GI Film Festival 2008 a HUGE Success!

GI Film Festival 2008 a HUGE Success!

Celebrities Duvall, Sinise, and more schmooze with U.S. Military Leaders
 
On May 18, 2008, the GI Film Festival wrapped up its second annual event, and, by all accounts, it was a huge success.  The organizers send out their thanks to all for the support and encouragement. 
 
Of course, it is impossible to capture the essence of the entire festival in this update, but here are just a few highlights from the event that veterans helped build:
 
Overall, the festival screened 25 premier and 7 "fan favorite" films — all honoring our men and women in uniform.  These films celebrated the service of every branch of the military and covered every major conflict from the Civil War through the war in Iraq.

Among the luminaries who participated in this year’s festival:  Robert Duvall, Gary Sinise, Stephen Baldwin, John Ratzenberger, Gil Gerard, Karri Turner, Leeann Tweeden, James McEachin, Dale Dye, WWE Superstar Mr. Kennedy, WWE legend Ric Flair, General George Casey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Schultz, Chief of the US Army Reserve, Brigadier General Lori Sutton and Medal of Honor recipient Col Bud Day.
 
The Pentagon Channel covered the festival for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines around the world.  Other media coverage included Fox News Channel’s "Studio B" and "Fox and Friends" programs, "The Dennis Miller Show," The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Hill newspaper, WUSA-9, WMAL and many more.

While organizers are thrilled with how this year’s festival came off, just wait until you see what we they have planned for 2009.  To keep posted on upcoming events, click here.

 

ABOUT THE GI FILM FESTIVAL:

Web Site: www.GiFilmFestival.com

The GI Film Festival (GIFF), a 501 c(3) non-profit organization, is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film.  The four-day festival is held each year in the month of May in Washington DC. 

The GIFF will present films from new and established international and domestic filmmakers that honor the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom and liberty.  Some of the films screened will be fan favorites.  Others will be screened for the first time.  All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of our fighting men and women and the value of their work.

The GI Film Festival is open to filmmakers of every experience level, from first-timers to veteran directors and producers.  Prizes will be awarded to winners of three main categories: feature, documentary, and film shorts.

In addition to presenting feature, documentary, and short film screenings, the GIFF will also present panel discussions, educational forums and special events, including:

• Movie screenings by international and domestic filmmakers.
• Awards presentation featuring a special celebrity major motion picture screening.
• "War Stories" educational panel featuring untold personal stories of heroism from the front lines.
• Kick-off cocktail party and VIP award ceremony 
• Press junket, exhibitions, Hollywood "meet and greets," and more…