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Running On Empty 

Feature Documentary

Directed, Shot & Edited: Joey Dwyer & Timmy Dwyer

Music: Cleod9

Produced: Brendan O'Toole 

After multiple deployments, Brendan O’Toole completed his final tour with the U.S. Marines in June of 2012. When O’Toole first returned home, he was in a mental state of mind similar to many of his brothers and sisters throughout the military. When he reached out for help, he was denied assistance from the Veterans Administration. With no medical support for the depression and back injuries he sustained in service, O’Toole’s frustration reached a breaking point.

 

A cross-country journey intended to make a difference, in the beginning, was certainly looked upon as an ambitious dream of young wonderers; however, when O’Toole reached Dallas, TX, people started to believe it was possible.  Mile by mile, America arose to show its true colors within the people along the route.  These unique interactions inevitably kept Brendan pushing through the toughest days on the road.  

 

Told from the perspective of two brothers (Joey and Timmy Dwyer), the film depicts SGT. Brendan O’Toole during his passion driven pursuit. After a grueling year on the road Brendan completed his 3,600-mile run from Oceanside, CA to Portland, ME with a greater understanding of his country and himself.

The Film has been completed and submitted to a number of film festivals across North America.  

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