VIRTUAL FESTIVAL May 18-23, 2021

GIFilmFestivalSD.org

GIFilmFestivalSanDiego | @GIFilmFestSD | #GIFilmFestSD

PRESENTED BY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

TUE May 18 7:00 p.m. The Invisible Project 5:00 p.m. Sky Blossom: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation WED May 19 7:15 p.m. The Girl Who Wore Freedom with Lead The Way 11:00 a.m. Filmmaking Panel: From Funding to Distribution Shorts Block | Stories of Healing & Resilience The Long River Home Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan: The THU May 20 5:00 p.m. THE FARM Artist’s Process The Khe Sanh Peace Garden 7:15 p.m. UNITED WE HEAL with Budding Creativity A Band to Honor with Alene B. Duerk: The First 4:00 p.m. Woman Admiral Shorts Block | Local Dramas 6:15 p.m. From Russia with… Mehh Life After Oblivion Tiger Oak + Echo The 11th Order Shorts Block | Drama Night FRI May 21 Guide On REWIND Beauty for Ashes A WAR ON FRIENDLY GROUNDS 8:30 p.m. The Children’s Crusade Burger Day | A Short Story My War by Audrey di Faye Saved Rounds 11:30 a.m. The Final Stand 2:15 p.m. DREAMS OF THE BLACK ECHO Shorts Block | Afternoon Drama SAT May 22 Fort Irwin Early Light 4:30 p.m. The Sweatshirt Amazing Grace Walking Point 8:00 p.m. AWARDS CELEBRATION Shorts Block | Documentaries

12:00 p.m. Forgotten Heroes Charlotte Mansfield: a Woman Photographer Goes Brothers in Arms to War Liberation Heroes: The Last Eyewitnesses 2:30 p.m. with A Flash of Green Closing Night Duo: 4:45 p.m. SUN May 23 Actions Speak Louder Than Medals with Hun Pilots Women Warriors Block Charlotte Mansfield: a Woman Alene B. Duerk: The First Photographer Goes to War Woman Admiral 5:30 p.m. Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq Budding Creativity and Afghanistan: The Artist’s My War Process Guide On

Post-screening discussions with filmmakers, film subjects, actors, and/or experts immediately follow all online screenings and take place in the virtual screening room.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tuesday, May 18 ...... 7

Wednesday, May 19 ...... 8

Thursday, May 20...... 10

Friday, May 21 ...... 14

Saturday, May 22 ...... 20

Awards Celebration...... 24

Sunday, May 23...... 26

Want to see more films? Secure a Video On Demand (VOD) Rental GIFilmFestivalSD.org

3 Dear GI Film Festival San Diego Attendees:

Welcome to the 6th Annual GI Film Festival San Diego!

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Military Appreciation Month than by gathering together (albeit virtually, for now) to watch incredible lms, meet some very talented lmmakers, and celebrate our nation’s active-duty military, military veterans, and their families.

For those of you joining us for the rst time, the GI Film Festival started back in 2007 in Washington, DC before expanding to San Diego six years ago thanks to great partners at KPBS and SDSU. As the GI Film Festival founders, our goal has always been to bridge the gap between the military and civilian communities through lm, television and special events – and GIFF San Diego is exceeding our expectations.

Every year, the lm lineup at the festival gets better and better and it all starts with our lmmakers, who made the choice to dedicate their passion, time and talents to telling these military stories.

We want to congratulate all the lmmakers for being selected to screen at this year’s GIFF San Diego. We understand it is a labor of love to tell these stories. We applaud your eorts, and we are so excited that we and many other people get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Well done!

One day soon, we will all be together in person again to watch these stories on the big screen. Until then, we encourage everyone to stream what you can and share these stories with everyone you know.

As President Calvin Coolidge once said, “a nation that forgets its heroes will itself soon be forgotten.” e hard work of the lmmakers and festival organizers will ensure that our nation never forgets our heroes.

Once again, thank you and congratulations! We look forward to seeing you at the movies.

Brandon Millett and Laura Law-Millett

4 Dear Festival Attendees:

ank you for joining us for the all-virtual 2021 GI Film Festival San Diego. I am excited you are joining us for another year honoring military stories. A lot has happened since the last ocial festival in the fall of 2019. Pandemic aside, eective 2020, KPBS has now become the ocial presenter for the national GIFF. I couldn’t be more proud to see KPBS take the helm of this important celebration of our military. And I am incredibly thankful that founders Laura Law-Millett and Brandon Millett have trusted KPBS to preserve and grow this initiative.

is year’s festival features 38 lms. We pulled them into a schedule of 15 online showtimes. e virtual platform has made it possible for a record turnout among our participating lmmakers — joining us from as far away as Russia and as close as San Diego. We are poised to have an even greater impact in bridging the civilian-military divide, amplifying the voices and stories of our military-connected communities, and ultimately, fostering a more connected community.

