All Films & Events
An exciting line up of films and events is being put together, including an opening night reception, a family movie night, and awards ceremony. Click on images below to learn more about films presented in the GI Film Festival San Diego.
-
Child’s Play
Austin Lachance / Military Filmmaker, Army, Marine, Navy / USA / 2016 / Narrative / 2 mins
Originally created as a ‘spirit video’ for the 2016 Army vs. Navy Football Game, "Child‘s Play" takes a fun jab at the Naval Academy and the Navy at large by claiming that ‘kids play soldier, not sailor,’ making its point by encapsulating the imagination and thrill children experience while playing soldier. The direction, filming and editing were done by Cadet Austin Lachance. All contributing personnel to this project were active duty military.Preceded by: Black Christmas, Fletcher & Jenks, Forgotten Hero, Once Guilty, Now Innocent, Still Dead
Precedes: Call Me Ma’am, Refuge, USO San Diego 75 Year Anniversary
Plays In:
Local Film Showcase: Made By or Starring Veterans
AMC Mission Valley 20
October 21, 2017 3:30 pm
-
The Colonel
Tim Williams / Marine, Healing, Vietnam / USA / 2016 / Narrative / 21 mins
In 1969, Marine Colonel Hap Tasker is told he has a deficient heart that prevents him from future military service. He turns his disappointment into determination to sedrve his country by instructing youth in his “time honored values.” Meanwhile, Glen Meadows, a prep school in Fort Worth, battles rebellion, entitlement and bankruptcy. The school’s headmaster hires the Colonel as the athletic director and middle school football coach to unify the school by whipping the kids into shape.Precedes: Charlie & Sam, Gary Sinise: Always Do A Little More
-
Comedy Bootcamp: The Documentary
Kendrick Hopkins / Afghanistan, Healing / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 57 mins
This film follows a class of veteran comedians as they learn to use humor as a way to share their journeys and stories with others. Through the Comedy Bootcamp program, the participants attended weekly classes led by professional stand-up comedians designed to help the individuals of the military community develop their performing and writing skills. With a concluding White House performance, the participants share their stories of resilience, hope, and humor.Preceded by: Places Like This
-
Deported Veterans of America: Daniel Torres
Nuno Pinto / Iraq, Local Film Showcase, Afghanistan / MEX / 2017 / Documentary / 6 mins
When he was 21, Daniel Torres was recruited to the Marines. In order to enlist he had to lie: he said that he was American when he wasn't. After a seven months deployment in Afghanistan he volunteered for another tour in Iraq. But when the truth about his legal status came to light, he was discharged and became undocumented again. This is his personal story of he was able to get his U.S. citizenship on the basis of his military record.Precedes: Exiled
-
Distinguished Wings Over Vietnam
Devin Scott / Veterans, Local Film Showcase, Veteran Filmmaker, History, Vietnam / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 57 mins
"Distinguished Wings over Vietnam" tells the honest, personal accounts of four combat pilots during the Vietnam War. From helicopters to jets, these men reveal how they felt risking their lives in a war that was confusing and unpopular, to say the least. They talk about their missions, the close calls, and how they were treated when they came home. Saving lives by taking lives changed them forever.Preceded by: The Vietnam War
-
Exiled
Mike Seely / Iraq, Local Film Showcase, Afghanistan / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 30 mins
Two military veterans, both green card immigrants willing to die for their country, find themselves deported and are now fighting to be heard. A persuasive and intimate look at the human consequences of current U.S. immigration policy.Preceded by: Deported Veterans of America: Daniel Torres
-
Family Movie Night Featuring Wonder Woman
Patty Jenkins / Events, Family / USA / 2017 / Narrative / 141 mins
Bring the kids and enjoy a special night of movie magic featuring the Warner Bros. blockbuster hit, "Wonder Woman" (rated PG-13). The featured presentation is scheduled on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. Admission includes one bag of popcorn. Heroes welcome. Costumes are encouraged. About the film: In this Warner Bros./DC Comics blockbuster, an Amazon princess leaves her island home and journeys to the outside world, which is being consumed by a massive war. With the help of an American pilot, she works to put an end to the conflict.Family Movie Night featuring Wonder Woman
USS Midway Museum
October 20, 2017 6:30 pm
-
Fletcher & Jenks
Tony Olmos / Local Film Showcase, Military Filmmaker / USA / 2016 / Narrative / 7 mins
When a long time detective is partnered up with a rookie, they begin to piece together clues to a serial murderer. However, the culprit they're chasing turns out to be someone close to the case.Preceded by: Once Guilty, Now Innocent, Still Dead
Precedes: Black Christmas, Call Me Ma’am, Child’s Play, Forgotten Hero, Refuge, USO San Diego 75 Year Anniversary
Plays In:
Local Film Showcase: Made By or Starring Veterans
AMC Mission Valley 20
October 21, 2017 3:30 pm
-
Forgotten Hero
Mark Vizcarra / Korean War, Local Film Showcase / USA / 2017 / Narrative / 19 mins
Outnumbered, a U.S. Navy pilot shoots down Soviet fighters supporting North Korea in this true espionage thriller of nuclear superpowers at the brink of World War III in 1952.Preceded by: Fletcher & Jenks, Once Guilty, Now Innocent, Still Dead
Precedes: Black Christmas, Call Me Ma’am, Child’s Play, Refuge, USO San Diego 75 Year Anniversary
Plays In:
Local Film Showcase: Made By or Starring Veterans
AMC Mission Valley 20
October 21, 2017 3:30 pm
-
Gary Sinise: Always Do A Little More
Kip Perry / Service, Vietnam / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 55 mins
Long before his role as Lieutenant Dan in “Forrest Gump,” Gary Sinise had developed a passion for the men and women who step into harm’s way to secure the freedom we enjoy as Americans. This film takes a look at the origins of Sinise’s commitment to the U.S. military, veterans, first responders, and their families, and his unwavering dedication to serve and support them at every opportunity.Preceded by: Charlie & Sam, The Colonel
