Media & Press
logline.
Beautifully Broken is a feature documentary exploring suicide, trauma, and healing through lived experience—following one family’s loss and the unconventional path toward purpose, resilience, and prevention.
the film.
Beautifully Broken tells the story of Jared Buchanan, whose father—a police officer—died by suicide and left behind a final request: “Make my death an issue so you can help others like me.”
The film traces Jared’s journey through grief, endurance sports, and advocacy, examining how trauma reshapes identity and how healing often comes through community, service, and action. Rather than sensationalizing suicide, Beautifully Broken centers on help-seeking, prevention, and the complexity of recovery.
The documentary has screened at colleges, universities, and community events, sparking meaningful conversations around mental health, first responder trauma, and suicide prevention.
filmmaker & subject statement.
In this brief conversation, director Daniel Herzog and Jared Buchanan discuss the purpose, responsibility, and mission behind Beautifully Broken.
daniel herzog.
Daniel Herzog is a documentary filmmaker and creative producer whose work focuses on mental health, grief, and human resilience. Through Beautifully Broken, Daniel brings a grounded, non-sensational approach to storytelling that prioritizes dignity, lived experience, and impact-driven conversation.
jared buchanan.
Jared Buchanan is a mental health advocate and ultramarathon runner who turned personal loss into purpose after losing his father to suicide. Honoring his father’s final request, Jared has run ultra-marathons around the world to raise awareness about suicide prevention and support for first responders.
topics & themes.
sujbect matter.
Beautifully Broken is well suited for conversations around:
Suicide prevention & mental health awareness
Grief, trauma, and post-traumatic growth
First responder mental health
Endurance sports as a coping and healing tool
Help-seeking, community support, and prevention
Faith, purpose, and meaning after loss
featured media & interviews.
Fox61 Interview Segment
Sheepdog and Shepherd Podcast: Suicide, Law Enforcement, Healing, and Ultra-Marathons
https://www.pray.com/series/sheepdog-and-shepherd-season-one/8bdb2444-460f-4795-8e75-03b8f86be060
Hollistic Huskies Podcast: Inside “Beautifully Broken” with Daniel Herzog
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oCeGGxONvoI0ShRAbJ9jN?si=dkXmFcsZSEiEsWZFseppyA
Screening History & Engagement.
College and university screenings across New England
Hosted by Student Affairs, Counseling & Wellness, Criminal Justice, and Veterans programs
Events include film screenings followed by facilitated discussions or Q&A
Strong student engagement; multiple invitations to return
press & media assets.
Press Quotes / Early Response.
“The documentary really makes you think about how the absolute worst events that could happen in your life will not break you, and that you can find community in sharing your story and your experience because you really never know who it will positively impact. Jared’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience, something I think everyone can relate to..”
— Dr. Jenna Curren
Department of Criminal Justice, Quinnipiac University
“The documentary really makes you think about how the absolute worst events that could happen in your life will not break you, and that you can find community in sharing your story and your experience because you really never know who it will positively impact. Jared’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience, something I think everyone can relate to..”
— Heather Wotton
Assistant Dean of Advising & Student Success,
Albertus Magnus College
“The documentary really makes you think about how the absolute worst events that could happen in your life will not break you, and that you can find community in sharing your story and your experience because you really never know who it will positively impact. Jared’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience, something I think everyone can relate to..”
— Emily Lugo
UConn Outreach Coordinator, Office of Veterans and Military Programs, Quinnipiac University
Interview & Booking Information.
Daniel Herzog and Jared Buchanan are available for:
Podcast interviews
Print and online media interviews
Panel discussions
Campus and community events
📧 Contact:
beautifullybrokendocfilm@gmail.com
Content Notes.
Beautifully Broken addresses suicide and trauma in a responsible, non-graphic manner. Screenings and interviews emphasize prevention, resources, and help-seeking.