Wed Feb 26 14:50:00 UTC 2025: **Oregon-Filmed Veteran’s Story “My Dead Friend Zoe” Opens in Theaters**

PORTLAND, OR— “My Dead Friend Zoe,” a powerful new film exploring the realities of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veteran life, opens in Portland area theaters this Friday, February 28th. The Oregon-filmed movie, directed by veteran Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, stars Sonequa Martin-Green (“Star Trek: Discovery,” “The Walking Dead”) and Natalie Morales.

The film follows Merit (Martin-Green), a U.S. Army veteran struggling with PTSD after serving in Afghanistan. Her story unfolds through flashbacks to her friendship with fellow soldier Zoe (Morales), who tragically died. Zoe continues to appear to Merit, forcing her to confront her trauma. Adding to Merit’s challenges is her strained relationship with her Vietnam veteran grandfather (Ed Harris) and the encouragement from a Veterans Affairs counselor (Morgan Freeman) to face her emotions.

Hausmann-Stokes, who based the script on his own experiences, emphasizes the film’s relatability beyond the veteran community. He says the movie’s specificity makes it universally appealing, touching on themes of loss, complicated friendships, and family relationships. The director, who served in the Army before attending USC film school, explains that he was essentially tasked by his colonel to become “the voice” of soldiers through filmmaking.

Much of “My Dead Friend Zoe” was filmed in Molalla, Oregon, with additional scenes shot in Portland. Hausmann-Stokes chose Oregon due to its film tax incentives, ultimately deviating from his initial plan to set the movie in his home state of Wisconsin. The film premiered at the South by Southwest festival in 2024 and has garnered attention, in part, due to its executive producer, NFL star Travis Kelce.

Hausmann-Stokes hopes the film’s success will encourage Hollywood to invest in more original stories that reflect the authentic experiences of veterans, challenging stereotypes and providing a nuanced portrayal of their lives. He describes the film as “purple,” aiming to transcend political divides and focus on human connection.

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