"Tim’s wound did not have to be fatal, but it killed him nevertheless." Sebastian Junger
After the initial blow of the news of Tim's death and learning that Tim bled out from his wounds, Sebastian Junger spearheaded a project to train and equip freelance journalist to treat life threatening injuries on the battlefield. Tim bled out in the back of a pickup truck while on the way to the hospital in Misrata because none of the Libyan Rebels or journalists with him knew what to do to stop the bleeding and save his life. It was a second huge blow (his death being the biggest one) to know that he could have lived if only someone had known how to apply pressure to his wound to stop the bleeding.
When Sebastian learned of how Tim died he made it a mission to do anything he could so that this might never happen again. "Tim is not the first friend I have lost in combat, but his death was certainly the most devastating. It has prompted me to start a medical training program for freelancer journalists so that the next tragedy can be averted. Our course is modeled after informal training that Tim and I received in Afghanistan and is taught by experienced medics, many with extensive combat experience." (Sebastian Junger)
Today, on the one year anniversary of Tim Hetherington's and Chris Hondros' deaths from a mortar attack in Misrata, Libya, the first class of 25 will finish their three day Reporters Instructed in Saving Colleagues seminar held in New York City. This fall and winter additional seminars will be held in London and Beirut. The classes will continue to be held on an annual basis in NYC, London and Beirut.
Showing posts with label sebastian junger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sebastian junger. Show all posts
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
RESTREPO Garners A Nomination For An Academy Award
Knowing that RESTREPO had made the "short list" of 15 towards being nominated for an Academy Award gave me great hope that, for once, Hollywood would do the right thing. Yesterday we came one step closer to that reality when it was announced that RESTREPO is one of five nominees for Best Feature Documentary. The awards will be presented on 27 February 2011 and nothing will keep me away from the TV that night.
Yes I'll happily suffer through all of the Hollywood drama until the Best Feature Documentary is awarded. I can't remember the last time I watched the Academy Awards. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a movie afficianodo but this year is different. The men of RESTREPO and all of the men of the ROCK matter to me. I just want to hear, "And the Oscar goes to.........Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger for RESTREPO". And I hope to see as many of the Soldiers as possible in the crowd and, maybe even on stage, when (I will not say "IF") Tim and Sebastian accept the Oscar.
Many people have done much to get RESTREPO to this point. First and foremost the Solders about whom the documentary was based. Those Soldier represent many who have served in much the same situation over the years in one war or another. They allowed Tim and Sebastian into their private space and trusted them to do the right thing. Then there are Tim and Sebastian who dug into their pockets to fund the trips to Afghanistan, paid for the editing and to get the film into its final form. To me they did right by those Soldiers. Another thank you to National Geographic for picking up the film and promoting it via their channel as well as through promotion with Laura Kim and her staff at Inside Job - LA. Laura and Kanani spent countless hours working to get RESTREPO shown at theaters around the nation. They had emmense help from military families, friends of the men of RESTREPO and every day Americans who were eager to see the film.
A huge WELL DONE to everyone involved. I hope I am not leaving out people/organizations I should mention here and if I have I apologize for that.
Tune in folks. 27 February 2011.
For those of you in the LA area you might want to check out this link which indicates that beginning on 1 February you can purchase tickets for $5.00 each for an opportunity to meet the Directors of the nominated short and feature length documentaries. I have no idea if Tim and Sebastian will be attending but will update here if I find out.
The Academy spotlights the work of the nominated filmmakers in the Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories with the second annual “Docs!” night. The program will include film clips from each of the nominated documentaries in both categories, and a panel discussion with each group of nominees (schedules permitting).
When
Wednesday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
All seating is unreserved
For more information, call (310) 247-3600
I wasn't aware of this fact:
"The Academy’s entire active membership is eligible to select Oscar winners in all categories, although in five – Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, and Foreign Language Film – members can vote only after attesting they have seen all of the nominated films in those categories."
Naturally I'm curious as to how the Academy determines that the members "attest" they have seen all of the documentaries.
Yes I'll happily suffer through all of the Hollywood drama until the Best Feature Documentary is awarded. I can't remember the last time I watched the Academy Awards. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a movie afficianodo but this year is different. The men of RESTREPO and all of the men of the ROCK matter to me. I just want to hear, "And the Oscar goes to.........Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger for RESTREPO". And I hope to see as many of the Soldiers as possible in the crowd and, maybe even on stage, when (I will not say "IF") Tim and Sebastian accept the Oscar.
