‘The Keeper’ premieres in 16 theaters 

On May 1, U.S. Army veteran George Eshleman shared with American Legion Tango Alpha Lima Be the One podcast host Amy Forsythe how he planned to take his own life while hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. But while on the trail, he found a purpose: carrying name tapes of 363 veterans and servicemembers who had died by suicide.

Last night, that story was shared nationwide with the premiere of “The Keeper”, the movie based on Eshleman’s journey and the people he met along the way. The movie was shown in 16 theaters, including a special premiere at Cinemark Playa Vista in Los Angeles that included a red carpet event before the screening and a live Q&A session afterward that was streamed online. The theaters were chosen because of their close proximity to military bases.

The film centers on Eshleman, a member of American Legion Post 47 in Calhoun, Ga., and the support and comfort he receives from fellow hikers – both veterans and civilians. It’s already receiving praise, having been named Best Independent Feature Film at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards.

At the Los Angeles premiere event, The American Legion’s Be the One veteran suicide prevention program was on display on the publicity backdrop; a 30-second Be the One public service announcement also was shown before all of the screenings.

“The Keeper” hits theaters across the nation on Memorial Day Weekend. Additional special screenings can be found here.  Watch the official trailer from “The Keeper” here.