Women veteran stories open and close the festival. In between them, you’ll see seven local lms, four international lms, and 27 national lms. ere are 11 lms made by women, 18 made by military or veterans, and six lms feature military or veterans in acting roles. Following our scheduled showtimes, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from lmmakers, experts, stars, and heroes and ask your questions through our virtual screening rooms.

We are grateful for the partnerships with Jodi Cilley, founder of the Film Consortium San Diego; our generous and enthusiastic Advisory Committee; and the lmmakers who have provided exceptional content for you.

To our valued sponsors, we oer our deepest appreciation: Scatena Daniels Communications, Task & Purpose, National University, and the California Arts Council.

To our veterans, service members, and their families all over the world: thank you for your commitment to our country. You inspire this special community of lm creators, lovers, and organizers.

Special thanks to our all access passholders and returning fans. Your dedicated support has buoyed us to new heights. I do look forward to festival events when we can all be together again, in person. Nothing beats sitting in a theatre and sharing these stories together. Regardless of how you watch, if you see one lm or all 38, I know GIFFSD will leave you hopeful, enlightened, and truly inspired.

Nancy Worlie Interim General Manager, KPBS

5 6 OPENING NIGHT ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Tuesday, May 18 7:00 p.m.

The Invisible Project “ e Invisible Project” is a documentary-style info-drama that follows the lives of four women as they work to change the public perception of women Veterans in America. In the lm, they demonstrate that service matters and the service continues when they come home, as women and as Veterans.

Documentary Feature / Directed by Paci ca J. Sauer / 81 minutes / 2019 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / World Premiere / Nomination: Best Film Made By Veterans or Military

start sooner. finish faster. Veteran-founded nonprofit National University provides accessible higher education to adult learners with: • Four-week classes • 75+ degree programs • Online and on-campus options • WSCUC accredidation Crystal G., Class of 2020 Learn more: NU.edu Military Servicemember

The National Endowment for the Humanities and National University Together: Exploring the Human Endeavor

7 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Wednesday, May 19 5:00 p.m.

Sky Blossom: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation “Sky Blossom” is a lmed salute to 2020. It is a raw, upliing window into 24.5 million children and millennials stepping forward as frontline heroes. Caring for families with tough medical conditions, they stay at home doing things oen seen only in hospitals. ey are cheerleaders, work part-time, and go to col- lege — but also live double lives — quietly growing up as America’s next greatest generation. e lmmaker, veteran journalist, and award-winning CNN/MSN- BC news anchor Richard Lui says the interviews were so honest they genuinely surprised him, as they revealed insights into the lives of young people across America. Troops used to look up and say, “Here comes the Sky Blossoms”—para- troopers rushing to their aid. Today, there is a new generation answering that call. ese are their stories.

Documentary Feature / Directed by Richard Lui / 87 minutes / 2020 / USA / Nomination: Best Documentary Feature

8 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Wednesday, May 19 7:15 p.m.

Lead The Way As a retired United States Army Ranger, Special Forces Green Beret, and Tier 1 Assault Sergeant Major, John “Shrek” McPhee has seen the world and war like few have. In this documentary short, John travels through Ireland and France to learn about the sacri ces of the Allied Forces during World War II and the history of the United States Army Rangers and Paratroopers. e lm takes place during the 75th Anniversary of D-day, in Normandy, France.

Documentary Short / Directed by Josh Carrasquillo / Nine minutes / 2020 / USA / West Coast Premiere

The Girl Who Wore Freedom Normandy, France. Once an idyllic landscape, Normandy had succumbed to German invaders who overran its farms, its manors, its countryside. Here we meet Dany, Maurice, Henri-Jean, and others, who share their relationships with Allied forces who liberated Normandy. e journey from occupation to liberation, to acceptance and forgiveness, to gratitude and pride, is explored through interviews with French survivors and American veterans. We are reminded of who America can be at her very best: when she values people over politics, seeks to right the wrongs of injustice, and sacri ces, when necessary, so others might be free.

Documentary Feature / Directed by Christian Taylor / 89 minutes / 2020 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / West Coast Premiere / Nominations: Best Documentary Feature; Best First-Time Filmmaker

9 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Thursday, May 20 5:00 p.m.

Shorts Block | Stories of Healing & Resilience The Long River Home Aaron Howell and Russell Davies are combat veterans who were injured in war and now come together for another mission as they guide blind Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell on his third trip through the Grand Canyon. Over a 14-day river trip, they battle more than 80 powerful rapids, screaming directions to Lonnie the whole way. Always looming downstream roars Lava Falls, the largest rapid of them all. roughout the journey they remember their past experiences and learn that negotiating the rapids of life is as simple as forming a team, kicking out in the current, and nding a line through the chaos.

Documentary Short / Directed by Seth Dahl / 20 minutes / 2019 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere / Nominations: Best Documentary Short; Best Film Made By Veterans or Military

THE FARM ey only knew the life of a soldier. Now, their next battle begins on home soil. is powerful documentary follows a group of veterans through a rigorous six-week farming school. Produced by Tribeca Studios.