Many people have done much to get RESTREPO to this point. First and foremost the Solders about whom the documentary was based. Those Soldier represent many who have served in much the same situation over the years in one war or another. They allowed Tim and Sebastian into their private space and trusted them to do the right thing. Then there are Tim and Sebastian who dug into their pockets to fund the trips to Afghanistan, paid for the editing and to get the film into its final form. To me they did right by those Soldiers. Another thank you to National Geographic for picking up the film and promoting it via their channel as well as through promotion with Laura Kim and her staff at Inside Job - LA. Laura and Kanani spent countless hours working to get RESTREPO shown at theaters around the nation. They had emmense help from military families, friends of the men of RESTREPO and every day Americans who were eager to see the film.
A huge WELL DONE to everyone involved. I hope I am not leaving out people/organizations I should mention here and if I have I apologize for that.
Tune in folks. 27 February 2011.
For those of you in the LA area you might want to check out this link which indicates that beginning on 1 February you can purchase tickets for $5.00 each for an opportunity to meet the Directors of the nominated short and feature length documentaries. I have no idea if Tim and Sebastian will be attending but will update here if I find out.
The Academy spotlights the work of the nominated filmmakers in the Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories with the second annual “Docs!” night. The program will include film clips from each of the nominated documentaries in both categories, and a panel discussion with each group of nominees (schedules permitting).
When
Wednesday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
All seating is unreserved
For more information, call (310) 247-3600
I wasn't aware of this fact:
"The Academy’s entire active membership is eligible to select Oscar winners in all categories, although in five – Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, and Foreign Language Film – members can vote only after attesting they have seen all of the nominated films in those categories."
Naturally I'm curious as to how the Academy determines that the members "attest" they have seen all of the documentaries.
Monday, July 5, 2010
"WAR" Book Signing in Memphis, TN with Sebastian Junger
NOTE: While I began writing this the day after the book signing I got distracted by a few things. Sorry it isn't "on time."
On June 14th Sebastian Junger was at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis, TN to read from and sign copies of his book "WAR". I was thrilled that I was able to rearrange my schedule to make the event. There was a nice size crowd there to listen as Sebastian talked about the time he and Tim Hetherington spent with Battle Co, 2nd Platoon, 173rd, 2-503 in Afghanstan during OEF VIII (2007-08). At one point the bookstore had to bring in more chairs for seating.
I took my copy of "WAR" with me but I hadn't read it. I just hadn't been able to open it and start. I was more than pleased when Sebastian pointed out that nothing in or about the book is political. It's simply the story of the men of 2nd Platoon and how, during their 14-15 months in Afghanistan, particularly their 12 months at OP (Outpost) Restrepo, they coped, reacted to their surroundings and to each other. Since beginning to write this post I have read "WAR". It was not an easy read for me. Unlike many who have reviewed "WAR" I wasn't able to read it in one sitting - too much to absorb and too many memories.
I am pleased with the manner in which Sebastian approached this book. In my opinion it is honest, straight forward, respectful and real. I more than highly recommend it for everyone to read; not just military personnel and their families but EVERY American.
After the book signing we went to grab a burger, beer and fried dill pickles. Sebastian had never had fried dill pickles. Maybe he'll put those on the menu at his NYC restaurant and bar The Half King?
I had never met Sebastian before that night and was more than anxious about doing so. Not because of his "fame" from "WAR", Restrepo, "The Perfect Storm" and his other writings but because he's a writer/journalist and I'm not usually a fan of writers/journalists. I even told him that at one point. But I was so off base about Sebastian. I'm thankful that he afforded me the opportunity to spend time with him and get to know him. Sebastian is the real deal. His respect and love for the men of the ROCK is profound. Within minutes I felt totally at ease with him and as if I had known him for years. It was refreshing to be able to sit and talk with someone about our military personnel the way we did. About THEM. Not about war. Not about politics. Not about politicians. About the warriors, their spirits, their ethos, their characters, their families and their struggles.
Buy the book folks. Read it! And go see Restrepo. If it's not currently scheduled at a theater near you here's what you can do (via Kanani at The Kitchen Dispatch) to help make that happen:
Post the name of the theatre with a contact number on the Restrepo Facebook page. If you have the name of the manager, GREAT. Then, call the theater manager --especially if it's an art house committed to bringing in independent films. Ask for the manager's email. Then send them this link: http://www.restrepothemovie.com/, Tell them the Press Kit may be accessed through the site.
