Join KPBS, veterans, filmmakers and friends at the 2023 GI Film Festival San Diego, May 15-20.
The festival is unlike any other in our region because it exclusively features films for, by and about military and veterans. Not military connected? That’s OK. All are welcome to see the films, be inspired and build community.
The festival will feature 31 films, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, horror and even a Western. Local films, student projects and international films are also featured. A broad range of themes are explored at the festival, from the impacts of war on the service member, military sexual trauma to women in service. All showtimes will be followed by panel discussions with available filmmakers, film subjects and local experts.
Looking for a recommendation or two? Catch the San Diego premiere of “To What Remains” on Tuesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. The film tells the story of Project Recover and their unique collaboration with Scripps Institute of Oceanography, veterans and advocates. Follow the team as they scour the depths of the ocean and the farthest corners of the earth to search for, recover and repatriate the remains of the more than 80,000 Americans missing in action since World War II.
If you’re all about the drama, consider catching our Friday Night Narrative Shorts block featuring six short films. Local filmmaker Andrew Brame offers the nine-minute film “Touch” set at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Veteran and filmmaker Brian Thompson makes his festival debut in the shorts block with “Where To?” taking place during the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The narrative shorts block starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19.
No matter your personal taste in cinema, the festival is bound to have something for you. Join us on the red carpet and discover the stories of America’s military and veterans.
Tickets for screenings begin at $10 each/$8 for KPBS members, veterans, or service members. To see the schedule, preview the films, and secure your tickets, visit GIFilmFestivalSD.org.
