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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The 2 Sides Project
Anthony Istrico / Events, History, Vietnam / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 100 mins
This film captures the emotional and transformative journey of American and Vietnamese sons and daughters—who had all lost fathers fighting on opposite sides during the war—as they hold their first-ever formal meetings. Filmmaker and film subjects scheduled to attend.Opening Night Screening & Reception Featuring “The 2 Sides Project”
Museum of Photographic Arts
October 18, 2017 7:00 pmThe 2 Sides Project
AMC Mission Valley 20
October 22, 2017 3:15 pm
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After Fire
Brittany Huckabee / Women, Healing / USA / 2016 / Documentary / 90 mins
With intimate access to the lives of three women veterans, "After Fire" is an observational documentary that throws a spotlight on the human toll of military service - including military sexual trauma, combat injuries and bureaucratic dysfunction - telling a universal story about strength in the aftermath of trauma. Filmmaker and film subject scheduled to attend.After Fire
AMC Mission Valley 20
October 21, 2017 1:00 pm
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Aircraft Warning Service Volunteer
Howard Lipin and Luis Cruz / Local Film Showcase, WWII, History / USA / 2016 / Documentary / 3 mins
Betty Tenney of Carlsbad did her part to support the War effort during World War II by joining the Aircraft Warning Service, a group of civilian volunteers. She worked out of secret locations in San Diego. Filmmaker scheduled to attend.Preceded by: Pearl Harbor Survivors Relive the Infamous Day
Precedes: Bud’s Odyssey, The Last Ring Home, Remembering Pearl Harbor: Mary Lou Mawhiney, USS Pearl Harbor
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All American
Michael Ayjian, Stephen Skeel / WWII, History / USA / 2016 / Documentary / 9 mins
72 years later after D-Day, WWII hero Les Cruise flies again on the same plane - this time his family boarded with him. While he is one of the last surviving D-Day paratroopers, Cruise’s story is not only about his historic jump. It’s also about his familial journey from orphan to great-grandfather.Precedes: Happy, The Rifleman’s Violin, We Can Do It: Stories of Rosie the Riveter
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American Veteran
Julie Cohen / Afghanistan, Healing / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 75 mins
Army Sergeant Nick Mendes was paralyzed while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Presented in an unflinching, close-up style, the film brings us into Nick’s world as he studies for a real estate license, falls in love, and learns to do everything from posting on Facebook and playing video games to casting a fishing reel with his mouth. The film weaves together Nick’s past and present to show a nuanced portrait of a quadriplegic soldier’s sometimes harrowing, sometimes romantic and often surprisingly funny life. Filmmaker scheduled to attend.American Veteran
AMC Mission Valley 20
October 21, 2017 11:00 am
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Awards Celebration
Local Film Showcase, Events
Join us for the awards celebration. Filmmakers featured in the Local Film Showcase will receive awards in multiple categories. Admission includes drinks, appetizers, and entertainment from the American Flyboys. Comedian and former Navy Officer Jamie Kaler hosts.Awards Celebration
KPBS
October 21, 2017 7:00 pm
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Black Christmas
Susan Davis / Air Force Veteran, Local Film Showcase / USA / 2016 / Narrative / 6 mins
A man goes to the store and when he returns to his car, he is accused of attacking a woman.Preceded by: Fletcher & Jenks, Forgotten Hero, Once Guilty, Now Innocent, Still Dead
Precedes: 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
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Bud’s Odyssey
Mark Kirkland / WWII, Healing, History / USA / 2016 / Documentary / 26 mins
On a mission over the Mediterranean, B-17 Pilot Robert “Bud” Kingsbury and his crew are shot down. Kingsbury becomes the sole survivor by swimming 32 hours to the Italian shore, and then spends 20 months in Stalag Luft III. After years of suffering with sole survivor’s guilt and severe PTSD, he finds a road to healing and reconciliation.Preceded by: Aircraft Warning Service Volunteer, Pearl Harbor Survivors Relive the Infamous Day
Precedes: The Last Ring Home, Remembering Pearl Harbor: Mary Lou Mawhiney, USS Pearl Harbor
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Call Me Ma’am
Adrienne Camille / Veteran Filmmaker, Navy, Women / USA / 2016 / Documentary / 4 mins
Based on a true story, “Call Me Ma’am” is a visual expression of what it was like to be a new Navy officer from a woman’s point of view. When she first shows up, she’s lost and not welcomed by her subordinates or superiors. Through hard work and dedication, she gains the respect of her crew but must still go to head to head with the tyrant that runs the department. She succeeds at taking over the department and wins his respect as well.Preceded by: Black Christmas, Child’s Play, Fletcher & Jenks, Forgotten Hero, Once Guilty, Now Innocent, Still Dead, Refuge
Precedes: 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
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Charlie & Sam
Ben Powell / WWII, History / USA / 2016 / Documentary / 15 mins
In 2016, fewer than 5% of American World War II veterans remain alive. Follow 97 year-old Word War II Naval Aviator Charlie Edwards as he travels to meet his old squadronmate Sam Takis for the first time since the end of the war.Preceded by: The Colonel
Precedes: Gary Sinise: Always Do A Little More
