Master Sergeant Victor Raphael (Ulises Larramendi) is nearing the end of his military career when an explosion in Afghanistan leaves him injured. Back home, he is thrust into battle once again, but he hasn't been trained for this type of warfare. Physical rehabilitation is painful, and he has more to overcome than his physical injuries. His wife, Michelle (Angela Sweet), is distant, and their marriage seems to be held together only by her sense of duty. Vic's first response is isolation, but that becomes a dead end. Feeling hopeless and alone, he is introduced to something new and uncomfortable---meeting in a community with others who have endured and survived some terrible things, with the scars to prove it, are brought into his life. It is easy to see that these unlikely heroes now live with a hope and purpose far beyond this life. Somehow, their trials have made them STRONGER. (from the website) STRONGER is a faith-based film about a returning veteran's struggle with PTSD and his journey to find true healing in Christ. Executive Produced by Carla McDougal of Reflective Life Ministries, Stronger was written and directed by Robin Murray. Cinematography and film editing by Jake Allen and produced by Hannah Allen and Kitty Self. For additional Cast and Crew, check out website. The film will have its Red Carpet Houston premiere May 13, 2017.
Angela Sweet, lead actress in Stronger, found her passion for acting at the age of nine when accidentally landed the
role of Lucy in The Lion, The Witch and theWardrobe at her local community theater. Angela’s resume includes extra
work and small roles in television/ film productions including Warner
Brothers Cradle to theGrave, Paramount Pictures The Hunted, HBO’s Live fromBaghdad, ABC’s The Practice, and Idiot Boyfriendstarring Jimmy Fallon. Angela co-starred in two Independent films, Dream Girl and The Inglewood Project. She was also featured in NBC’s Dog Eat Dogand The John Walsh Project. Her professional focus shifted from acting to
personal training and print modeling for companies such as IBM, Ashley
Furniture and Oxygen fitness magazine. She founded “The Fitness Studio”
franchise in 2007 with the heart to teach godly physical stewardship. Angela now lives in Texas with her husband, Shawn, and their two children. Angela and Shawn currently own/operate Sweet Financial Group, LP
together. Angela’s heart is to honor God using whatever avenue of ministry He provides, including acting. She is grateful to invest in Stronger and confident that God will reveal truth, comfort hearts, and restore hope through this film.
Ulises Larramendi is the lead actor in the movie STRONGER. This is his fourth film project; other films were Reflective Life Ministries’ First Love, On Borrowed Time and Amerigeddon. The latter two are currently in post-production. Ulises has chosen to focus mainly on faith-based films since joining Actors, Models and Talent for Christ. Other acting experience was in live theater included playing "Coach" in That Championship Season; he received a Best Actor award for that role.
For nearly 3 decades he has been actively involved in the restaurant business, which feeds his passion for hospitality. He currently owns two eateries in the North Houston area. Ulises, his wife, and their children reside in The Woodlands, Texas.
Ulises’
prayer is that his performances will honor God, first and foremost, and
will also impact people’s lives, offering grace, restoring hope, and
bringing them closer to Him. In portraying Vic, he hopes the story will
remind all those struggling with PTSD that one can indeed accomplish all
things through Christ, and that HE is the real source of strength in
every circumstance.
Kitty Self is the Assistant Producer for the
Stronger movie. Her job is to help the producers, director, and
videographer however she can. Sometimes it is providing a location for
the scenes and providing food for the crew and cast when they are
filming. Other times it involves editing written materials regarding the
movie and its promotion. She has been with Reflective Life Ministries
for nine years. Kitty commented, "This movie about PTSD hits home because I was an Air Force brat and a Navy wife. Thankfully, my loved ones didn't experience the trauma so many men and women returning home from past or present wars did and still do. But, I am familiar enough with it to eagerly participate in the making of this film, which provides hope and encouragement to those broken, hurting men and women. The learning curve has been eye opening, especially the realization that many people outside of the military are going through their own debilitating trauma. We want this movie to bring awareness as well as hope in Christ."