Documentary Short / Directed by Shawn Efran / 30 minutes / 2021 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection / Nomination: Local Film Showcase - Best Short

10 Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan: The Artist’s Process In her series, “Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan,” artist Jennifer Karady collaborates with returning military veterans to restage a moment from war, producing narrative photographs that reveal how their war experiences in ltrate their daily civilian lives. e lm chronicles the intricate and intimate process between Karady and one of her subjects, former Army Specialist Lucero Morales, as they connect a traumatic incident in Najaf, Iraq, with the popping sound of a biscuit can as Morales prepares breakfast for her children. ey ultimately stage a photograph that helps Morales begin to heal.

Documentary Short / Directed by Jennifer Karady / 18 minutes / 2020 / USA / San Diego Premiere / Nomination: Best First-Time Filmmaker The Khe Sanh Peace Garden is touching and hopeful lm is about a medevac helicopter pilot who found peace within himself and with his mortal enemies when he tries to build a peace garden at the Khe Sanh Combat Base where he was stationed during the Viet Nam War.

Documentary Short / Directed by Tinh Mahoney / 25 minutes / 2020 / Viet Nam / San Diego Premiere

11 Thursday, May 20, 2021 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT 7:15 p.m.

Budding Creativity An African American, wife, military veteran, and mother of three explores creative transferability during COVID-19.

Documentary Short / Directed by Kay Barnes / Nine minutes / 2020 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / World Premiere

UNITED WE HEAL Follow these American veterans as they navigate the trauma of PTS and choose to overcome it with an attitude of growth instead of stigma.

Documentary Feature / Directed by Ryan Welch and Ryan Ross- man / 72 minutes / 2020 / USA / World Premiere / Nomination: Best Documentary Feature

12 Caring for our veterans.

The Elizabeth Hospice is proud to be a We Honor Veterans Level 5 Partner, the highest level of national distinction.

800.797.2050 | www.elizabethhospice.org GI_Film_Veterans_Ad_2017.pdf 2 9/26/17 4:37 PM

BARRON V RT ET A ER D A N N A S C N C A E N O

J T

E E

M R

H T

Y S A Y T N I D S CM R IE E G IV O S UN MY TATE

CY

CMY

K PROUDLY SUPPORTING MORE THAN 4,000 MILITARY-AFFILIATED AZTECS EACH YEAR www.sdsu.edu/veterans

13 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Friday, May 21 4:00 p.m.

Alene B. Duerk: The First Woman Admiral “Alene B. Duerk: e First Woman Admiral” is a short documentary that tells the story of how Alene Duerk overcame gender stereotypes in the military to accom- plish the highest rank ever achieved by a woman in the history of the US Navy.

Documentary Short / Directed by Eliciana Nascimento / Nine minutes / 2020 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere A Band to Honor Using archival footage, photographs, and personal interviews, “A Band to Honor” tells the story of 21 young naval musicians. ese individuals were among the 1,177 USS Arizona members who lost their lives when the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As the day of infamy arrives, an incredible account of the attack on Pearl Harbor is oered with an extraordinary animation sequence and the eyewitness testimony of three Pearl Harbor survivors, two of which were crewmembers of the USS Arizona. e tragic nal minutes of the band are detailed, clearing up the many misconcep- tions about the USS Arizona Band’s fate.

Documentary Feature / Directed by Warren Hull / 77 minutes / 2020 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / West Coast Premiere

14 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Friday, May 21 6:15 p.m.

Shorts Block | Local Dramas From Russia with… Mehh

Matri, born in Dearborn, Michigan in the mid 60s, a daughter to a mail-order Russian bride, tells the sad tale of growing up with a narcissistic mother and how she discovered the American Dream the hard way. Made almost completely with old super 8mm footage found at swap meets and estate sales, this unique style of lm will leave you appreciating your childhood. Who knows, it might be a true story…

Narrative Short / Directed by Devin Scott / 17 minutes / 2020 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / World Premiere / Nomination: Local Film Showcase - Best Film Made By or Starring Military or Veterans Tiger Oak + Echo When Echo is allowed to join his brother in an ambush against Soviet forces, he makes a mistake that costs them everything.

Narrative Short / Directed by Cy Kuckenbaker / 19 minutes / 2018 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection / Nomination: Local Film Showcase - Best Short

Life After Oblivion “Life Aer Oblivion” is the story of a Marine sniper returning from Afghanistan and the ghosts that come with him. It focuses on a single traumatic event among many. e screenplay is based on the true story “Oblivion” written by veteran Adam Stone as a way to show what veterans struggle with when they return home.

Narrative Short / Directed by Floyd Strayer / Nine minutes / 2020 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans

Shorts Block | Local Drama Continues on page 16

15 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Friday, May 21 6:15 p.m.

Shorts Block | Local Dramas (continued) The 11th Order e true story of two U.S. Marines who, in a span of six seconds, must stand their ground to stop a suicide truck bomb and protect the lives of the 150 Marines and Iraqi Police behind them. Less about glorifying warfare or the true event itself, the lm aims to provide context to the unimaginable: to show these young men as ordinary people put in extraor- dinary circumstances, and explain why there was never doubt in their actions that fateful morning.

