If you missed the pastor of Blue Ridge Baptist Church in his big screen debut, there is good news. You’ll have the opportunity to see him when the Harrison Museum of African American Culture brings “Trauma” to the Trinkle Theatre at Mill Mountain. The movie, which highlights Post Traumatic Syndrome (PTSD) in Black veterans, debuts in Roanoke on Saturday, June 3.
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture and CMB Studios, Greensboro, NC, have teamed up to present the original feature film as a fundraiser for the museum.
“Trauma,” tells the story of a U.S. Army veteran, Travis, who returns from combat faced with the war still playing out in his mind. His wife takes his kids, and his bank account and disappears. As Travis finds his life spiraling out of control he turns to drugs.
PTSD is a condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as war. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans are more likely to experience multiple traumatic events. Data shows that Black veterans have been extremely hard hit by trauma-related mental health disorders.
Christopher Bray is CMB Studios. He wrote, produced, and directed “Trauma” and is the lead actor as Travis.
The plot is centered on Travis who tries to rid his life of an old battle buddy, Leonard, but cannot do so due to their disappointing history. Leonard, once a devout brother-like friend to Travis, seeks revenge for a past betrayal. Travis leans on his old squad leader, Sgt. Turner, played by Huffman, for mentorship and help to adjust to stateside life.
Huffman, who just celebrated his third year as pastor of Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Botetourt County, gives a stellar performance. When Huffman is not preaching, he is teaching history at his alma mater, Tunstall High School in Pittsylvania County where he is also an assistant football coach.
“I think Roanoke will find this movie riveting,” Huffman says. “Chris put together an action-packed film that I’m proud to be a part of.”
Tickets are $25 plus processing fees for the special premier at 7:30 p.m. and $100 plus processing fees for the VIP event that grants ticket holders access to the cast, crew, and director in a special event to be held before the show, may be obtained through the Center in the Square Box Office, 540-342-5700 or online at centerinthesquare.org.