Sebastian, if you are ever back in Memphis I owe you some real BBQ.
On June 14th Sebastian Junger was at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis, TN to read from and sign copies of his book "WAR". I was thrilled that I was able to rearrange my schedule to make the event. There was a nice size crowd there to listen as Sebastian talked about the time he and Tim Hetherington spent with Battle Co, 2nd Platoon, 173rd, 2-503 in Afghanstan during OEF VIII (2007-08). At one point the bookstore had to bring in more chairs for seating.
I took my copy of "WAR" with me but I hadn't read it. I just hadn't been able to open it and start. I was more than pleased when Sebastian pointed out that nothing in or about the book is political. It's simply the story of the men of 2nd Platoon and how, during their 14-15 months in Afghanistan, particularly their 12 months at OP (Outpost) Restrepo, they coped, reacted to their surroundings and to each other. Since beginning to write this post I have read "WAR". It was not an easy read for me. Unlike many who have reviewed "WAR" I wasn't able to read it in one sitting - too much to absorb and too many memories.
I am pleased with the manner in which Sebastian approached this book. In my opinion it is honest, straight forward, respectful and real. I more than highly recommend it for everyone to read; not just military personnel and their families but EVERY American.
Sebastian and me after the book signing
Sebastian with his 2-503 Throw. Do you have one? If not you can order one here
After the book signing we went to grab a burger, beer and fried dill pickles. Sebastian had never had fried dill pickles. Maybe he'll put those on the menu at his NYC restaurant and bar The Half King?
I had never met Sebastian before that night and was more than anxious about doing so. Not because of his "fame" from "WAR", Restrepo, "The Perfect Storm" and his other writings but because he's a writer/journalist and I'm not usually a fan of writers/journalists. I even told him that at one point. But I was so off base about Sebastian. I'm thankful that he afforded me the opportunity to spend time with him and get to know him. Sebastian is the real deal. His respect and love for the men of the ROCK is profound. Within minutes I felt totally at ease with him and as if I had known him for years. It was refreshing to be able to sit and talk with someone about our military personnel the way we did. About THEM. Not about war. Not about politics. Not about politicians. About the warriors, their spirits, their ethos, their characters, their families and their struggles.
At dinner after the book signing
I am forever thankful that Sebastian and Tim were the ones who embedded with 2nd Platoon. I can't imagine any other civilian (and I daresay many military) writers/journalists who could possible have gotten it "right" the way they have. I am equally thankful that I had the opportunity to get to meet Sebastian and spend a couple of hours with him. Thank you Sebastian!
Buy the book folks. Read it! And go see Restrepo. If it's not currently scheduled at a theater near you here's what you can do (via Kanani at The Kitchen Dispatch) to help make that happen:
Post the name of the theatre with a contact number on the Restrepo Facebook page. If you have the name of the manager, GREAT. Then, call the theater manager --especially if it's an art house committed to bringing in independent films. Ask for the manager's email. Then send them this link: http://www.restrepothemovie.com/, Tell them the Press Kit may be accessed through the site.
Sebastian, if you are ever back in Memphis I owe you some real BBQ.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
RESTREPO Special Screenings & General Release Information and Dates
DO NOT MISS THIS MOVIE!
National Geographic Entertainment ACQUIRES AWARD-WINNING 'RESTREPO' FOR U.S. THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION. (Excellent information at the link)
From May 2007 to July 2008, Hetherington and Junger dug in with a platoon of men from Battle Company, the Second Platoon of the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based at Restrepo. Named in honor of the platoon's medic, PFC Juan "Doc" Restrepo, who was killed in action, "Outpost Restrepo" had no running water, no Internet, no phone communication, often no electricity or heat, and it was attacked as many as five or six times a day.
Hetherington and Junger ate what the soldiers ate, slept where they slept, went on every patrol and by the end had been completely accepted into the platoon. Their cameras never left the Korengal Valley as they shot 150 hours of combat, frustration, routine, jokes, terror and bravery during daily life at the outpost until the men themselves were finally shipped out. The two journalists went on to conduct in-depth interviews with the platoon members back at their home base in Italy.