Narrative Short / Directed by Joshua DeFour / 25 minutes / 2019 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere / Nomination: Local Film Showcase - Best Film Made By or Starring Military or Veterans

Shorts Block | Drama Night ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Guide On 8:30 p.m. On her rst day of basic training, Halle Varro, a young Army recruit, stands out among her peers as she competes to be the guidon bearer. Halle’s attitude of de - ance and winning at all costs puts her in Drill Sergeant Mallett’s crosshairs. Can Halle rise to the challenge and become the rst female guidon bearer? Inspired by true events.

Narrative Short / Directed by Paige Compton / 16 minutes / 2020 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere / Nominations: Best Actress- Shantelle Lee Cuevas; Best Student Film; Best Film Made By Military or Veterans

16 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Friday, May 21 8:30 p.m.

Shorts Block | Drama Night (continued) Beauty for Ashes A lm showcasing the power of forgiveness in the most challenging of circumstances

Narrative Short / Directed by Jamie Humphris / Seven minutes / 2020 / Australia / U.S. Premiere / Nominations: Best Narrative Short; Best International Film

The Children’s Crusade Two young men, on opposite sides, meet on the battle eld in Iraq; but this could be any battle eld. Had they met anywhere else they might have been friends, but this is Fallujah. is lm is intended to educate the public on the cruelty, the brutality, and the fog of war while also showing the human side and the bonds that tie all of us together.

Narrative Short / Directed by Joe Mery / Five minutes / 2020 / USA / Made By or Starring Veterans or Military / World Premiere

Shorts Block | Drama Night Continues on page 18

17 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Friday, May 21 8:30 p.m.

Shorts Block | Drama Night (continued) My War Haunted by the memories of war, a veteran struggles to return to normal life. Nina experiences a severe PTSD episode during her rst Independence Day in America. As the explosions of the reworks intensify, so too does her anxiety. Alone and without any support, she is forced to relive a traumatic event related to her combat experience in a supermarket.

Narrative Short / Directed by Jojo Erholtz / Four minutes / 2019 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / Nomination: Best Actress - Grace Illingworth REWIND A mother is grieving over her daughter, who died in combat, through the help of futuristic technology.

Narrative Short / Directed by Stephan Eigenmann / 14 minutes / 2019 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere

A WAR ON FRIENDLY GROUNDS “A WAR ON FRIENDLY GROUNDS” is the grim retelling of the true story of Sgt. Carlos Martin, a veteran who experiences a violent encounter with the police aer serving his country.

Narrative Short / Directed by King Jaquell Martin and Deante Gray / 13 minutes / 2020 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / Nominations: Best Student Film; Best Film Starring Military or Veterans

18 Burger Day | A Short Story by Audrey di Faye An Asian-American woman confronts a veteran about his service when he harasses a food service worker over the restaurant’s Veterans Day special. “Burger Day” was inspired by Greek tragedy, Eurip- edes’ “Hecuba.” It is a synthesis of a modern veteran experience and the ancient theater arts.

Narrative Short / Directed by Audrey di Faye / Six minutes / 2020 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere Saved Rounds Drawn from the writer Doc Farrow’s experiences as a US Navy combat corpsman in Iraq, “Saved Rounds” looks at the devastating pain of loss, survivor’s guilt, the redeeming qualities of love and honor, and the fragile glimmer of hope in those whose lives are forever changed by war. Film has foul language, some violence.

Narrative Short / Directed by John Finn / 17 minutes / 2019 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere / Nominations: Best Narrative Short; Best Film Starring Military or Veterans

It’s Survey Time!

BE A VOICE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY BETWEEN APRIL 27-JUNE 6

REAL DATA = REAL SOLUTIONS TO PROGRAMS AND POLICIES THAT IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY bluestarfam.org/survey2021

Blue Star Families San Diego Chapter Maggie Meza 910-581-0974 | [email protected]

19 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Saturday, May 22 11:30 a.m.

The Final Stand October 1941. Fascist hordes rush to Moscow. As a result of the breakthrough of the defensive line on one of the direct highways, there were no regular units of the Red Army le and the invaders were able to move in freely. Soviet high command decides to close the gap with cadets from the Podolsk infantry and artillery schools, many of whom were about 18 years old.  eir task is to hold out for ve days until the reserves arrive.  e cadets held out for twelve. Аt a cost of their lives, they did not allow the enemy to reach Moscow and thereby changed the course of the war.  e lm is about heroism, about love, about true friendship.

Narrative Feature / Directed by Vadim Shmelyov / 136 minutes / 2020 / Russian Federation / U.S. Premiere / Nomination: Best International Film

The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park proudly honors the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s Veterans. Also an event venue, we offer a wide variety of event formats in a historic setting. Website for latest information: www.veteranmuseum.org Or call: 619-239-2300 Email: [email protected] The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park 2115 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101

20 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Saturday, May 22 2:15 p.m.

