In the quiet moments before sunrise, when the fog still clings to Ohio’s rivers and the morning light filters through Buckeye branches, something powerful is unfolding. Veterans, many of whom carry the invisible wounds of war, are finding connection, healing, and peace—one cast at a time.
Lines of Hope is a forthcoming docu-series produced by contentEXP Group (CXG), a Central Ohio-based film & advertising production company known for its award-winning storytelling. The series will explore the healing journeys of veterans through the art of fly fishing, set against the usually unseen tranquil backdrop of central Ohio’s forests and rivers. Through stunning cinematography and deeply personal narratives, Lines of Hope aims to reveal the therapeutic power of nature and the strength found in community. Each episode will offer a window into transformation, resilience, and the deeply human need for connection.
At the heart of this project is a genuine passion for both storytelling and service.
“A chance meeting at a friend’s wedding turned into something much bigger than we could’ve imagined,” says Brett Langolf, founder of CXG. “Andy and I connected instantly over our shared love of fly fishing and storytelling—but more importantly, our desire to give back to those who have given so much.”
Andy is Andy Stiebler, co-owner of Steffen Brothers Fly Rods and a dedicated volunteer with Project Healing Waters, a national organization that uses fly fishing as a form of physical and emotional rehabilitation for veterans. He brings both his experience in film and his deep commitment to service to the Lines of Hope team.
“The idea just clicked,” Andy says. “We wanted to use our skills to create something that doesn’t just look beautiful but actually matters. Fly fishing is such a grounding, peaceful experience—when you share that with someone who’s been through trauma, it can be life-changing.”
Lines of Hope was awarded the largest financial grant in the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s history for a film project. That funding reflects the community’s confidence in the power of this story and the quality of the team behind it.
“Our goal is to follow multiple veterans and share their unique journeys over the course of the series,” says Brett. “We’re not just making a one-off film. We’re creating a platform where veterans’ voices are heard, honored, and uplifted.”
CXG has earned both local and global recognition for its film shorts—including the American Advertising Federation Mosaic Award and the Global Humanitarian Award for the documentary short Win(d) Over Cancer. They bring that same level of artistry and purpose to Lines of Hope, ensuring each episode delivers not only visual beauty but also emotional depth and authenticity.
With each story, viewers will witness the small yet profound moments that define therapeutic process: a quiet breath before a cast, the ripple of water as a trout rises, the smile after a successful catch. These scenes are not just cinematic—they are symbolic. Each cast becomes an act of resilience, each catch a reminder of strength.
Lines of Hope also serves as a bridge—connecting viewers with the often-overlooked stories and voices of veterans, and showing how nature and community can offer paths forward.
“The river doesn’t judge. It just flows,” Andy reflects. “That’s the beauty of it. Out there, veterans can let go of everything else and just be present. It’s powerful.”
The series will include collaborations with veteran organization nationally and locally, veteran job placement groups, and corporations that champion military wellness. With each episode, the team hopes to bring more awareness and support to the needs—and the potential—of those who have served.
As the series moves into production, Brett, Andy, and the entire CXG team are inviting others to join the journey.
“Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or someone who just believes in the healing power of nature, this story is for you,” Brett says. “We’re casting lines, but we’re also casting hope.”
The Lines of Hope team began actively filming this past spring and will continue through the fall, capturing the changing seasons and the veterans' ongoing journeys. The goal is to launch the series in Spring 2026, with special premiere events and community screenings in partnership with local veteran organizations.
To learn more about the project, follow updates, or find out how you can get involved, visit LinesofHope.com.
Lines of Hope is more than a series. It’s a movement—one that invites us to slow down, look closer, and listen deeply. Because sometimes, healing begins with something as simple as water, a rod, and a quiet place to begin again.
“The river doesn’t judge. It just flows,” Andy Stiebler
“We’re casting lines, but we’re also casting hope.” Brett Langolf