GI Film Festival San Diego 2026: Narrative Shorts Block
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This collection of shorts explores a range of human emotions and cinematic styles, from experimental to animation, period drama to present day narratives. Films include “This Is My Rifle,” “ALMOST HOME,” “The Craftsman,” “Life Begins,” “CINDY,” and “Veterano.”
"This Is My Rifle"
Directed by Brad Bingham
A combat Marine turns to spoken word to confront guilt and grief, transforming his memories of war into raw performance in search of healing.
"ALMOST HOME"
Directed by Menhaj Huda
A decorated Muslim-American Marine battles his inner demons, prejudice, and a fractured sense of identity as he seeks self-discovery from the haunting memory of a life-altering event at war.
"The Craftsman"
Directed by Devin Scott
Blending artificial intelligence with traditional storytelling, this short, animated Pixar style film explores the quiet legacy of a man whose hands told stories louder than words—offering a moving tribute to the power of reinvention, generational memory, and art born from history.
"Life Begins"
Directed by Oleksii Taranenko
A war veteran struggles to readjust to civilian life after participating in fierce battles.
"CINDY"
Directed by Al Chang
A struggling writer takes an overnight driving job and is drawn into a series of strange late-night encounters alongside a woman whose work remains quietly enigmatic. Over the course of one unusual evening, confusion gives way to vulnerability, forcing him to confront what he’s been avoiding — and revealing how one unexpected encounter can leave a lasting impression.
"Veterano"
Directed by Patrick Epino
A Filipino World War II veteran with nothing left to lose dusts off his past and his pistol for one last mission in 1981 San Francisco.
Part of KPBS' America 250 initiative
About The Festival: The event takes place May 6-8, 2026 in San Diego, during Military Appreciation Month. All community members, civilians, family, allies, service members, veterans and film lovers are welcome to catch a film, be inspired, and build community.
The festival is organized by KPBS in partnership with the Film Consortium San Diego.
