American Legion
Vanguard Gaming Post 1337
Brought to you by
http://alpost1337.org/
Military Movies on Mondays
Historic Crest Theatre
Fresno, California
Photography by: Cody Smith
6735 N.Millburn Ave. Ste 100
Fresno, CA 93722
(559) 836-9213
Actor / USMC veteran
Michael Broderick
WINNER!
'FATHERS & SONS'
Best Film WinnerCongratulations to Ryan Curtis and the entire team behind Fathers and Sons for taking home the Best Film award at the inaugural "Military Movies on Mondays" event! This powerful upcoming feature explores the complex and often unspoken bonds between generations, weaving themes of family, duty, sacrifice, and reconciliation with raw authenticity.
Directed by veteran filmmaker Ryan Curtis and featuring standout performances from Michael Broderick (True Detective, Justified) as "Tom" and Tim Abell (We Were Soldiers) as "Del," the film resonated deeply with our audience when projected on the big screen at Fresno's Historic Crest Theatre, earning top honors for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. Made years ago yet still profoundly relevant today, this timeless story continues to move viewers—a truly well-deserved win!
Directed by veteran filmmaker Ryan Curtis and featuring standout performances from Michael Broderick (True Detective, Justified) as "Tom" and Tim Abell (We Were Soldiers) as "Del," the film resonated deeply with our audience when projected on the big screen at Fresno's Historic Crest Theatre, earning top honors for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. Made years ago yet still profoundly relevant today, this timeless story continues to move viewers—a truly well-deserved win!
Known for Oscar Mike and Sports TV.WriterVernon Mortensen
Credits include Army Dog and A Sierra Nevada Gunfight.Producers
- Michael Broderick
- Ryan Curtis
- Michael Broderick as "Tom"
Previously seen in True Detective, Justified, and Power.
Instagram: @thatbroderick - Tim Abell as "Del"
Known for We Were Soldiers and I Am That Man.
Instagram: @timabell - Tyne Stecklein as "Rhonda"
Appeared in True Blood.
Instagram: @tynestocklein
Credits include Artificial and Sports TV.
Instagram: @shotbymrrapheCamera DepartmentDustin Miller
Worked on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Day of Days.GafferCamilo Lara Jr.
Known for Lady Bird and Ghosted.Sound MixerJon OrrSound DesignerHall Cantrell
Credits include The Misfits and Man in the Arena.EditorRaphe Wolfgang
Instagram: @shotbymrrapheComposerNick Gomez
Known for Oscar Mike and Mayhem of the Mind.Music SupervisorAbe Bradshaw
Credits include The Black String and Another Time.Production Assistants
- Lucia Tarantino
- Alan Bernhoft
Following his service, Ryan chased his dreams of storytelling to Los Angeles and the film industry. He has Executive Produced and Directed two Veteran oriented series for Verizon’s Go90 network and has directed original content and spots for clients such as: NIKE, Evan Williams, Audi, Under Armour, Stephen Curry, ABC and long time client Oprah.
Actor / U.S. Army veteran
Tim Abell
#GeorgieJobs
WINNER!
Spotlight: Audience Choice Award Winner – 'For My Brothers'We're thrilled to highlight one of our festival's standout films: the powerful short documentary 'For My Brothers', an intimate portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis.
Directed by veteran filmmakers Todd Tetreault and Nathan Tetreault, this moving film offers "A Day in the Life" with Sammy L. Davis as he reflects on the extraordinary heroism that earned him the nation's highest military honor, the profound meaning it holds for him, and how he continues to honor its legacy today.For My Brothers is currently available to stream on VetStream TV, a platform dedicated to veteran stories and content.
The film has garnered well-deserved recognition, including Audience Choice Award at our festival, as well as Best Vietnam Short Film at the MVA Awards. These honors reflect the deep emotional impact it has on viewers, celebrating brotherhood, sacrifice, and resilience.About Sammy L. DavisSammy L. Davis is a legendary Vietnam War hero whose actions on November 18, 1967, at Firebase Cudgel (west of Cai Lay, Vietnam) exemplified unimaginable bravery. Outnumbered by a massive enemy force, Davis—despite severe injuries including a broken back—manned a howitzer alone, provided covering fire, and famously crossed a river on an air mattress under heavy fire to rescue three wounded comrades. He continued fighting for hours until the enemy retreated.
For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Iconically, footage from his award ceremony was featured in the Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump (with Tom Hanks' face superimposed).
Davis, often called the "Real-Life Forrest Gump," has dedicated his life to veterans' causes, speaking to millions about duty, honor, and perseverance. His motto: "You don't lose 'til you quit trying." He is also the author of the book You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient.Looking Ahead: The Feature Film CudgelFor My Brothers serves as an inspiring stepping stone to a larger project: the upcoming feature film Cudgel, a biographical war drama telling the full inspirational story of Sammy L. Davis's life, courage, and enduring hope.
