GI Film Festival event marches into theaters
A still from "Climb," one of the award-winning documentaries slated to show at the Cinematic Salute. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

GI Film Festival event marches into theaters

Fathom Events, in partnership with the GI Film Group, will present “The GI Film Festival Cinematic Salute to the Troops” on April 7, at 7 p.m. local time in more than 375 movie theaters across the country.

The GI Film Festival, hailed by Bloomberg News as “Sundance for the troops,” will feature two short documentaries as part of the Fathom event – “Climb,” a 15-minute award-winning documentary short narrated by Gary Sinise, tells the story of double amputee Rob Jones who biked across the country during one of the coldest winters on record to raise money for veterans charities. And “The Real Inglorious Bastards” tells the remarkable true story of a group of Jewish refugees who join the U.S. military and return to Germany to perform one of the most daring special forces intelligence operations during World War II.

The film is hosted by Jamie Kaler (the American Heroes Channel’s “America: Facts vs. Fiction”) and features special appearances by Adam Driver (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Girls”), Gary Sinise (“Forrest Gump,” “Apollo 13”) and others. The film also includes an exclusive sneak peek of GI Film Festival X and the upcoming military apocalyptic feature “Range 15,” written and produced by U.S. military veterans. And as part of their Joining Forces initiative, first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden recorded a special message for the event.

Tickets for the Cinematic Salute can be purchased online at www.fathomevents.com or at participating box offices for $15. For a list of theaters showing the film visit the Fathom Events website at www.fathomevents.com/event/gi-film-festival/buy, where you can enter your ZIP code to find the location nearest you (theaters and participants are subject to change).

"As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, it has been an honor and privilege to host the GI Film Festival over the past few years," Kaler said. "I’m very proud to play a small part in the amazing accomplishments that they’ve achieved over the past decade. It’s important to help the people who have served our country, and tell their stories. Now that the festival has reached a national platform, I look forward to helping them move forward on this important event with Fathom."

Much of the show was filmed on location at American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood, described in the Cinematic Salute as the “nexus of the relationship between Hollywood and the military.” Post 43 has served as a gathering place for many famous Hollywood actors who also served in the military, including Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart and Jimmy Stewart. The GI Film Festival is a past recipient of The American Legion National Commander’s Public Relations Award, owing to its work in fostering a positive image for American servicemembers.

“Fathom is always thrilled for the opportunity to pay tribute to our troops," said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey. "This event allows audiences to honor veterans who have served in recent wars and to reflect on service from years past. We are proud to be partnering with the GI Film Festival in their 10th year to bring this to theaters nationwide."

The festival is interested in working with Legion departments to promote the event, to include complimentary passes. For more information, contact Barbara Foelber at Barbara@gifilmfestival.com.

GI Film Festival co-founders Laura Law-Millett and Brandon Millett said, "As a military family, we could not be happier to kick off our 10th-year celebration of the GI Film Festival with our new partnership with Fathom Events. We are so excited to share this dynamic night of entertainment about our military heroes in theaters coast to coast, providing interaction, entertainment and insight into the important role members of our armed forces play at home and abroad."

www.fathomevents.com/event/gi-film-festival