GI Film Festival

THE GI FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA

Tenth Annual “Sundance for the Troops” Runs May 21-29

The Nation’s Only Military Film Festival Announces Complete Lineup for 2016 

The GI Film Festival (GIFF), the nation’s premiere entertainment enterprise exclusively dedicated to presenting the veteran experience through film, television and special events, today announced its complete lineup for the 10th annual event, running May 21 – 29, 2016 in Washington, D.C. and Fairfax, VA.

This is the most power-packed and diverse line-up of movies we have featured over our ten-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,” the GI Film Festival’s mission is to preserve the stories of military veterans through film, television and dynamic live special events. Since 2007, the GIFF has spearheaded the lead-up to Memorial Day in our nation’s capital by offering the country’s most expansive view of military themes on film. Including, for the first time this year, on Sunday night May 22, a special event 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 since year one. Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will play a concert featuring favorite cover tunes at the Howard Theater on Saturday, May 21. Sinise states, “The GI Film Festival has become the ‘go-to’ place for militarythemed 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. The Program includes scheduled appearances by Val Kilmer, Gary Sinise, Stephen Lang, J.W. Cortes, Pablo Schreiber, Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK) and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).