The project pairs music from An Undying Love for a Burning Worldwith a story centered on connection, belonging, and suicide prevention
Firekeeper Alliance has premiered an original short film created with Neurosis, professional filmmakers, and four students from Browning Public Schools on the Blackfeet Nation.
Featuring the Neurosis tracks “We Are Torn Wide Open” and “Mirror Deep,” the film follows four young people from Browning as they face a threatening supernatural presence. Its central message reflects Firekeeper Alliance’s suicide-prevention work, presenting human connection and a sense of belonging as sources of protection during periods of isolation and despair.
The film premiered in connection with the Fire in the Mountains gathering, which took place July 25 at Red Eagle Campground on the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. The appearance also marked Neurosis’ first live performance in seven years.
Filmmakers Jason Nix and Bobby Cochran developed the project through extensive work with the Blackfeet community, capturing both the landscape and the experiences of the people involved. Their production was shaped by direct collaboration with students Haley Running Crane, David Fast Buffalo Horse, Reb Pollock, and Paul Medicine Horse.
The four students participated in multiple areas of the production, serving as actors, production assistants, location support, creative partners, and storytellers. Rather than functioning only as subjects within the film, they helped guide how its story and themes were presented.
Actor Sim Schildt portrays the malevolent spirit confronted by the young protagonists. As the story develops, the characters move away from facing the threat individually and instead find strength by standing together.
Firekeeper Alliance founder and director Charlie Speicher said the project was designed as both an artistic work and an extension of the organization’s broader mission.
“The film serves as both an artistic collaboration and a reflection of FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE’s mission to reduce suicide by strengthening the protective factors that sustain life,” Speicher said. “Through authentic human connection, we believe hope grows stronger when we stand together.”
Speicher credited the filmmakers, students, musicians, educators, community members, and additional participants who contributed to the project. He said the film demonstrates what can happen when artists and local communities work toward a shared purpose.
“We hope this film reminds viewers that even in our darkest moments, we are never meant to walk alone,” Speicher added. “Keep the fire burning.”
Neurosis member Steve Von Till described the band’s participation as an extension of the sense of purpose and community that has long surrounded its music.
“We are humbled and honored to have our music associated with the mission of FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE and deeply moved by the collective work of tall involved,” Von Till said. “We have always believed that this emotionally intense underground music has provided us with a sense of purpose, community, and has been a creative outlet to help us make sense of our place in the world.”
He added that the band supports Firekeeper Alliance’s efforts to build connection, recognize resilience, and strengthen the factors that can help protect people from suicide.
The short film arrives during a renewed period of activity for Neurosis. The band unexpectedly released An Undying Love for a Burning World in March, marking its first new studio album in a decade.
The record was tracked by Scott Evans at Studio Litho in Seattle over three weekends during winter 2026. Mixing was completed over three days at Evans’ Antisleep Audio studio in Oakland approximately six weeks before the album’s release.
Released through Neurot Recordings, An Undying Love for a Burning World is available digitally and through physical editions including vinyl, CD, and cassette. The album’s arrival was followed by the announcement of Neurosis’ return to live performance, beginning with the completed Fire in the Mountains appearance.
The band’s remaining announced 2026 dates include Hellbender by The Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina, alongside Acid Bath, Melvins, and Kylesa, followed by two October shows at The Fillmore in San Francisco.
Those Fillmore performances will serve as homecoming dates for the group, returning Neurosis to the Bay Area where the band was formed. Additional live announcements are expected.
Tour Dates
September 5, 2026 — Hellbender by The Orange Peel — Asheville, NC
With Acid Bath, Melvins, and Kylesa
October 16, 2026 — The Fillmore — San Francisco, CA
October 17, 2026 — The Fillmore — San Francisco, CA
Album Information
Artist: Neurosis
Album: An Undying Love for a Burning World
Release Date: March 2026
Label: Neurot Recordings
Formats: Vinyl, CD, cassette, digital, and streaming
Production Credits
Recording Engineer: Scott Evans
Recording Studio: Studio Litho, Seattle
Mixing Studio: Antisleep Audio, Oakland
Additional Information
The Firekeeper Alliance and Neurosis short film features:
“We Are Torn Wide Open”
“Mirror Deep”
Student collaborators:
Haley Running Crane
David Fast Buffalo Horse
Reb Pollock
Paul Medicine Horse
Filmmakers:
Jason Nix
Bobby Cochran
Malevolent Spirit:
Sim Schildt
Leave a Reply