This short documentary beautifully captures the heart of what makes Sammy L. Davis's story so timeless and uplifting. If you haven't seen it yet, head over to VetStream TV—it's a must-watch for anyone moved by true stories of heroism and brotherhood.
Congratulations again to the Tetreault Brothers and Sammy L. Davis on this heartfelt Audience Choice winner.
Directed by veteran filmmakers Todd Tetreault and Nathan Tetreault, this moving film offers "A Day in the Life" with Sammy L. Davis as he reflects on the extraordinary heroism that earned him the nation's highest military honor, the profound meaning it holds for him, and how he continues to honor its legacy today.For My Brothers is currently available to stream on VetStream TV, a platform dedicated to veteran stories and content.
The film has garnered well-deserved recognition, including Audience Choice Award at our festival, as well as Best Vietnam Short Film at the MVA Awards. These honors reflect the deep emotional impact it has on viewers, celebrating brotherhood, sacrifice, and resilience.About Sammy L. DavisSammy L. Davis is a legendary Vietnam War hero whose actions on November 18, 1967, at Firebase Cudgel (west of Cai Lay, Vietnam) exemplified unimaginable bravery. Outnumbered by a massive enemy force, Davis—despite severe injuries including a broken back—manned a howitzer alone, provided covering fire, and famously crossed a river on an air mattress under heavy fire to rescue three wounded comrades. He continued fighting for hours until the enemy retreated.
For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Iconically, footage from his award ceremony was featured in the Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump (with Tom Hanks' face superimposed).
Davis, often called the "Real-Life Forrest Gump," has dedicated his life to veterans' causes, speaking to millions about duty, honor, and perseverance. His motto: "You don't lose 'til you quit trying." He is also the author of the book You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient.Looking Ahead: The Feature Film CudgelFor My Brothers serves as an inspiring stepping stone to a larger project: the upcoming feature film Cudgel, a biographical war drama telling the full inspirational story of Sammy L. Davis's life, courage, and enduring hope.
This short documentary beautifully captures the heart of what makes Sammy L. Davis's story so timeless and uplifting. If you haven't seen it yet, head over to VetStream TV—it's a must-watch for anyone moved by true stories of heroism and brotherhood.
Congratulations again to the Tetreault Brothers and Sammy L. Davis on this heartfelt Audience Choice winner.
Honorable Mention: Strings – From India to California's Big ScreenStrings earns a well-deserved Honorable Mention at the inaugural "Military Movies on Mondays" event in Fresno, California—a breakthrough for emerging Asian talent. This inventive short, directed by first-time UPES student Neha Ganesh Kumbhar, screened on the big screen at the Historic Crest Theatre, where audiences applauded its fresh metaphor for workplace endurance and authority.
Created in India on a tiny budget of just 3,000 INR (~$36 USD), this stop-motion student project overcame major hurdles to reach a U.S. platform focused on resilience stories. Neha navigated cultural barriers, visibility challenges, and international submission logistics to share the stage with established Hollywood names like Michael Broderick (True Detective), Tim Abell (We Were Soldiers), and director Ryan Curtis (clients: NIKE, Under Armour, Oprah). It also screened alongside a portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis and entries from Ukraine and Brazil.
The film's raw honesty and artistic puppetry prove great storytelling needs only vision and heart—not big resources. This achievement, at an accessible event run by veteran George Ohan and inspired by VetFlicks, opens doors for Neha: networking opportunities, greater visibility, and inspiration for global indie filmmakers.
Created in India on a tiny budget of just 3,000 INR (~$36 USD), this stop-motion student project overcame major hurdles to reach a U.S. platform focused on resilience stories. Neha navigated cultural barriers, visibility challenges, and international submission logistics to share the stage with established Hollywood names like Michael Broderick (True Detective), Tim Abell (We Were Soldiers), and director Ryan Curtis (clients: NIKE, Under Armour, Oprah). It also screened alongside a portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis and entries from Ukraine and Brazil.
The film's raw honesty and artistic puppetry prove great storytelling needs only vision and heart—not big resources. This achievement, at an accessible event run by veteran George Ohan and inspired by VetFlicks, opens doors for Neha: networking opportunities, greater visibility, and inspiration for global indie filmmakers.