DREAMS OF THE BLACK ECHO  ese days, Vietnam’s lush green countryside, tropical mountains, and white sandy beaches attract tourists from around the world. However, 50 years ago, these same beaches witnessed the landing of US Marines while airstrips and combat bases were cut into the elds and mountaintops. An entire generation of American boys became the soldiers who fought and died here while political controversy raged at home over this war.  e same generation of young Vietnamese men and women likewise became soldiers in a war that was divisive in their own homeland. Six US veterans and six Vietnamese veterans who fought and survived now tell their stories to young Vietnamese and American university lmmakers in a unique documentary lm which transitions between the segments independently produced in the US and Vietnam.

Documentary Feature / Directed by Phil Tuckett and Tran Anh Tien / 80 minutes / 2020 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / West Coast Premiere

INT. WORKSHOPS FOR WARRIORS - DAY

We see JEDEDIAH, a Navy veteran, who in just four months earned nationally-recognized certifications and got a lucrative job as a machinist with a major U.S. company.

And all it took was a visit to wfw.org

21 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Saturday, May 22 4:30 p.m.

Shorts Block | Afternoon Drama Fort Irwin Cristian arrives for his rst day of work as an amputee actor at Fort Irwin, a military base in the California desert. For his new job, Cristian will act as if his legs have been destroyed by a bomb while wearing gory prosthetics as a part of soldiers’ training exercises. Cristian, an injured veteran himself, enters the arti cial military simulation to confront his real combat trauma. Haunted by the past, he ghts to transform his fear into a source of strength.

Narrative Short / Directed by Quinn Else / 11 minutes / 2019 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere / Nominations: Best Actor - Cristian Valle; Best Student Film; Best Film Starring Military or Veterans The Sweatshirt Olivia and Sarah are hoping to make a routine stop to retrieve Sarah’s favorite sweatshirt from her ex-boyfriend’s house. But when Je shows no interest in complying with this reasonable request, they are forced to go head-to-head with one of Chicago’s most despicable exes. Je takes the sweatshirt as his hostage, leaving Olivia no choice but to negotiate the terms of the hoodie’s release.

Narrative Short / Directed by Jonah Saesan / Eight minutes / 2019 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere

22 Walking Point A Marine is always faithful. So is man’s best friend. “Walking Point” centers around a young Marine, Private John Markle, and his donated canine companion, Duke. ey must survive battle in the Paci c in order to ful ll the two promises he made before being shipped out.

Narrative Short / Directed by RJ Nevens, Jr. / 27 minutes / 2019 / USA / San Diego Premiere Early Light A 24-hour glimpse into an Equine erapy Program where two Wyoming veterans turn to the healing power of horses to battle their PTSD. Allen and Sam nd themselves on a path to self-destruction. Sometimes the only one who hears our cry for help is the last one we expect to be listening.

Narrative Short / Directed by Ted Schneider / 17 minutes / 2020 / USA / San Diego Premiere / Nomination: Best Actor - Sean Patrick Higgins Amazing Grace “Amazing Grace,” tells the story of a young woman looking aer her father, a Vietnam veteran struggling with alcoholism and PTSD, in which dealing with the challenges of everyday life can require an extraordinary amount of patience, understanding, love… and grace.

Narrative Short / Directed by Nina Brissey / 23 minutes / 2020 / USA / San Diego Premiere / Nominations: Best Actor - Robert Craighead; Best Actress - Nina Brissey; Best Narrative Short; Best First-Time Filmmaker

23 AWARDS CELEBRATION

Saturday, May 22 at 8:00PM/PT

e Awards Celebration honors achievement in lm in 13 categories. Comedian and Army Combat Veteran om Tran hosts our virtual celebration. Admission is open to all access passholders, lmmakers, and registered guests.

Tickets are $40/$35 for military, veterans, students, and KPBS members. Proceeds support the festival.

Register at GIFilmFestivalSD.org

About Thom Tran Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, musician, radio broadcaster, and U.S. military veteran and advocate om Tran started his career as a standup comic aer a combat injury ended his career as a soldier.

Post-combat, comedy saved his life. Aer touring the United States as a road comic, om moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and two years later created e GIs of Comedy Tour where he brought the healing power of laughter to those who need it the most.