Second Platoon's 15-month tour of duty also serves as the basis for a new book by Junger called "War," which will be published in May 2010 by Twelve, a division of the Hachette Book Group
WINNER of Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival
WINNER of the Golden Rock for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2010 Little Rock Film Festival
From the 2010 Sundance Film Festival - Accepting the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary for Restrepo, veteran journalists and first-time filmmakers Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington honored both their immediate subjects – the soldiers they filmed in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley – and others who’ve fought overseas. "I’d like to dedicate the prize to the Restrepo generation," Hetherington said, "and to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who come back after serving this country and are invisible."
REVIEWS - Click on individual links for entire review
The New York Times - “Restrepo” avoids the conventions of documentary film: there is no back story, no drive-bys with experts for context, no underlying ideology or obvious message. The viewer is dropped into war, with a hard jolt, and resides, along with 15 soldiers from Second Platoon of Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in a remote and raw outpost called Restrepo, so named after one member of the platoon who is killed early in their rotation
Documentary.org - The end result of Junger and Hetherington's approach is a film about all wars--a film that transcends Outpost Restrepo as it puts you in the boots of these soldiers who spent every day, for 15 months, trying not to do anything to get one of their brothers killed as they counted the days remaining before they could go home.
Courtney Keating (16 years old) - Restrepo beautifully shows the unbreakable bond that these men form. They behave like a family, love each other like a family. And the bitter reality when a family member dies is not overlooked - remorse and pain is not avoided; emotions are not hidden. This is real, and this is what our soldiers go through. In addition to fighting and mourning with each other, the guys, well....had their moments. They made immature, inappropriate, and ridiculous jokes. They did unbelievably silly things, and it's hilarious. In what's considered the deadliest valley in Afghanistan, the spirit they had is uplifting. The film captures it all. From grief to joy, it captures it all.
Red Bull Rising - About 90 minutes later, even the combat veterans among us called the film "eye-opening."
Said one staff sergeant: "I wish I'd had something like that to show my soldiers before we left for Iraq." An Afghan-theater veteran observed how well the documentary depicted the mountainous terrain as an ever-present enemy. Another commented: "It's a good reminder that this uniform gets dirty ... and sometimes bloody."
The Kitchen Dispatch - From Surgeon's Wife to Army Surgeon's Wife - The movie ended, but I couldn't move. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington had just taken the mantle from Ken Burns as documentary makers extraordinaire with Restrepo. This war documentary is a gripping chronicle of the lives of a platoon through some of the heaviest fighting in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.
This is what Restrepo does so very well. Hetherington and Junger aren't afraid of the human condition through tough and dangerous times, through this the viewer witnesses the weaving of bonds between men who are very different from one another. This bond, strengthened by a commitment to survival is everlasting and sacred. It's something outsiders have a difficult time understanding, but Restrepo conveys it with love and honor.
Film Journal International - Shot in and around an Army outpost in the Korengal Valley, Restrepo offers an unprecedented look at soldiers on the front lines in Afghanistan. The battle footage is raw and terrifying in ways rarely seen in documentaries before. By avoiding overt political statements, the filmmakers aim for a broad theatrical audience rather than one that has already chosen sides. Restrepo, which will eventually be broadcast on cable, isn't for or against the war in Afghanistan. But it does make clear that waging this war is difficult, if not futile.
Stewart Nusbaumer for the Huffington Post - This documentary has everything -- fire fights, silence, drag-butt humping up and down mountains, intense camaraderie, crushing boredom, near paralyzing fear, horsing around in the all male environment, anguish, and of course death. All delivered to you right in your face.
If you are against the war in Afghanistan, this film will not make you for the war. If you are for the war, this movie will not turn you against the war. But what it will do is bring you closer to the reality of war in Afghanistan , and closer to those fighting that war.
OP Restrepo - Photo by Tim Hetherington
Information about "Sneak Peaks", general release dates and locations and "how to get Restrepo to your town" below the jump. (Click on Read More)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
RESTREPO Screening at the Little Rock Film Festival with SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin & COL Bill Ostlund
...AND THE WINNER OF GOLDEN ROCK (Yes ROCK Paratroopers, that's actually the name of the award) FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY AT THE LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL IS....
When I got an email from my friend Kanani telling me that Restrepo was going to be screened at the Little Rock Film Festival I knew it was my best opportunity to see the film. So I made plans to drive to Little Rock for the screening. Kanani had access to a small block of complimentary tickets thanks to Laura and National Geographic's film/documentary division and was kind enough to give me one. Also attending the screening were COL Bill Ostlund, his wife, mom, brother, sister in law and a handful of family friends.
