US Army veteran writes about GI Film Festival

May 24 - May 28, 2017

GI Film Festival

https://gifilmfestival.com/

#GIFF2017

My name is Casey Stafford, I am a US Army Veteran, artist, and aspiring actor.

CJ Stafford, Writer of this Blog

The GI Film festival is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by Brandon Millett and Major Laura Law-Millet, it's mission is to provide a platform for the military community so that their stories of courage will be heard, seen, and felt through film and television.

GIFF 2017 is an incredibly vital tool in connecting our veterans and civilians. I can tell you first hand that one of the most difficult things a veteran can do is relate to someone who has not experienced war.



The GI Film Festival is an opportunity for filmmakers of any level to use their creative abilities and talents to offer some insight on the realities of the military and combat.


I know many veterans and active service members who have seen the arts as the antithesis of what the military and battle stands for, but through destruction comes creation and the GIFF is the perfect example of that.

May 24 - May 28, 2017

GI Film Festival

https://gifilmfestival.com/

#GIFF2017

The benefits of the GI Film Festival are endless. There are aspiring actors waiting to be discovered, amazing creative geniuses who can tell a story and put you right into the action while doing it, and plenty of film industry professionals who are in support of veteran organizations looking to make a project a production in thanks of our heroes.




The biggest benefit to remember is that the men and women of our military receive recognition for their deeds through a mainstream event and are able to bridge the gap between military and civilian life.

May 24 - May 28, 2017

GI Film Festival

https://gifilmfestival.com/

#GIFF2017

GI Film Festival screens dozens of projects including feature films, documentaries, short films, student films, and international films all based around the military. Short films created by veterans and active duty military are also submitted to the festival.

The GI Film Festival is held in Washington D.C. Attendees include veterans and military families as well as famous producers, actors, and directors though tickets are available to the general public.
GI Film Festival on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gifilm/

My name is Casey Stafford, I am a US Army Veteran, artist, and aspiring actor.


I would like to connect with filmmakers who support veterans so that I can someday be a part of the film industry while still supporting all those who came before and after me.

ADD ME >>>> Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/portraits_by_cj/


ART HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQzLQiGFFQZ/?taken-by=portraits_by_cj

Gary Sinise as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump - 9in × 12in charcoal and graphite.
JUST finished this piece up. Mr. Sinise is a beacon of hope for veterans like myself and I hope to one day meet the man. 

Thank you to all who run the GI Film Festival.


GI Film Festival
GIFF2017
#GIFF2017

May 24 - May 28, 2017

GI Film Festival

https://gifilmfestival.com/

#GIFF2017

Submit military veteran film projects here - GIFF2017

SUBMIT HERE:

http://gifilmfestival.com/film-submission-frequently-asked-questions/

What are the dates of the next festival?

May 22, 2017 to May 28, 2017

Where is the festival held?Multiple locations throughout the Washington, DC area.

What is the deadline?
Early deadline – October 15, 2016
Regular deadline – December 15, 2016
Late deadline – January 20, 2017
Extended deadline – February 10, 2017

Filmmaker Notification:
NLT March 10th, 2017

How can I submit my film?

Where do I send my film?Send your film to:

GI Film Festival
2776 S Arlington Mill Dr #810
Arlington VA 22206

How long is a short film?
Films under 60 minutes are
considered short films.

How long is a feature film?
Films 60 minutes and over are
considered feature films.

What are the categories of films accepted?
GIFF accepts films of all categories
including feature, documentary, short, and student.

How are the films selected for the festival?Films submitted to the festival are reviewed by our selection team, which evaluates each film, looking for the best thematic and well produced films.

Is it a postmarked deadline
or received by deadline?
The submissions deadline is a postmarked by deadline.

Do you accept rough cuts/work-in-progress?
Yes, we will review and consider rough cuts and works-in-progress. Please note on the submission
what elements are still being worked on.

Should I send a press kit?
Please send an electronic press kit after your film
has been selected to screen at the festival.

Can I still submit if my film has
distribution or has aired on television?
Yes, however previously aired films are not eligible to win.

Can I submit more then one film?
Yes, but each film must have its own
submission form filled out and fee paid.

Do you accept multiple
submissions on one DVD?
Yes, see above.

Will my DVD be returned?
No. Submissions will not be returned.

Can I get confirmation that you
received my submission?
Yes, your status will be updated
on www.withoutabox.com

What additional information do I need to provide for submission as a student/military filmmaker?
Please include a photocopy of the front of
your school ID or proof of military service.

If my film is not chosen, may I speak with a member of the selection team for notes or feedback?
Unfortunately, due to time constraints
and the large number of submissions,
we are unable to give individual feedback.

Should I call if I have a question?Email is the best form of communication for timely responses.

I still have a question that isn’t covered here?
Email: info@gifilmfestival.com

When will I find out if my film is accepted?
We notify filmmakers if they are accepted into the festival approximately one month prior to the festival.

What are the acceptable screening
formats for your festival?
For the submission process, we can screen DVD’s (Region 0 or 1), blu-ray, video files like .mov and .mpeg.

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For #GIFF2017 sponsorship opportunities please contact George Ohan.