24 THE NOMINEES ARE…

Best Actor Best Best Film Made By Robert Craighead Documentary Military or Veterans AMAZING GRACE Short Guide On Sean Patrick Higgins Charlotte Mansfield, a The Invisible Project EARLY LIGHT Woman Photographer Cristian Valle Goes to War The Long River Home FORT IRWIN Liberation Heroes: The Last Eyewitnesses Best Film Starring Best Actress Military or Veterans The Long River Home Nina Brissey A WAR ON FRIENDLY AMAZING GRACE GROUNDS Best Student Film Shantelle Lee Cuevas Fort Irwin GUIDE ON A WAR ON FRIENDLY Grace Illingworth GROUNDS Saved Rounds MY WAR Fort Irwin Local Film Showcase Guide On Best Narrative Short Best Film Made By or Amazing Grace Starring Military Best First-Time or Veterans Beauty for Ashes Filmmaker From Russia with... Saved Rounds Nina Brissey Mehh AMAZING GRACE Hun Pilots Local Film Showcase Jennifer Karady SOLDIERS’ STORIES FROM The 11th Order Best Short IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: THE ARTIST’S PROCESS Hun Pilots Christian Taylor Founders THE FARM THE GIRL WHO WORE Choice Award FREEDOM Tiger Oak + Echo To be announced at the awards ceremony! Best Best International Documentary Film Feature Beauty for Ashes Sky Blossom: AUSTRALIA Diaries of the Next Forgotten Heroes Greatest Generation SINGAPORE The Girl Who The Final Stand Wore Freedom RUSSIAN FEDERATION UNITED WE HEAL

25 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Sunday, May 23 12:00 p.m.

Shorts Block | Documentaries Forgotten Heroes  e legacy of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore still resonates today. But what of those from the island who fought on battle elds thousands of miles from home? “Forgotten Heroes” follows the stories of four courageous individuals from Singapore who found themselves in far- ung theatres of war. From the blood-soaked beaches of Northern France to the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, from the violent skies over southern China to the brutalities of a Japanese POW camp in Java, this documentary recounts the incredible true stories of four Singaporeans who lived through turbulent times.

Documentary Short / Directed by Tom St. John Gray / 49 minutes / 2020 / Singapore / West Coast Premiere / Nomination: Best International Film

26 Brothers in Arms “Brothers in Arms” tells a powerful story of hope and courage. Following WWII Combat Marine Veteran Charlie Kohler from his childhood in the Heartland to a promising major league baseball career that’s cut short by the break out of the war.

Documentary Short / Directed by Tracie Hunter / 22 minutes / 2020 / USA / West Coast Premiere

Charlotte Mansfield: a Woman Photographer Goes to War Drawing from an extraordinary archive of unpublished military photographs and personal correspondence, as well as expert and family interviews, “Charlotte Mans eld: a Woman Photographer Goes to War” tells the story of Sgt. Charlotte Dee Mans eld’s pioneering career as a Women’s Army Corps photographer during World War II.

Documentary Short / Directed by Brian Graves / 26 minutes / 2019 / USA / West Coast Premiere / Nomination: Best Documentary Short

#SANarts arts.san.org

27 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Sunday, May 23 2:30 p.m.

Liberation Heroes: The Last Eyewitnesses In association with USC Shoah Foundation

Heroic World War II veterans vividly share their liberation journeys, drawing parallels between the past and present. ese powerful eyewitness accounts from Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive®, share a cautionary tale and compelling reminder of what can happen when insidious hatred remains unchecked. With antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia on the rise worldwide, this lm serves as a call to action to stand against hatred in all its forms.

Documentary Short / Directed by Vanessa Roth / 41 minutes / 2019 / USA / Nomination: Best Documentary Short

A Flash of Green Aer being wounded by the rst explosions at Pearl Harbor, Charles McCandless fought in the most critical battles against Imperial Japan in World War II. Midway, Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Iwo Jima, to name a few. When he got home, like many veterans, he never talked about it. When Sandra McCandless Simons rst read her father’s memoir, its revelations inspired her to publish his book so that others could experience his unique perspective on the war in the Paci c. Using newly-discovered archive footage along with unique images from McCandless family scrapbooks, this lm brings the vivid storytelling of Charles’ memoir to the screen, along with fresh in- sight and humanity to one of the most consequential military struggles in history.

Documentary Short / Directed by Edward Nachtrieb / 41 minutes / 2020 / USA / San Diego Premiere

28 Keeping America's Promise by repatraiting our Nation's MIAs PPPPPPPRPPPRPPRPPR

29 ONLINE SHOWTIME AT Sunday, May 23 4:45 p.m.

Closing Night Local Documentaries Duo Actions Speak Louder than Medals - the Royce Williams Story On 18 November 1952, Royce Williams found himself alone in an aerial duel against SEVEN superior, aggressively own Russian MiGs. In the 38 minutes that followed, he bested at least four and just barely brought his wounded F9F Panther back to the carrier....where he was promptly told that what had just happened “didn’t.” True to his values, Royce put the spectacular event out of his mind and continued his service, quietly, humbly — only telling his wife when informed (over FIFTY YEARS LATER) that the moment was now “unclassi ed.” Today, at age 95, Royce is nally (and somewhat bewildered by) the attention he deserves. But behind every great hero story is an even greater back-story proving that the actions behind great deeds are their own reward.

Documentary Short / Directed by John Mollison / 20 minutes / 2020 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection

30 Hun Pilots America’s rst supersonic ghter, the F-100 Super Saber,  ew more combat sorties during the Vietnam War than any other ghter. No war in American history is more misunderstood than what took place over the bloody skies of Vietnam in the 1960s. “Hun Pilots” reveals a tumultuous time in U.S. history where phenomenal veterans sacri ced their lives in service of their country despite the turmoil surrounding them. Vietnam was misreported then and it is misremembered now. Receiving neither the country’s glory nor their compassion, this unique breed of men served, fought, and died following the orders of their Commander-In-Chief. “Hun Pilots” reveal their stories in order to prevent this travesty from ever happening again to Americans who serve and defend the United States of America. Veterans of valor should never become just a faded memory.  eir services must be visually told in lm in order to preserve history so they will always be remembered.

