"Operation Homecoming", a documentary of thought...

Tonight I attended a really cool event at the Fine Art’s Theatre on Wilshire. My sister Cindy is on the Fine Arts email list whenever cool documentaries or indie films of interest come out. I didn’t really know anything about it beforehand, only that it was a documentary on soldiers in Iraq called “Operation Homecoming” based on the book. It also included a celebrity Q&A afterwards. Some of the stars who showed up I was really delighted and surprised to see.

Wow, what a powerful film. Words cannot fully convey the feeling and rush of emotion it strikes within you. This was a firsthand account of soldiers in Iraq, a collection of stories from lieutenants, corporals, captains in Army, Marines, Air Force… and also veterans from Vietnam and World War 2. This documentary really made an impact and that was obvious by the tears and expressions on people’s faces in the theatre.

If you have the opportunity, look for “Operation Homecoming” and rent it, buy it, whatever, have a private screening. I want to. It might change your views on war and soldier life, and may even encourage you to have your own voice, vote, speak up. I definitely will register to vote this year and I want to take a sincere, diligent approach in helping choose the next President. After all we’re still in this war and whoever is elected will be in charge of sorting out this mess and trying to save our economy in the meanwhile.

What these servicemen and women go through is just extraordinarily daunting, heroic, and yet madness at the same time. It also showed the perspectives of native Iraqis and how this war has affected them and their families and way of life. For those wishing to turn the other cheek I say, how can you; when the very people who defend your liberty are risking their lives day by day.

As for where to find “Operation Homecoming” it will have distribution through places like Blockbuster, it’s also being sold where other DVD retailers are.

The Guys at Operation Homecoming
The Q&A panel was really fascinating. Josh Lucas was moderating (he and the other stars did narrating on the film), Beau Bridges was there, in addition to Christopher Gorham (from Ugly Betty and star from “The Other Side of Heaven”) and two producers and the screenwriter. I was sitting on the 3rd row so I got a great view. At one point the audience was allowed to ask questions. I couldn’t think of a question of merit so I didn’t raise my hand and draw attention to myself. I was still kind of shocked and moved by what I had seen onscreen moments before.

My sister Cindy, ever the networker (got to admire her chutzpah!) went up to Josh Lucas. She has a film project that already has interest from a famous dialect coach/actor in the industry, and with him on board she can throw her weight around a little in a conversation. Josh was really friendly and told her to talk to his agent (who happened to be there) to get the info to send him the script. Fingers crossed, we’ll see what happens.

I didn’t talk to Josh personally (I always tend to be on the shy side in those situations, but I could admire his handsomeness near and afar, hehe) but I did say hi to Chris Gorham. We shook hands and exchanged a few words. Nice guy. He had a funny-looking mustache that made him look like he was from 1910, very interesting. Must have grown that during the writer's strike, haha.

Anyway, it was a really great experience, superb film, and I wholeheartedly recommend you watch it. It’s being considered for a nomination with the Oscars next year so it will probably get more attention as time goes on. Won't that make you feel special if you take note of it before all the hype surrounds it even more? Love you all, Jess the Authoress