Luminaries from Hollywood and the Military to Convene Memorial Day Weekend for First-of-its Kind Film Event 

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) – In an effort to foster a positive public image for the American Armed Forces in the United States and around the world, the first annual GI Film Festival will be held on Memorial Day Weekend, in Washington, DC.

Luminaries from Hollywood and the U.S. Military will come together for an historic event – the first annual GI Film Festival (GIFF) to be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC, on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28, 2007.

The GI Film Festival, which enjoys the support of the nation’s most respected veterans’ organizations and key media outlets, such as the History Channel, is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes of the American military. The three-day event 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, such as Forrest Gump, The Great Raid, and Red Dawn, featuring directors and actors from those films. Others will be screened for the very first time. All will express the courage and selflessness of our fighting men and women.Among the celebrities and Hollywood luminaries scheduled to appear: Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher (Movieguide); Billy Blanks, Actor, Fitness Guru (Tae Bo); John Dahl, Director (The Great Raid); Dale Dye, Actor (Saving Private Ryan); Ron Maxwell, Director (Gettysburg); James McEachin, Actor (Sudden Impact, Perry Mason); John Milius, Director, Director (Red Dawn); Lou Reda, Producer (Unsung Heroes of WWII); Gary Sinise, Actor (Forrest Gump); Mark Valley, Actor (Boston Legal).

Among the celebrities and Hollywood luminaries scheduled to appear: Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher (Movieguide); Billy Blanks, Actor, Fitness Guru (Tae Bo); John Dahl, Director (The Great Raid); Dale Dye, Actor (Saving Private Ryan); Ron Maxwell, Director (Gettysburg); James McEachin, Actor (Sudden Impact, Perry Mason); John Milius, Director, Director (Red Dawn); Lou Reda, Producer (Unsung Heroes of WWII); Gary Sinise, Actor (Forrest Gump); Mark Valley, Actor (Boston Legal).The GI Film Festival is unique among the more than 950 film festivals held in the United States each year because it focuses specifically on honoring American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Some of the films screened will be fan favorites, such as Red Dawn, The Great Raid, and Forrest Gump, featuring directors and actors involved in those films. Others will be screened for the very first time. All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of American soldiers and the value of their important work.

“The mission of the GI Film Festival is simple – to celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American Armed Forces through the medium of film,” said GI Film Festival President Brandon Millett.

“From the American Revolution through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, our men and women in uniform have given life and limb in defense of freedom. They deserve our respect and our undying gratitude. And that is exactly what we plan to show them this Memorial Day Weekend.”

The GI Film Festival, which enjoys the support of the nation’s most respected veterans’ organizations and key media outlets, such as the History Channel, will present both classic and premier films from international and domestic filmmakers celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom and liberty.

The three-day GI Film Festival will include:

• “Fan Favorite” film screenings presented by award-winning Hollywood directors and actors.
• Premier film screenings featuring the work of promising new filmmakers.
• Panel discussions featuring soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.
• A special awards ceremony including the presentation of the “GI Spirit Award,” given to the actor/producer/director who best embodies the spirit of the GI in their creative work.
• A VIP cocktail reception to benefit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
• A three-day exhibit where visitors can learn about military organizations, buy official GI Film festival gear, try their luck at their favorite war video game, and much, much more.

“The GI Film Festival is a unique opportunity to enjoy first-class entertainment, visit with luminaries from Hollywood and the military, and support our men and women in uniform at the same time,” continued Millett.

“We hope friends and readers of Movieguide will not only buy tickets, but will also choose to help broaden the impact of the festival by making a tax-deductible financial contribution. This is a grassroots campaign to help build a positive image for the American Armed Services around the world, and we need the support of patriotic Americans to make it happen.”

In an e-mail Press Release obtained by ANS, Brandon L. Millett, President of the GI Film Festival, says: “I realize many requests for sponsorship come across your desk, but here is why I believe the GI film Festival is a unique opportunity and worthy of your support.

“First, the GIFF will rally public support for the military and boost troop morale. This is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to American soldiers who sacrifice everything so that we can live in freedom.

“Second, the GIFF will enable you to reach four key target markets – American soldiers and their families, American veterans, military enthusiasts, and Washington, DC opinion leaders.

“Third, studies show that thematically patriotic advertising – when tasteful and truthful – enhances a company’s public image.

“And finally, how often do you have the opportunity to connect with Hollywood celebrities and top military brass at one event?”

The GI Film Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. To help support American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, please consider making a secure tax-deductible contribution to the festival online . Or, you may send your check or money order to GI Film Festival, 2776 South Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206.

Please take a few moments to visit the official festival website, www.gifilmfestival.com, where you can read about the award-winning films, panel discussions, receptions and other special events we have planned for the weekend. As a sponsor, your company will receive prominent recognition, booth space if desired, along with a wide variety of benefits – all outlined here in our corporate sponsorship kit. Should you have any thoughts or questions, please, do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Tickets for the GI Film Festival will be available after April 10, 2007. However, those planning to attend should make their hotel reservations as soon as possible as Washington, DC is a popular travel destination for Memorial Day Weekend, and hotels are filling up quickly.

For more information on the GI Film Festival, click here to visit the official festival website, www.gifilmfestival.com.