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GI Film Festival San Diego

History

  1. Martha and Waitstill Sharp departing New York Harbor for Prague (via London) 1939. Photo courtesy of Sharp Family Archives Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War

    Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky III / History, WWII / USA / 2016 / documentary / 90 mins
    Spouses Waitstill and Martha Sharp embarked on a two-year endeavor to rescue Jews and other refugees from the Nazis around Europe during World War II. In doing so, they selflessly risked their lives and the well-being of their children left behind in the United States.
    Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War

    UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
    September 17, 2016 6:00 pm

  2. U.S. soldiers engaged in conflict in Firebase Kate. Photo courtesy of Storytellers International, Inc. Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    Escape from Firebase Kate

    Paul Kakert / Vietnam, History / USA / 2015 / documentary / 61 mins
    During the end of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, 26 American troops are caught in the transition. Unsupported by the South Vietnamese, the men are surrounded by thousands of North Vietnamese troops. After surviving a three-day siege, they escape through the jungle and directly past enemy troops. “Escape From Firebase Kate” is their story, told by the men who survived.

    Precedes: Tom’s War

    Plays In:
    Remembering Vietnam

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

  3. Image of POWs from Wauwilermoos detention camp in Switzerland. Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    Forced Landing

    Daniel Wyss / History, WWII / Switzerland / 2015 / documentary / 55 mins
    In 2014, the Pentagon awarded Prisoner of War medals to 143 World War II veterans who were held in the infamous Wauwilermoos punishment camp in Switzerland. The story of these airmen and their prison unveils one of the darkest and lesser known facts of Switzerland’s behavior during World War II.

    Preceded by: Paper Lanterns

    Plays In:
    WWII POW Stories

    UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
    September 17, 2016 12:30 pm

  4. Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    Heroes on Deck: World War II on Lake Michigan

    John Davies / History, Navy, aviation, WWII / USA / 2016 / documentary / 57 mins
    “Heroes on Deck” is the story behind 100 World War II warbirds and their pilots who went through an ingenious training program in Chicago that changed the course of history.

    Preceded by: Farewell to Connie, Frogman

    Plays In:
    Salute to the Navy

    UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
    September 17, 2016 1:00 pm

  5. Ralph Neal, son of POW, reminiscing on his father's death during the nuclear bombing in Hiroshima. Photo courtesy of Room 203 Films. Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    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

  6. The Spring 2016 USO crew and stars returns after a global tour Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    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

  7. Captains in formation atop USS Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Alfred J. Sedivi Collection - USNI. Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    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

  8. Vietnam War protesters Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    The Vietnam War

    Ken Burns and Lynn Novick / Vietnam, History / USA / 2017 / documentary, History, Vietnam / 1020 mins
    In an immersive 360-degree narrative, Burns and Novick tell the epic story of the Vietnam War as it has never before been told on film. THE VIETNAM WAR features testimony from nearly 100 witnesses, including many Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as Vietnamese combatants and civilians from both the winning and losing sides.
    Preview Screening: Selections from The Vietnam War

    Balboa Theatre
    May 16, 2017 7:00 pm This event is sold out.

  9. Still image from film "Year of the Tiger." Photo courtesy of 10th Mountain Films. Watch Trailer Watch Trailer

    The Year Of The Tiger – JFK 1962

    Joe Looby / History / USA / 2015 / documentary / 33 mins
    During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy has to decide whether to put millions of Americans at risk and assist millions of people trapped 110 miles behind the Iron Curtain.

    Precedes: American Umpire

    Plays In:
    Facing Crisis

    UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center
    September 17, 2016 4:00 pm