Film SynopsisStrings is a thought-provoking animated short that delves into the grind of corporate life through a powerful metaphor. It follows an ordinary office worker enduring daily exhaustion, pain, and fear under the invisible control of superiors—portrayed as a marionette manipulated by strings of authority. This bold commentary on power dynamics, burnout, and lost autonomy resonates universally, leaving a lasting impact in under two minutes.Film Details
- Project Type: Animation, Experimental, Student, Short
- Runtime: 1 minute 53 seconds
- Completion Date: July 8, 2025
- Production Budget: 3,000 INR ($37 USA)
- Country of Origin/Filming: India
- Language: English
- Shooting Format: Stop-motion
- Film Color: Color
- First-time Filmmaker: Yes
- Student Project: Yes (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies - UPES)
- Deb Kumar De as "Hand"
- Neha Ganesh Kumbhar as "Doll Manipulation"
Best Photography
Photo Contest Winner
US Marine Aviator Returns Home from War
Congratulations to Tommy Anderson for winning our Photo Contest with his poignant image US Marine Aviator Returns Home from War. This evocative photograph captures the raw emotion of reunion and resilience, perfectly embodying the themes of sacrifice, homecoming, and healing that define veteran stories.
Tommy Anderson is a multifaceted veteran artist: best-selling author, award-winning screenwriter, actor, producer, and co-host of the podcast Real Talk with Tom & Sherry. His acclaimed works include Life After Oblivion, PTSD: A Soldier’s Revenge, and the upcoming Where the Sweetgrass Grows. With a distinguished service background in the U.S. Army and Air Force (rising to deputy fire chief), followed by years as a firefighter and medic, Tommy channels his experiences into authentic storytelling across film, books, and visual arts—including painting and photography.
An Emmy recipient for the PBS documentary Take Me Home Huey and former photojournalist with ABC7-LA News, Tommy continues to advocate for veterans while inspiring global audiences at festivals and events. This winning photo is a powerful testament to his eye for meaningful, heartfelt moments.
Well done, Tommy—this image touched everyone at the event!
Tommy Anderson is a multifaceted veteran artist: best-selling author, award-winning screenwriter, actor, producer, and co-host of the podcast Real Talk with Tom & Sherry. His acclaimed works include Life After Oblivion, PTSD: A Soldier’s Revenge, and the upcoming Where the Sweetgrass Grows. With a distinguished service background in the U.S. Army and Air Force (rising to deputy fire chief), followed by years as a firefighter and medic, Tommy channels his experiences into authentic storytelling across film, books, and visual arts—including painting and photography.
An Emmy recipient for the PBS documentary Take Me Home Huey and former photojournalist with ABC7-LA News, Tommy continues to advocate for veterans while inspiring global audiences at festivals and events. This winning photo is a powerful testament to his eye for meaningful, heartfelt moments.
Well done, Tommy—this image touched everyone at the event!
Two Drums of Thought
by Meysam Oghbaei
Meysam Oghbaei is an accomplished independent Iranian filmmaker, screenwriter, editor, and researcher with over 25 years of creative and academic experience, holding an MA in Cinema and a BA in Sociology. His acclaimed feature documentary A Beginning for the Final Songs of a River—a profound exploration of the environmental, political, and cultural decline of Iran's Zayandeh Rood river—earned the Best Feature Documentary Award and international praise.
His screenwriting has garnered multiple honors, including two Best Screenplay Awards for All My Revelations About Freedom. Earlier works like the short film Erosorium (Room 13) (screened in a Cannes sidebar) and The Line (Best Editing Award) showcase his innovative blend of fiction, documentary, and hybrid forms.
Winning in a U.S. military-themed showcase with this subtle tale of ingenuity and survival underscores the universal power of Oghbaei's storytelling—bridging cultures and borders with grace and insight. A truly inspiring international victory!
@georgeohan
Founder, Military Movies on Mondays
#SafetyForSarah
This inaugural event, founded by U.S. Army veteran George Ohan (
A huge thank you to our sponsors: American Legion Vanguard Gaming Post 1337 (alpost1337.org), all participating filmmakers, cast and crew (special shoutout to actor/veterans Michael Broderick and Tim Abell), photographer Cody Smith, and everyone who attended.
Safety was priority one—every production discussion honored #SafetyForSarah.Mark your calendars—Military Movies on Mondays returns soon. Follow
@georgeohan
) and inspired by VetFlicks, proved that inclusive platforms can amplify diverse voices without gatekeeping.A huge thank you to our sponsors: American Legion Vanguard Gaming Post 1337 (alpost1337.org), all participating filmmakers, cast and crew (special shoutout to actor/veterans Michael Broderick and Tim Abell), photographer Cody Smith, and everyone who attended.
Safety was priority one—every production discussion honored #SafetyForSarah.Mark your calendars—Military Movies on Mondays returns soon. Follow
@georgeohan
for updates and submit your work via FilmFreeway. Let’s keep telling these vital stories.
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