Braxton Taylor
For veterans who feel big-budget Hollywood films paint an unfair or inaccurate picture of life in and out of uniform, the GI Film Festival San Diego is the chance to see the reality of the veteran experience on the silver screen. In 2025, America’s largest military film festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is coming with a slate of films, shorts and documentaries that rival anything it featured in years past.
Since 2015, the GI Film Festival has showcased some 238 military-connected films for more than 13,000 viewers in both Washington, D.C., and San Diego. The festival opens its 10-year anniversary celebration with the premiere of “Sheepdog,” from writer-director and veteran advocate Steven Grayhm, who also stars in the film.
The “Sheepdog” cast includes Dominic Fumusa (“13 Hours”), Lilli Cooper (“Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock”), Maggie Geha (“Gotham”), Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”), Matt Dallas (“Kyle XY”) and Vondie Curtis Hall (“Harriet”).
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Military.com spoke to Marine Corps veteran Keshia Javis-Jones, who serves on the GI Film Festival San Diego advisory committee. She is also the director of community partnerships at the Foundation for Women Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering women veterans, and serves on the City of San Diego Veterans, Military, and Families Council. She told us everything we need to know about this year’s festival.
Military.com: Tell me about the GI Film Festival: What’s the mission?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “The mission of the GI Film Festival is to bridge the civilian and military divide by presenting films that are for, by and about service members.”
Military.com: Why is it important to give GIs this unique forum for their art?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “It is important that service members continue to use art to share their authentic stories, a form of therapy to continue to heal from trauma and a way to encourage support from the civilian community.
“Many times, our experiences are not depicted with accuracy, or the human aspect is removed to make it more palatable for civilian consumption. This is one reason why the GI Film Festival is so important to service members.”
Military.com: What stands out to you about the GI Film Festival, compared to other festivals?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “GIFF takes place in the largest military community in the nation! This is the only film festival that is focused solely on the military. In addition, the committee that selects the films and awards are all members of the local community who are military-connected. I would say it doesn’t get any more authentic than that!”
Military.com: Ten years is an important milestone. What gives the festival its staying power, and what keeps people coming back?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “There is something for everyone! The GI Film Festival San Diego offers shorts, documentaries and full-feature films. So no matter what your interest is, if you support, want to learn more or are military-connected, there is something for you, your friends and family.”
Military.com: What film(s) are you most excited about this year?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “Personally, being that I am a black woman and Marine Corps veteran, I must say I am biased to ‘Triumph Over Prejudice: The Montford Point Marines,’ which will be shown on May 8, Thursday evening. Not only does it speak to the long-untold story of the Montford Point Marines, it speaks honestly to the struggles of Black Marines that served during a time of segregation as they supported and defended this country with honor, even when they didn’t have the same rights.”
Military.com: Is there an online component for viewers to stream the festival picks?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “Not this year. We are happy to be back fully in person and hope to fill every seat every night!”
Military.com: If I’m a GI and am so inspired that I make a film of my own, when should I submit for next year?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “I would recommend that you go to GIFilmFestivalSD.org and sign up for our newsletter. This will keep you updated on all of the festival activities, including the call for submissions.”
Military.com: What do we need to know to come and see the GI Film Festival’s movies?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “The festival will be held May 7- 9, 2025, at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Each night has a different theme so be sure to check out the schedule at GIFilmFestivalSD.org.”
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Military.com: Is there anything I forgot to ask or that the festival wants people to know?
Keshia Javis-Jones: “Each night, there will be the opportunity for attendees to engage in a panel discussion with the filmmakers, producers and service members who motivated them to make the films. This allows the attendees to ask questions and hear firsthand experiences that may not have been shown in the films.
“Please join us and bring a friend or family member. Get your tickets at GIFilmFestivalSD.org There are discounted tickets for students, active duty and veterans!”
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