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.
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Paper Lanterns
Barry Frechette / Healing, History, WWII / USA / 2016 / documentary / 60 mins
On a summer morning in 1945, Shigeaki Mori witnessed the U.S. drop two atomic bombs on Japan. One of the few survivors, he documented and honored the thousands of lives lost-- including 12 American Prisoners of War-- to provide closure and solace for the families.Precedes: Forced Landing
Plays In:
WWII POW Stories
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
September 17, 2016 12:30 pm
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Permission to Speak Freely: KPBS’ Veterans Coming Home Project
Events / Party
Join KPBS and So Say We All for a screening of 5-digital first pieces for the Veterans Coming Home Project. Veterans Coming Home is an innovative cross platform public media campaign that bridges America's military-civilian divide through storytelling and public engagement. Followed by a lively discussion with actors and writers from the local veteran community.Permission to Speak Freely: KPBS’ Veterans Coming Home project
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
September 18, 2016 2:30 pm
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Return to Dak To
Christopher Upham / Vietnam, Healing / USA / 2015 / documentary / 50 mins
In 1969, a 61-day siege during the Vietnam war killed half of the 600 American soldiers in the 299th Engineer Battalion. During the 40th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, five surviving men return to Dak To, Vietnam, where the disaster that haunts them still takes place.Preceded by: Tom’s War
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A Return to the End
Pat Clark / Local Film Showcase Selection / USA / 2015 / documentary / 56 mins
A Return to the End follows a small group of U.S. Marines as they return to Vietnam 40 years after their dramatic exit from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam’s 40th reunification anniversary celebration, this story highlights the remnants of war and the efforts made to remember those who did not return.Preceded by: Living History: Our Hometown Hero
Precedes: The Light Once Captured
Plays In:
Local Film Showcase
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
September 18, 2016 1:00 pm Sold Out
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Thank You for Your Service
Tom Donahue / Iraq, Healing / USA / 2015 / docmentary / 88 mins
This film takes a hard look at our understanding of war trauma and the policies that result. The film’s director interweaves the stories of four struggling Iraq War veterans through candid interviews with top military and civilian leaders. The film argues for significant change and offers a roadmap of hope.Thank You for Your Service
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
September 17, 2016 7:30 pm
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Tom’s War
Julie Zammarchi / Vietnam, Healing, Army / USA / 2016 / narrative / 2 mins
Tom Geerdes, a Vietnam veteran, remembers his long journey toward healing after returning home from the war.Preceded by: Escape from Firebase Kate
Precedes: Return to Dak To
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Tourist
Jared Jakins / Vietnam, Healing / USA / 2016 / documentary / 17 mins
“Tourist” follows an aging veteran’s return to Vietnam after 45 years. After a unique experience in the war as a U.S. military advisor, the film’s subject provides a largely unknown perspective on an increasingly forgotten war. This film explores themes of guilt, healing and the painful ironies of war. The short film was shot over a ten-day period in Vietnam.Precedes: Living for the Ones Who Can’t
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The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel
Joseph Cahn / Healing, WWII / USA / 2016 / documentary / 104 mins
Peter Ertel found himself on differing sides during World War II, between serving five years in the German Army and eventually being considered “like family” by the Jewish. “The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel” documents this man’s unheard-of past.The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel
The Village Theatres Coronado
September 15, 2016 6:00 pm Sold Out
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USO – For the Troops
Peter Schnall / Healing, History / USA / 2016 / documentary, History / 60 mins
"USO – FOR THE TROOPS" takes viewers behind the scenes of this iconic military support institution, tracing its history as a connection to home and hope for service personnel for over 75 years. Filmmakers had unprecedented access to the USO operations that make it possible for celebrities and dignitaries to travel the world, to meet and perform for active duty troops.USO – For the Troops
KPBS - Shiley Studio A
November 1, 2016 7:00 pm
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USS Indianapolis: The Legacy
Sara Vladic / Local Film Showcase Selection, Marine, History, Navy, WWII / USA / 2016 / documentary / 98 mins
World War II heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis sank as a result of a devastating torpedo attack. After 5 days stranded in the Pacific, surviving members of the crew were rescued and their stories are told through a series of interviews in “USS Indianapolis.”Opening Night Screening & Reception Featuring USS Indianapolis: the Legacy
Museum of Photographic Arts
September 14, 2016 7:00 pm Sold outUSS Indianapolis: The Legacy
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
September 18, 2016 3:30 pm Sold Out
