every part of this film was created on our own time - late nights, weekends, and a lot of heart. Our small team was both a limitation and a gift since while resources were tight, the creative freedom and personal investment made it deeply rewarding.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt a mix of shyness and pride. Hearing people connect emotionally with the story and message was incredibly moving. It reminded me exactly why we made this film in the first place.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I knew from around age ten that storytelling was my path. I loved creative writing and quickly fell in love with cinema and screenwriting. That passion carried me through film school and into a creative career in video production. And finally, into directing my first feature-length documentary alongside my filmmaking partner, Charlie English.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Gladiator (2000) by Ridley Scott.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Connection opportunities with distributors and/or investors would be incredibly valuable. For independent filmmakers, guidance and networking can make all the difference in reaching new audiences and platforms.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
It's been great! FilmFreeway makes it easy to navigate, discover quality festivals, and manage submissions all in one place.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Spaghetti with marinara sauce, a side salad, warm bread, and cookies for dessert. Simple comfort food perfection.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Absolutely I plan to keep creating. The Call proved what can be achieved with passion, creativity, and no budget, and it has inspired me to take on larger projects with even greater scope. I'd love to collaborate with producers and partners who share a vision for powerful, human-centered stories that make a real impact.