All Films & Events
An exciting line up of films and events is being put together, including an opening night reception, filmmaker discussions, and awards celebration. Click on images below to learn more about films presented in the GI Film Festival San Diego.
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The Flashback
Alex Bartz / Vietnam War, Bridging Generations / USA / 2018 / narrative / 7 mins
Frank Barnes is a Vietnam Combat Veteran, suffering from PTSD. When his grandson comes to stay, he doesn’t know how to react to the terrifying screams that sometimes emanate from Frank’s rooms at night, as he relives the terror of war in his nightmares. His grandson also doesn’t understand why Frank hasn’t just “moved on” from an event that took place half a century ago. It’s the anniversary of the battle that took Frank’s best friend’s life and he is finally going to fulfill a promise he made to “Bill” 50 years ago.Precedes: Thud Pilots
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From Baghdad to The Bay
Erin Palmquist / International Experience, Women Filmmaker, Post 9/11, LGBTQ+, Iraq War, New Mission / USA / 2018 / documentary / 68 mins
From Baghdad to The Bay follows the epic journey of Ghazwan Alsharif, an Iraqi refugee and former translator for the U.S. military. Wrongfully accused of being a double agent, tortured by the U.S. military, and ostracized from family and country, we follow Ghazwan as he struggles to rebuild his life in the United States while coming out as an openly gay activist.Preceded by: Coming Out to Grandma
From Baghdad to the Bay
Museum of Photographic Arts
September 28, 2018 6:00 pm
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G.I. José
Alejandro Marquez Vela / Latinx, Student Film, Post 9/11 / USA / 2017 / narrative / 11 mins
A Mexican-American U.S. Army soldier comes back home and faces the dilemma of whether to defend his family, or the laws of the country he vowed to protect.
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The Hello Girls: The Story of America’s First Female Soldiers
James Theres / Women in Service, World War I / USA / 2018 / documentary / 56 mins
Told through 100-year old letters, photos, archival footage, and interviews with family and historians, the "Hello Girls" reveals the relatively unknown story of 223 American women who served overseas during WWI as telephone operators.Precedes: Black Jack Pershing: Love and War
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Heroes Dive
Brett Wheat / Adventure, Healing, Local Film Showcase, New Mission / USA / 2017 / documentary / 12 mins
Five paralyzed veterans attempt an open ocean dive that changes their perceptions of who they are and what they can do.Precedes: Kilimanjaro Warriors: A Monumental Goal for Recovery
Precedes:
Kilimanjaro Warriors: A Monumental Goal for Recovery
UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center
September 29, 2018 10:00 am
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Hotflakes
Trevor Neuenswander / Made By or Starring Military Members or Veterans, Student Film, Local Film Showcase / USA / 2018 / narrative / 11 mins
In 1976, Richard and Willie try to sell their last kilo of cocaine to a private buyer. When they can't read Willie's handwriting, they must blindly choose a house and hope it is the right one.
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I Am That Man
Matthew Marsden / New Mission, Navy / USA / 2018 / narrative / 87 mins
While struggling to adjust to civilian life and the breakdown of his marriage, veteran John Beckett considers returning to his life as a Navy SEAL. When his beloved friend and mentor is brutally murdered in a racially motivated attack. Beckett calls on his specialized skills to bring the perpetrators to justice. Has he found a new sense of purpose or will this be his last mission?I Am That Man
Museum of Photographic Arts
September 27, 2018 7:30 pm
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Kilimanjaro Warriors: A Monumental Goal for Recovery
Bevan Bell / Adventure, Healing, Post 9/11 / USA / 2015 / documentary / 95 mins
In February 2014, a group of amputee military veterans set forth on a monumental goal for physical and spiritual recovery: they would train and climb the world's tallest free-standing mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro (19341ft) in Tanzania, Africa.Preceded by: Heroes Dive
Kilimanjaro Warriors: A Monumental Goal for Recovery
UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center
September 29, 2018 10:00 am
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The Last Signal
Kyle Olson / Navy, WWII / USA / 2017 / documentary / 29 mins
Raymond "DeVere" Johnson thought he was the last surviving World War II veteran of the Navy ship LST-218. Adamant to prove he was not alone, his daughter created a post on Facebook asking help in finding him a fellow shipmate. Weeks later, 91 year old veteran of LST-218 John Heimsoth was uncovered. In the wake of discovery, these two great men scheduled a reunion, proving it is never too late to share history even as time runs out.
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Let It Go
Stephanie Heim / Healing, Marines, Women Filmmaker, Local Film Showcase, Women in Service / USA / 2018 / narrative / 4 mins
A Marine deals with loss.