Prior to the screening it was announced that "a Soldier" was present in the audience and would be available for Q and A immediately following the presentation. SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin and his wife, Amanda, had traveled to Little Rock for the Friday afternoon screening and SGT Pemble-Belkin had participated in the Q and A after that showing. He and Amanda were invited to stay the weekend by the festival organizers who treated them like royalty. I appreciate the organizers for doing that. It means SO much! But the "Soldier" they were referring to for the Sunday Q and A was COL Bill Ostlund who was the Battalion Commander of the 173rd, 2-503 which included Battle Co, 2nd Platoon featured in Restrepo.
We were all invited to attend the Gala hosted on Sunday night (the last night of the Film Festival). I didn't feel at all properly dressed for the occassion but wouldn't have missed it for ANYTHING. It was held at the Clinton Presidential Library on the bank of the Arkansas River in Little Rock. The room was incredibly well decorated and the hors d'oeuvres were scrumptious! We had a bit of a laugh at one point because during the film there was an interview with Misha (SGT Pemble-Belkin) and he commented that he wasn't allowed to eat sugar until he was a teenager. When asked "why?" he replied, "because my mom is a hippie." It was hilarious. So there we were enjoying the food, drinking wine and beer and Heather noticed Misha had a nice array of mini cheesecakes on his plate. We figured he was just making up for lost time. It certainly provided a another laugh.
Members of the Film Festival staff, local and state dignitaries made a few speeches. I'm absolutely AMAZED this is only the fourth year of this festival. It ran seamlessly, professionally and as if it had a much longer history than four years. KUDOS to the founders, volunteers, participants and attendees.
The process of handing out awards began. I had never attended a film festival so it didn't cross my mind that Restrepo might win an award. They began handing out scholarships to high school students who had films in the festival. They handed out an award for a film in the category made in Arkansas (again, sorry for not taking notes). When they began announcing the nominees for Best Documentary "Restrepo" was the first nominee. NOW they had my attention. When "Restrepo" was announced as the winner and Misha and COL Ostlund were asked to come forward to accept the Golden Rock award everyone at our table jumped up yelling, screaming, clapping and carrying on like crazy. WOW! WOW! WOW!
COL Ostlund motioned for Misha to go ahead of him. As they got to the front of the room the festival staff handed the award to Misha. He was smiling from ear to ear! It was a great moment. I'm so glad he and Amanda were there.
COL Ostlund stepped back to let Misha accept the award. I was so busy trying to take a decent picture (among all of the professional photographers) that I have no idea what he said. Sorry.
One of the Little Rock Film Festival's Founders, Craig Renaud and COL Bill Ostlund (OEF VIII Commander of 173rd, 2-503 "The ROCK") look on as SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin, who was featured in the film, accepts the Golden Rock award for Best Documentary
When I got an email from my friend Kanani telling me that Restrepo was going to be screened at the Little Rock Film Festival I knew it was my best opportunity to see the film. So I made plans to drive to Little Rock for the screening. Kanani had access to a small block of complimentary tickets thanks to Laura and National Geographic's film/documentary division and was kind enough to give me one. Also attending the screening were COL Bill Ostlund, his wife, mom, brother, sister in law and a handful of family friends.
Prior to the screening it was announced that "a Soldier" was present in the audience and would be available for Q and A immediately following the presentation. SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin and his wife, Amanda, had traveled to Little Rock for the Friday afternoon screening and SGT Pemble-Belkin had participated in the Q and A after that showing. He and Amanda were invited to stay the weekend by the festival organizers who treated them like royalty. I appreciate the organizers for doing that. It means SO much! But the "Soldier" they were referring to for the Sunday Q and A was COL Bill Ostlund who was the Battalion Commander of the 173rd, 2-503 which included Battle Co, 2nd Platoon featured in Restrepo.
Ostlund family and friends awaiting the screen of Restrepo
COL Ostlund doing the Q and A following the screening on Sunday.
