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'This is War' Gets the Red Carpet Treatment in
Cinema
City
(VIDEO)
Tim King, Salem-News.com
Mar-07-2008
Americans should recognize that it is possible to showcase the actions
of our soldiers today and it is something people want to know more
about, in spite of the TV networks' drastic cutback on
Iraq
coverage.
(
SALEM
,
Ore.
) - A story about a group of
Oregon
soldiers who lived and fought together in
Iraq
is debuting in
Cinema City
,
California
this weekend at a special red carpet event.
The best thing about Gary Mortensen's "This is War" may be
the fact that politics have nothing to do with it; it is simply an
amazing real life story about people surviving a hellish year of
combat.
Mortensen says plans for this weekend's event began a few months back
when Suzanne DeLaurentiis called unexpectedly. She is a highly
successful producer, director and writer, and also the Grand Daughter
of famous film producer Dino DeLaurentiis.
"Suzanne had seen our film and called asking if we would be open
to letting her screen it at her upcoming Cinema City International
Film Festival."
He says the company's festival has categories for television pilots,
music videos and advertisements, but since their documentary didn't
really fit any of those categories, he remained curious as to what she
had in mind.
"Well imagine our surprise when she told us that she was so moved
by the film that she wanted to make it the premiere event to kick off
the entire festival. It also happens that part of the proceeds from
the festival will go to assist soldiers who have been burned in combat
so we were both excited and honored to be part of such a wonderful
event."
Mortensen's documentary has managed to generate what appears to be
continual momentum since first being released. "This is War"
debuted at film festivals in Portland and Salem to stunning reviews,
and the documentary comes at a time when increasing numbers of Iraq
and Afghanistan vets are readjusting to civilian life and dealing with
issues like post traumatic combat stress.
It is doubtless that this intelligent and level look at the months of
non ending enemy contacts will help educate people as to what these
veterans go through, and also serve as an item in history that will
forever convey this group's hardships and tragedy, along with their
humor and triumph.
On Saturday, five soldiers from the film will accompany Gary Mortensen
and his team to
Los Angeles
on a private jet courtesy of
Frank Dulcich
, CEO of Pacific Seafood.
He says it looks like our soldiers will be given the "Hollywood
Treatment" as the film's screening is a red carpet event complete
with paparazzi and a behind the scenes after party.
"The next day our soldiers will be giving interviews to
publications from around the world and followed by a black tie awards
ceremony and yes another after party. We have it now confirmed that
both Tom Arnold and Ed McMahon will be attending the screening and are
hearing rumors that several other high profile celebrities will also
be watching the film."
Americans should recognize that it is possible to showcase the actions
of our soldiers today and it is something people want to know more
about, in spite of the TV networks' drastic cutback on
Iraq
coverage.
People who want to see an end to the fighting in Iraq support these
men and women as much as anybody, and "Hollywood" or Cinema
City as the case may be, does have what it takes to simply applaud an
effort like the Oregon Guard's 2-162 Infantry and Gary Mortensen,
simply because it is the right thing to do.
It is efforts like this that achieve the very most for people, by
bringing them together. I hope more similar projects in the future
continue to reinforce this, and recognize that while there are some
problems, almost all of our people serving in uniform in
Iraq
are towing the line and serving honorably. These soldiers did not come
home as a complete unit, they suffered loss of life and some lost
parts of themselves. In my opinion they represent the values and
courage all people wish they had.
The video clip below, courtesy of YouTube, is by the company that
produced "This is War", Lucky Forward Films. It features
reviews from some of the people at another theater release.
I can tell you as a war photographer and reporter that this is one of
the most epic things I have ever watched and it would be a long and
difficult process for any group to ever attempt to produce a project
of a similar nature that would rival it. I hope you visit this site:
luckyforwardfilms.com/ and buy a copy for $19.99, which includes
shipping and handling. You will be acquiring something that can be
considered one of the most stark, open and honest records of the Iraq
War on record. You will also help the soldiers that benefit from
Gary
's work, and the sacrifice of the Oregon National Guard.
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