Documentary Short / Directed by Mark Vizcarra / 57 minutes / 2019 / USA / Local Film Showcase Selection / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / Nominations: Local Film Showcase - Best Short; Local Film Showcase - Best Film Made By or Starring Military or Veterans

Are you caring for someone with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's? Then the REACH2CAREGIVERS program is for you! This series is offered FREE and virtually to family caregivers to better understand memory loss, develop communication skills, learn stress management techniques and how to better care for yourself and your loved one. You don't have to do caregiving alone! Sign up today for our REACH2CAREGIVERS online Southern Caregiver Resource Center class at https://bit.ly/REACHprogram. Caring for those who care for others Southern Ca regiver Resource Center has been offering services FREE direct services to the community for Southern Caregiver Resource Center over 33 years. Our team of highly qualified (800) 827-1008 or (858) 268-4432 professional staff supports families through a [email protected] I www.caregivercenter.org comprehensive inventory of programs and services.

31 ENCORE ONLINE Sunday, May 23 SHOWTIME AT 5:30 p.m.

Women Warriors Block Charlotte Mansfi eld: a Woman Photographer Goes to War Drawing from an extraordinary archive of unpublished military photographs and personal correspondence, as well as expert and family interviews, “Charlotte Mans eld: a Woman Photographer Goes to War” tells the story of Sgt. Charlotte Dee Mans eld’s pioneering career as a Women’s Army Corps photographer during World War II.

Documentary Short / Directed by Brian Graves / 26 minutes / 2019 / USA / West Coast Premiere / Women Warriors Block Nomination: Best Documentary Short Continues on page 34

Scatena Daniels is a strategic communications firm for thought leaders, industry innovators, and brands who make a difference.

We are a proud sponsor of the GI Film Festival San Diego, providing strategic media outreach to support this year's festival. Serving businesses and community organizations since 2009 www.scatenadaniels.com Certified Woman-Owned Business / Certified Small Business

32 Navy League of the United States | San Diego Council Y L E A G V U A E N Support the men and women of the sea services

O

S Provide assistance to sea service families F E T T Support Sea Cadet, NROTC and JROTC programs H A E T U S N I T E D Educate the public about the Sea Services

Information and volunteer at: www.navyleague-sd.com 619-230-0301

Honor Flight San Diego Do you know a WWII or Korean War veteran? We are looking for them to go on their Honor Flight in Oct. 2021. There is no cost to the veteran for the 3-day trip to Washington, D.C.

For more information, go to: www.HonorFlightSanDiego.org or call (800) 655-6997

OLD 33 ENCORE ONLINE Sunday, May 23 SHOWTIME AT 5:30 p.m.

Women Warriors Block (continued) Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan: The Artist’s Process In her series, “Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan,” artist Jennifer Karady collaborates with returning military veterans to restage a moment from war, producing narrative photographs that reveal how their war experiences in ltrate their daily civilian lives. e lm chronicles the intricate and intimate process between Karady and one of her subjects, former Army Specialist Lucero Morales, as they connect a traumatic incident in Najaf, Iraq, with the popping sound of a biscuit can as Morales prepares breakfast for her children. ey ultimately stage a photograph that helps Morales begin to heal.

Documentary Short / Directed by Jennifer Karady / 18 minutes / 2020 / USA / Nomination: Best First-Time Filmmaker

34 Alene B. Duerk: The First Woman Admiral “Alene B. Duerk: e First Woman Admiral” is a short documentary that tells the story of how Alene Duerk overcame gender stereotypes in the military to accomplish the highest rank ever achieved by a woman in the history of the US Navy.

Documentary Short / Directed by Eliciana Nascimento / Nine minutes / 2020 / USA / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans

Budding Creativity An African American, wife, military veteran, and mother of three explores creative transferability during COVID-19.

Documentary Short / Directed by Kay Barnes / Nine minutes / 2020 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans

Women Warriors Block Continues on page 36

Proud to support the GI Film Festival San Diego and we salute those who serve.

sagaftra.org

35

ad_GIFF2019_5x2.5_v1_FINAL.indd 1 8/12/19 5:17 PM ENCORE ONLINE Sunday, May 23 SHOWTIME AT 5:30 p.m.

Women Warriors Block (continued) My War Haunted by the memories of war, a veteran struggles to return to normal life. Nina experiences a severe PTSD episode during her rst Independence Day in America. As the explosions of the reworks intensify, so too does her anxiety. Alone and without any support, she is forced to relive a traumatic event related to her combat experience in a supermarket.

