GI Film Festival goes Hollywood
The GI Film Festival invites military servicemembers, veterans, their families, entertainment industry executives and the public to the first annual GI Film Festival Hollywood from Nov. 9 - 10 at the Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, Calif. The event will feature two industry award receptions, panel/Q&A discussions, several film premieres and industry networking opportunities with celebrities and industry executives. Proceeds from a Saturday night auction will benefit the GI Film Festival and the Semper Fi Fund, which provides financial support to wounded Marines and their families.
"All films premiering during our event highlight the successes and sacrifices of American military service personnel and the worldwide struggle for liberty and democracy. Each film submission has at least one main real or fictitious character serving or having served in the U.S. military who is depicted with respect," said Brandon Millett, co-founder of the GI Film Festival. "As a leading member of the Ambassadors of Hollywood Support Tour, actress Christy Carlson Romano will be honored with the GI Spirit Award during our kickoff reception on Friday. Christy has traveled across the world showing her support for our U.S. Armed Forces." Previous award recipients include actors Gary Sinise, Jon Voight, Joe Mantegna and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Film festival admission prices start at $12 per person. Military servicemembers and veterans receive a 50 percent discount. Visit the GI Film Festival website at www.gifilmfestival.com for all-access, reception and ticket purchasing information. For additional event information, visit www.annualsalute.com.
The GI Film Festival is the only film festival in the nation to focus on preserving the stories of American veterans. The organization also holds a weeklong festival during Armed Forces Appreciation Month each May in Washington. The American Legion supports the festival via resolution, and presented Millett and co-founder Laura Law-Millett with the National Commander’s Public Relations Award at the Washington Conference in 2010.