GI Film Festival

The GI Film Festival, coming up from May 9 to 15, presents both classic and premier films that showcase stories of the American Armed Forces and experiences of service members. Held just before Memorial Day weekend, the festival includes 31 film screenings and presentations by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors, as well as panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors and filmmakers.

Emmy award winning actor William Devane, known for “Knot’s Landing,” “West Wing” and “Missiles of October,” stars in “Flag of My Father” and will attend the screening on Friday, May 13 at Arleigh & Roberta Burke Theater inside the U.S. Navy Memorial.

Another well-known actor, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Gary Sinise, perhaps best known for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” will serve as the keynote speaker at a Congressional reception on Wednesday, May 11 at the Capitol Visitor’s Center.

This year, film topics include the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, the War in Afghanistan, World War II, Vietnam and issues facing military families and returning GIs. The festival will also host an international block of films from Denmark, Holland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada at the Canadian Embassy. Go to GIFilmfestival.com for more information.