We were all invited to attend the Gala hosted on Sunday night (the last night of the Film Festival). I didn't feel at all properly dressed for the occassion but wouldn't have missed it for ANYTHING. It was held at the Clinton Presidential Library on the bank of the Arkansas River in Little Rock. The room was incredibly well decorated and the hors d'oeuvres were scrumptious! We had a bit of a laugh at one point because during the film there was an interview with Misha (SGT Pemble-Belkin) and he commented that he wasn't allowed to eat sugar until he was a teenager. When asked "why?" he replied, "because my mom is a hippie." It was hilarious. So there we were enjoying the food, drinking wine and beer and Heather noticed Misha had a nice array of mini cheesecakes on his plate. We figured he was just making up for lost time. It certainly provided a another laugh.
At the Gala after the screening
Misha and Amanda at the Gala. They are a lovely couple in every possible way. It was more than a pleasure to meet them and share this day/night with them. I'm not sure a better representative of 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 2-503, the 173rd or the Army could have been selected. He was poised, professional, engaging and humble.
Members of the Film Festival staff, local and state dignitaries made a few speeches. I'm absolutely AMAZED this is only the fourth year of this festival. It ran seamlessly, professionally and as if it had a much longer history than four years. KUDOS to the founders, volunteers, participants and attendees.
The process of handing out awards began. I had never attended a film festival so it didn't cross my mind that Restrepo might win an award. They began handing out scholarships to high school students who had films in the festival. They handed out an award for a film in the category made in Arkansas (again, sorry for not taking notes). When they began announcing the nominees for Best Documentary "Restrepo" was the first nominee. NOW they had my attention. When "Restrepo" was announced as the winner and Misha and COL Ostlund were asked to come forward to accept the Golden Rock award everyone at our table jumped up yelling, screaming, clapping and carrying on like crazy. WOW! WOW! WOW!
COL Ostlund motioned for Misha to go ahead of him. As they got to the front of the room the festival staff handed the award to Misha. He was smiling from ear to ear! It was a great moment. I'm so glad he and Amanda were there.
SGT Pemble-Belkin with the Golden Rock award for Best Documentary and COL Ostlund receiving congratulations from one of the festival founders
COL Ostlund stepped back to let Misha accept the award. I was so busy trying to take a decent picture (among all of the professional photographers) that I have no idea what he said. Sorry.
SGT Pemble-Belkin accepting the award on behalf of 2nd Platoon, Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington
Then the staff asked COL Ostlund to say a few remarks. Again I have no idea what he said. I was too excited and too focused on trying to take a decent photo of the moment with my dime store camera.
UPDATE: I just received information about what COL Ostlund said during his remarks:
"No one can say it better than a Soldier, an American Paratrooper. As I look out across this eclectic group I'm reminded how many seek to identify a rift between the military and Hollywood-types. But in fact it is men like Misha that readily ensure the freedoms that allow for expression and the ability to tell our collective stories. I can assure you we, in the military, respect those who accept and share risk to tell our story. Thanks for all you do - God Bless America."
COL Ostlund making remarks
Standing ovation as SGT Pemble-Belkin and COL Ostlund return to their seats with the award
As Misha and COL Ostlund returned to our table with the award they received a standing ovation. A LOUD and LONG one. People were shaking their hands, thanking them for their service and congratulating them as they worked their way through the crowd. I cannot tell you how happy I was to be there. I kept thinking about so many others I wish who could have been there too. Many who are deployed back to Afghanistan. Others who we continue to remember and honor - who gave their lives in service to our nation. So bittersweet.
I hope Sebastian and Tim know where to find Misha because we are convinced he is NOT going to share this with them. Couldn't pry it out of his hands! Rightly so.
See? He's still holding it. (I love this shot! Wonder who/what he's thinking. I have a little bit of an idea.)
SGT Pemble-Belkin and COL Ostlund
Film festival founders, SGT Pemble-Beklin and COL Ostlund (sorry about the lighting)
I was fortunate to meet Carol Dysinger the director of Camp Victory Afghanistan. When I first saw the name of her film I was confused because I thought Camp Victory was in Iraq. Turns out there is a Camp Victory in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The one in Afghansitan is an Afghan Army Camp. Unfortunately her film was screened on Friday and Saturday so I didn't get the opportunity to view it and I regret that.
Finally please go check out the work the Renaud brothers have done with respect to military related films. They are two of the four founders of the Little Rock Film Festival.
A MILLION thank yous to Sebastian and Tim for the film, to the Little Rock Film Festival for screening it and being so hospitable, to Kanani for the ticket and to all of the ROCK Paratroopers and their families.
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