The Twentynine Palms Military Film Festival, celebrating, military films and the courage that inspired them, wrapped up its three-day inaugural event Sunday. Los Angeles-based event management company Basic Lead produced the event Friday through Sunday, featuring screenings of 24 films and documentaries shown on screens at open-air venues—Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Theater and Knott Sky Park—and indoor venues at Smith Ranch auditorium and Twentynine Palms Junior High School. The festival opened at 5 p.m. on Friday at the 29 Palms Inn, with a tribute to the Fall of Saigon Marines. Master Gunnery Sgt. John Valdez, the last Marine to board the final helicopter to leave the roof of the U.S. Embassy before Saigon fell was recognized. The three-day program featured some of the best-known war movies produced, as well as original documentaries. Saturday, two panel sessions—hosted by Z107.7—were held at the Twentynine Palms Inn. The first focused on how war stories became films and another on Hollywood and its relationship to the Vietnam War. Both Panels featured producers and writers joining local military veterans. An evening session introduced finalists in a screen play contest.
INAUGURAL TWENTYNINE PALMS MILITARY FILM FESTIVAL WRAPS UP THREE-DAY EVENT
