As our country grapples with a mental health crisis, many suffer in silence for fear of being stigmatized. We seek to create an open dialogue and break down social stigma with our film. Our host, David Curfiss, is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served aboard the USS Kinkaid as a Gunners Mate before transferring to the Naval Special Warfare community as an armorer where he had the privilege of working with the elite Navy Seals and SWCC Operators. We will follow David and view his process of dealing with PTSD by going to metal shows and having raw and intimate conversations with Metal musicians and fans on his podcast We Are Melomaniacs.
Our documentary will highlight the thriving Metal scene in New England, and the talented Metal bands who show us that the subject of mental health is anything but taboo to them. For some, Metal music is a path to religious experience as we will see at the First Heavy Metal Church in Ohio. Metal music fans and musicians have created a supportive and loving community that is sure to inspire audiences of all walks.
Finally we will connect with academic professionals to find out what psychology tells us about Metal music and its effect on mood and mental health. Music of all genres is shown to lower cortisol and stress along with it, Metal music is no exception. Metal in particular helps with focus and mental clarity and has been found to create a positive way of processing anger. Melomaniac will educate and entertain a wide audience with a powerful message of hope and healing along with beautiful photography and complex soundscape.
David Curfiss: David will be leading us on our journey and is a creator and producer of our film.
He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served onboard the USS Kinkaid as a Gunners Mate before transferring to the Naval Special Warfare community as an armorer where he had the privilege to work with the elite Navy Seals and SWCC Operators. After eight years of honorable service, David transitioned to civilian life.
David Recently moved with his family to Vermont from the Bay Area. When he is not spending time with his family or at a show, David is hard at work on his podcast
David Grace: Director, writer and producer.
David (professionally known as David Busse) began his film career in the early days of digital independent filmmaking and has maintained a connection to and fondness for low budget, independent projects. After mostly working on major film, television and streaming productions for the past decade in New Mexico, David recently moved to Western Massachusetts where he will focus on small documentary productions. While grateful for the experience of working with some of the industries most talented people and what he has learned along the way, David feels most fulfilled creating films that educate and inspire along with entertainment. Having an early background in music and a love of motion photography, David also brings an adept eye and ear to his work.