Editor's note: Military Times will spotlight a group of GI Film Festival selections regularly in the run-up to the festival.
The Category: Cinematic Salute to the Troops
The Films: "All American," "The Jockstrap Raiders" and "Places Like This"
The Breakdown: The short-film trio will be part of a larger celebration of service that will mark the GI Film Festival's first foray into variety entertainment. Along with the movies, the two-hour salute will include appearances by actors Tom Berenger and Judd Nelson, and music from Ayla Brown, a contestant in the fifth season of "American Idol." Navy veteran, stand-up comedian and TV host Jamie Kaler will emcee the proceedings.
As for the on-screen fare:
- "All American" takes viewers alongside the life's journey of a D-Day paratrooper who, after 72 years, flies aboard the same plane he took into combat. This time, the great-grandfather has his family at his side.
- "The Jockstrap Raiders" offers a wild, animated take on a fictional unit of British misfits tasked with a critical mission during World War I.
- "Places Like This" follows a group of veterans into Colorado's winter wilderness as they attempt to climb a 13,000-foot mountain. Directed and produced by a former Air Force combat videographer.
The Trailers:
The Event: Tickets for the Cinematic Salute to the Troops, which takes place May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Howard Theater, are available here; full-festival passes are also available.
The Rundown: For more on these films and others, visit the GI Film Festival's official site.
