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GI Film Festival San Diego

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.

 

 


  1. 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


  2. Image from previous Veterans Coming Home event. Photo courtesy of Veterans Coming Home.

    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


  3. 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

    Plays In:
    Remembering Vietnam

    The Village Theatres Coronado
    September 15, 2016 7:00 pm


  4. 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


  5. 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


  6. Still image from "Tom's War." Photo courtesy of Story Corps.

    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

    Plays In:
    Remembering Vietnam

    The Village Theatres Coronado
    September 15, 2016 7:00 pm


  7. 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

    Plays In:
    How We Heal

    UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
    September 17, 2016 3:30 pm


  8. 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


  9. 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


  10. 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 out

    USS Indianapolis: The Legacy

    UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
    September 18, 2016 3:30 pm Sold Out