Narrative Short / Directed by Jojo Erholtz / Four minutes / 2019 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / Nomination: Best Actress - Grace Illingworth

Guide On On her rst day of basic training, Halle Varro, a young Army recruit, stands out among her peers as she competes to be the guidon bearer. Halle’s attitude of de ance and winning at all costs puts her in Drill Sergeant Mallett’s crosshairs. Can Halle rise to the challenge and become the rst female guidon bearer? Inspired by true events.

Narrative Short / Directed by Paige Compton / 16 minutes / 2020 / USA / Student Film / Made By or Starring Military or Veterans / San Diego Premiere / Nominations: Best Actress - Shantelle Lee Cuevas; Best Student Film; Best Film Made By Military or Veterans

36 ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Advisory Committee consists of community leaders and organizations who have a passion for public media, cinema, storytelling, the military, and veterans. We humbly thank them for their support.

Derek Abbey, Ph.D., President & CEO Maggie Meza, Chapter Director, of Project Recover; Major, USMC (Ret.) Blue Star Families San Diego Linda Ball, Grant Writer, KPBS RanDee McLain, LCSW, Program Director – Mental Health Systems; 2014 Jodi Cilley, Founder & President, Film San Diego County Veteran of the Year; Consortium San Diego USN Veteran Rik Deskin, Actor & SAG-AFTRA Patricia Nieswiadomy, Community Seattle President; USAF Veteran Volunteer; Military Spouse Erin Dockery, Community Volunteer; Ann Marie Price, Senior Account Military Spouse Executive, Scatena Daniels Bradley Garner, MBA, Talent Communications; Military Ally Acquisition Manager, General Atomics; Martha Rañón, Executive Vice MSgt, USAF (Ret.) President, Southern Caregiver Keshia Javis-Jones, Administrative Resource Center Director of Education Programs, Amber Robinson, Vice President & Workshops for Warriors; USMC Veteran Communications Director, American Tony Johnson, Military and Veteran History Theatre; US Army Veteran Advocate; Force Master Chief, Daniel Romero, Director, San Diego US Navy (Ret.) Military Family Collaborative at SAY Heather Kelly, West Region Program San Diego Manager, Travis Manion Foundation; Phillip Sammuli, Director of Corporate Gold Star Spouse Relations, Armed Services YMCA Todd Kennedy, Interim Director, San Diego Military & Veterans Program at SDSU; Jennifer Santis, Community Liaison, First Sergeant, USMC (Ret.) Mental Health Systems & Courage Bob Lawrence, Former Broadcast to Call Military Reporter; Staš Sergeant Air Denise Scatena, Founding Partner Force Reserves (Ret.) and Public Relations Professional, Sheldon Margolis, Former Executive Scatena Daniels Communications Director, The Veterans Museum at Holly Sha§ner, Public Relations Balboa Park; Captain, USN (Ret.) Professional; Lieutenant Commander, Lisa Marcolongo, Public Relations USCG (Ret.) Manager, Elizabeth Hospice Nancy Worlie, Interim General Nico Marcolongo, Senior Manager, Manager, KPBS Operation Rebound, Challenged Athletes Foundation; Oœcer, USMC (Ret.)

37 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

FEATURED SPONSOR

ENDORSING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

FUNDED IN PART BY

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

38 FILM INDEX ALPHA ORDER

A Band to Honor ...... 14 A Flash of Green ...... 28 A WAR ON FRIENDLY GROUNDS ...... 18 Actions Speak Louder than Medals - the Royce Williams Story ...... 30 Alene B. Duerk: The First Woman Admiral ...... 14 & 35 Amazing Grace ...... 23 Beauty for Ashes ...... 17 Brothers in Arms ...... 27 Budding Creativity ...... 12 & 35 Burger Day | A Short Story by Audrey di Faye ...... 19 Charlotte Mansfield: a Woman Photographer Goes to War ...... 27 & 32 DREAMS OF THE BLACK ECHO ...... 21 Early Light ...... 23 Forgotten Heroes ...... 22 Fort Irwin ...... 24 From Russia with… Mehh ...... 15 Guide On ...... 16 & 36 Hun Pilots ...... 31 Lead The Way ...... 9 Liberation Heroes: The Last Eyewitnesses ...... 28 Life After Oblivion ...... 15 My War ...... 18 & 36 REWIND ...... 18 Saved Rounds ...... 19 Sky Blossom: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation ...... 8 Soldiers’ Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan: The Artist’s Process ...... 11 & 34 The 11th Order ...... 16 The Children’s Crusade ...... 17 THE FARM...... 10 The Final Stand ...... 20 The Girl Who Wore Freedom ...... 9 The Invisible Project ...... 7 The Khe Sanh Peace Garden ...... 11 The Long River Home ...... 10 The Sweatshirt ...... 22 Tiger Oak + Echo ...... 15 UNITED WE HEAL ...... 12 Walking Point ...... 23

39 I’m catching a film and being inspired at GIFFSD.

#WatchTogether #GIFilmFestSD

GIFilmFestivalSD.org GIFilmFestivalSanDiego | @GIFilmFestSD | #GIFilmFestSD