GI Film Festival celebrates 10 years

GI Film Festival celebrates 10 years

The GI Film Festival (GIFF), the nation’s premier entertainment enterprise exclusively dedicated to presenting the veteran experience through film, television and special events, has announced its lineup for the 10th annual event, running May 21-29 in Washington, D.C., and Fairfax, Va.

“This is the most power-packed and diverse lineup of movies we have featured over our 10-year history,” says GI Film Festival President Brandon Millett. “This festival will confront every challenge facing our nation’s military veterans and their families, showcasing some of the most incredible stories of heroism you have ever seen. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll be on the edge of your seat, covering your eyes. Come to GIFF X and you’ll experience every single conceivable human emotion. It will be unforgettable.”

Hailed by Bloomberg News as “Sundance for the Troops,” since 2007 GIFF has spearheaded the leadup to Memorial Day in the nation’s capital by offering the country’s most expansive view of military themes on film - including, for the first time this year, a special event on Sunday, May 22, honoring women in the military, including a short-film showcase and panel discussion.

Kicking off this year’s 10th-anniversary festival will be world-renowned actor Gary Sinise, a supporter of GIFF the beginning. Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will play a concert featuring favorite cover tunes at the Howard Theater on Saturday, May 21. Sinise said, “The GI Film Festival has become the ‘go-to’ place for military-themed movies. Anyone and everyone with a military-themed film will end up at the GI Film Festival, or at least trying to get in."

Also highlighting the festival will be a 30th anniversary screening of the military classic "Top Gun," with a scheduled appearance from actor Val Kilmer, on Wednesday, May 25, at Angelika Film Center in Fairfax, Va., followed by an 80's after-party. On Thursday, May 26, GIFF will host an advance screening of the new film "X:MEN: Apocalypse" for wounded warriors, including a special message from director Bryan Singer. Friday night, May 27, will see the world premiere of the zombie action comedy "Range 15," starring William Shatner, Sean Astin and Danny Trejo, followed by an after-party.

This year’s nine-day program boasts a dynamic lineup of 75-plus films. In addition, GIFF will offer interactive Q&As with filmmakers and on-screen talent, embassy soirees, live music, stand-up comedy, star-studded red carpets and awards ceremonies, all honoring and lending a voice to the veteran community. GIFF is a past recipient of The American Legion's top public relations award.

For the full schedule, visit www.gifilmfestival.com. Details, including screening times, are subject to change.