The GI Film Festival opens tonight at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park for a multi-day military-themed event after two years of online screening.
The festival will present films by, and about military and veterans. On its opening night on May 17, it will present "Dear Sirs,” which details the experiences of prisoners of war (POW) during World War II, and shines a light on the stigma around post-traumatic stress (PTS) and military mental health.
The 92-minute documentary feature tells the story of a grandfather, Silvio Pedri, who spends his life providing for his family without complaint. When he passes away, his grandson, film director Mark Pedri, and Mark’s wife and film producer Carrie McCarthy, discover an archive of letters, photos, and documents detailing Silvio’s time as a prisoner of war (POW) during World War II.
“We’re very excited to return in-person this year after two years of online screenings,” says Jodi Cilley, founder, and president, Film Consortium San Diego. “There’s nothing better than sitting in a theater next to the WWII veteran you see on screen or hear first-hand from a film subject on their war experience or even talking to a filmmaker who served in the Vietnam War finally getting to tell their story. The GI Film Festival San Diego brings together our troops and civilians, and that is what makes this event so special, unique, and an experience like no other. ”
American Legion Post 6 of California will kick off the night by presenting the colors prior to the film screening. A panel discussion with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
The evening will come to a close with a dessert reception.
Tickets for Opening Night are still available and cost $25 for general admission and $20 for military and veterans. All tickets can be purchased online at GIFilmFestivalSD.org.
A full house is expected for this screening.
Click here to view the trailer for “Dear Sirs”.
