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22: ABOUT THE FILM

A poster of the film.

Back in high school, I began my filmmaking career as a freelance videographer. I frequently filmed weddings, nonprofit promotion videos, events, sports, but my favorite shoots were for Mission Outdoors.

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Mission Outdoors is a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing veterans together in the outdoors and inspiring hope back into their lives. 

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When I was tasked with creating a documentary short for my senior thesis at Chapman University, I contacted Ryan Elwell, the founder of Mission Outdoors, (and a good friend of mine) about the possibility of making my film. Ryan then connected me with Reg.

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The months that followed were filled with enriching experiences where I was able to listen to powerful stories and meet incredible individuals dedicated to saving the lives of veterans in need. Every day in the United States, 22 veterans commit suicide. My film is about the importance of support for these veterans and ending the 22 a day.

The film will be premiered at the
2024 Veterans Film Festival in Los Angeles in November.​​

Written, Directed, and Edited by Nate Markquart.

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STILLS FROM THE FILM

This project is one of my proudest achievements as a filmmaker. 

I saw this film as an opportunity to showcase my skills as a versatile filmmaker. I acted as a "one-man-crew." I am the director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and everything in between. I learned through hands-on experience the importance of time management, proper planning, paperwork, budgeting, editing, color, sound design, and so much more. 22 is the culmination of hundreds of hours of work and an example of all that I have learned at film school . . .
and it was a lot of fun.

The thrill of leaning over the boat as we sped across the ocean to chasing veterans on ski bikes down the slopes, I loved every second of it. To me, one of the appeals of documentary filmmaking comes from the thrill of only having one take, and when that take relies only on me, the adrenaline gets pumping.

Of course, I could not have made this film without the help from the countless collaborators that have had an impact on my project. My classmates, Chapman University professors and faculty, friends at Mission Outdoors, and family all provided instrumental guidance throughout production. My film would not be the same without them.

A photo of me holding a crab on one of the first shoots for 22.

Took a break from filming to check out what was for lunch during the Ilwaco Crabbing shoot!

A photo of me skiing, filming Anthony on another day of shooting 22.

Here I am chasing Anthony Farve down the slopes of Crystal Mountain at another Mission Outdoors event.

While the adventures and new places are definitely a plus, I love making documentaries for the people. I love it for the stories that I have gotten the opportunity not just to hear, but also to tell.

This film was particularly special to me because I have some history with the organization. Mission Outdoors, particularly Ryan, are the ones who took a chance on me and let me into their world. Before I even picked up the camera, I got to meet incredible people and hear all about their lives and find out what they believe in, what inspires them, what terrifies them, and what keeps them going. To be able to end my college education telling a story about the people and the organization that gave me the opportunity to start filmmaking is something that I hold dear to my heart. This is why I make documentaries.

So to everyone that I met during the production of this film, I want to say thank you. You have all inspired me and helped me to tell an incredible story that I am so grateful to be a part of. Whether you know it or not, you all have made a lasting impact on both the film and my life. You are the reason I do what I do. Thank you and I hope you enjoy my film.

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