‘Sundance for the Troops’ Heads to San Diego in September 2016
‘USS Indianapolis: The Legacy’ kicks off five-day GI Film Festival San Diego
San Diego has a multi-faceted military history for nearly 80 years. Hundreds of thousands of recruits began their military careers through the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Naval Training Center. Active duty bases occupy thousands of acres along our coastline, stretching from San Diego Bay to Camp Pendleton. In the fiscal year 2015, 49 U.S. Navy ships home ported in San Diego. According to the 2015 San Diego Military Advisory Council Economic Impact Study, “the region’s military and defense complex remains a critical economic sector. More than one-fifth of San Diego County’s economy relies on this key sector.”
Thousands of veterans and their families call our region home during active duty service and upon retirement. These men and women, who have dedicated their lives to the protection of our country, have had great, memorable experiences that deserve to be preserved and documented through audio or video recordings, personal journals, news stories, or the medium of film.
Stories of resilience and strength depicted in films for, about, and by service men and women are the backbone of the selections for GI Film Festival San Diego, now in its second year. Presented by KPBS, the 2016 line-up depicts incredible stories that “have gone under the radar” according to festival organizers. Themes range from the experiences of prisoners of war to living with survivor’s guilt. Major wars covered in the films span from World War II to the present day conflicts. All major film genres will be featured, including dramas, documentaries, shorts and personal narratives.
“We are excited to bring the GI Film Festival to San Diego for a second year,” said KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo. “Last year’s festival proved without a doubt that compelling, authentic, and insightful content for and about our local military is important. KPBS looks forward to showcasing more amazing films and giving the audience an even deeper appreciation for our service members and the sacrifices they make.”
The festival, to be held Sept. 14-18, 2016 at various venues throughout the city of San Diego, kicks off with the 2016 documentary, “USS Indianapolis: The Legacy.” This thrilling retelling of the fate of the World War II heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis exclusively uses first-person accounts from more than 30 survivors of the devastating torpedo attack. The film took 10 years to make with more than 104 interviews completed. Filmmakers, Sara Vladic and Melanie Capacia Johnson, are thrilled to have their film kick-off the GI Film Festival San Diego.
“Helping to keep the legacy of the USS Indianapolis alive has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Vladic. “And having the support of the survivors, their families, and the families of those who were lost at sea has meant everything along this 15-year journey. Now, being able to share this incredible story with our home town, and doing so on the opening night of the festival, just makes it all the more special. It’s an honor to be selected by the GI Film Festival San Diego to help us share the true story of the USS Indianapolis and her crew.”
Additional titles confirmed for the GI Film Festival San Diego this year include:
• “Thank You For Your Service” – This film takes a hard look at our understanding of war trauma and the policies that result. The film’s director, Tom Donahue, 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.
• “Paper Lanterns” – In the summer of 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. On the morning of the bombing a young Japanese boy, Shigeaki Mori, would witness the explosion. He would survive that day and go on to document the bombing and honor the thousands that were lost, including the 12 American POWs. Mori’s efforts provided closure and solace for the families of those fallen soldiers.
• “Forced Landing” – During the Second World War, more than 100,000 foreign soldiers were interned in Switzerland. French, Polish, English, Russian, Italian and German soldiers who fled combat found a safe haven in neutral Switzerland. Those who escaped were sent to a detention camp in Wauwilermoos near Lucerne where they would undergo harsh conditions and treatment. In April 2014, eight survivors of this camp received the Prisoner of War Medal, marking the first time this medal has been granted to soldiers that were held prisoners in a friendly country.
• “Adventurmentalism” – Directed by an independent documentary filmmaker and former member of the U.S. Army, “Adventurmentalism,” is an interpersonal depiction of nature’s positive influence on mental health in combat veterans and suicide survivors struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The Local Film Showcase will once again be an important part of the festival, featuring the works of San Diego and Imperial Valley filmmakers, locations, and actors. Films are submitted to the Film Consortium San Diego and then presented to an advisory committee that is comprised of members of San Diego’s active duty and veteran communities or local organizations that serve military members, families, and veterans. The committee will then recommend the films to be honored at the festival’s awards program and closing celebration on Sept. 18.
“The story of our nation’s service members is an important one, as their service built and preserved our nation and our freedoms,” said Sheldon Margolis, executive director, The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, and advisory committee member, GI Film Festival San Diego. “We are honored to join forces with the GI Film Festival San Diego this year to help tell those amazing stories.”
Many of the events will be open to the public with special discounted opportunities for active duty personnel and veterans. Ticket sales will begin early August 2016. Additional information is available at gifilmfestivalsd.org.
