The 2025 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) wrapped up in spectacular fashion, bringing five days of cinematic excellence to a close with the deeply moving My Dead Friend Zoe. This gripping comedy-drama, written and directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, captivated audiences with its raw authenticity, nuanced storytelling, and powerful performances. The film was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, serving as both a heartfelt exploration of veteran mental health and a much-needed conversation starter about the unseen struggles faced by former service members.
A Story of War, Friendship, and the Battle Within
At the heart of My Dead Friend Zoe is Merit (played by Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. Despite being home, Merit remains haunted by the presence of Zoe (Natalie Morales), her best friend from the Army—who, despite being deceased, continues to play an active role in her life. Their unconventional and insulated bond offers Merit comfort but also isolates her from reality.
As she navigates civilian life, Merit faces pressure from various forces around her. Her VA group counselor (Morgan Freeman) urges her to seek healing, her tough-loving mother (Gloria Reuben) pushes her toward a fresh start, and a budding romance offers a glimpse of hope. However, the most profound challenge comes from an estranged family member: her grandfather (Ed Harris), who, now facing cognitive decline, forces her to confront their fractured relationship. The intergenerational aspect of trauma and healing plays a pivotal role in the film, making it more than just a story about war—it’s about family, loss, and the courage to move forward.
Hausmann-Stokes, a former U.S. Army paratrooper who served in Iraq and received the Bronze Star in 2008, brings his firsthand military experience into the script, making the film deeply personal. During the post-screening Q&A, he revealed that My Dead Friend Zoe is “95% autobiographical.” The central characters of Merit and Zoe are based on his real-life friendship with a fellow veteran, but with one key change: they were reimagined as women.
“Women veterans’ experiences are often overlooked, and I wanted to change that,” Hausmann-Stokes explained. “I’ve met countless female vets whose stories deserve to be told, and this was my way of honoring them.”
A Conversation That Spans Generations
One of the film’s most powerful moments unfolds in a poignant dialogue between Merit and her grandfather, played with gravitas by Ed Harris. As Merit opens up about the mental health struggles of post-9/11 veterans, her grandfather recalls his own return from the Vietnam War. Unlike today’s veterans, who receive both support and scrutiny, Vietnam veterans were often met with outright hostility.
“We didn’t talk about PTSD back then. We just drank, fought, and tried to forget,” he tells Merit.
This moment underscores the generational cycle of trauma that many veterans experience. Hausmann-Stokes later shared that this scene was inspired by real conversations he’s had with Vietnam War veterans, emphasizing that PTSD knows no era—it affects soldiers from every war, regardless of when or where they served.
Why My Dead Friend Zoe Resonates
Beyond its compelling narrative and stellar performances, My Dead Friend Zoe makes a powerful statement about veteran mental health. The film does not shy away from depicting the internal battles that persist long after soldiers return home, nor does it sugarcoat the societal and bureaucratic hurdles that often stand in the way of proper care. Instead, it uses humor, heart, and honesty to break down the stigma surrounding PTSD, therapy, and the struggles of transitioning to civilian life.
Key themes that make the film stand out include:
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The Importance of Mental Health Care for Veterans
- The film highlights the need for accessible and destigmatized mental health support for military personnel returning home.
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Female Veterans in the Spotlight
- My Dead Friend Zoe sheds light on women in the military, whose service and sacrifices are often overlooked in mainstream media.
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Intergenerational Trauma & Healing
- The film shows how war-related trauma is passed down through generations, but also how open conversations can pave the way for healing.
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The Power of Friendship & Support Systems
- Merit and Zoe’s bond, though unconventional, symbolizes the deep connections that veterans form with one another—connections that can be both lifelines and obstacles in the path to recovery.
A Standing Ovation and a Lasting Impact
Closing the 2025 Pan African Film Festival on Saturday, February 16, 2025, My Dead Friend Zoe left an undeniable impact on its audience. As the credits rolled, the theater erupted in applause, not just for the masterful storytelling but for the crucial message it carried. Many in attendance left visibly moved, including veterans who saw their own struggles reflected on screen.
“This film was funny, heartbreaking, and deeply moving. It gave me a new appreciation for what veterans go through—and the importance of being there for them when they come home,” one attendee shared.
With its mix of humor, heartbreak, and hard-hitting truth, My Dead Friend Zoe is not just a film—it’s a conversation starter, a tribute, and a call to action for greater support and recognition of veterans’ mental health needs.
As the 2025 Pan African Film Festival comes to a close, the final message is clear: movies have the power to heal, to challenge, and to inspire. And with My Dead Friend Zoe, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes has created a film that will be remembered not just for its storytelling, but for its service to those who have served.
Written by Mark Winkler
Lifestyle Entertainment Reporter
WEDGEDIN News