Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL, brings authentic wartime experience to the film 'Warfare.'

In an intriguing interview, Geoff Bennett sat down with Ray Mendoza, the co-director and writer of the film 'Warfare,' which portrays a true story of a military operation gone wrong in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. Unlike typical Hollywood war movies, 'Warfare' aims for a visceral and authentic depiction of combat, utilizing unedited long scenes and a notable absence of a musical score to capture the raw emotions of military personnel in stressful situations. Mendoza reflects on the challenges faced when reconstructing memories from the mission, revealing the often subjective nature of recollections under stress. This authenticity is evident through the casting process, emphasizing the need for young actors who can portray the youthful demographics of those serving in such conflicts. Mendoza hopes the film resonates with veterans and provides a voice to their experiences, while also addressing the unfortunate reality that their understanding of local civilians, represented only minimally in the film, is often limited. Such storytelling provides a critical perspective on the complex feelings surrounding U.S. military operations and the sacrifices made by troops. This film is both a portrayal of a specific event and a tribute to the broader veteran community, aiming to foster connection and understanding of their sacrifices.