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GI Film Festival San Diego: 'Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea'

"Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea" film
Directed by Leslie Buchbinder
"Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea" film
Friday, May 10, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park
All Ages
General Admission - $10
Military, Veteran, KPBS or Student Admission - $8

“Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea” is a 3D documentary film about the life and work of artist, Marine, and acrobat H.C. (Cliff) Westermann. As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Westermann’s dramatic personal history can be traced through the beguiling, surreal artworks he made to process the horrors he witnessed on the front lines. In doing so, he became an inspiration for many young artists. The film reveals ways in which Westermann protected his empathic spirit – and sanity – by ‘sculpting’ his body, artworks, friendships, his hand-hewn house, and his art-filled letters to his dearest friends and family. The documentary explores themes of resiliency, hope, and humor with a script culled from over a thousand of Westermann’s letters and one audio-interview – voiced by four-time Academy-Award nominee Ed Harris.

91 MINS
SAN DIEGO PREMIERE

Trailer - Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea

Preceded By

"The Echoes of War"
Directed by Richard O'Connor
At StoryCorps, U.S. Army Sergent Harrison Wright talks to his grandson, Sean Guess, about the honorable way he paid tribute to his fallen comrades during WWII.

"The Echoes of War," StoryCorps
Directed by Richard O'Connor
"The Echoes of War," StoryCorps

Established in 2015, the GI Film Festival San Diego is a multi-day showcase of films for, by, and about military and veteran experiences. Films featured in the festival reveal the struggles, triumphs, and experiences of service members and veterans. The festival also provides veterans and service members with an opportunity to further their creative skills. GI Film Festival San Diego on Facebook / KPBS on Instagram

Event Supported By

KPBS

Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park

1649 El Prado
San Diego, California 92101
619-238-7559
info@mopa.org

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Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending.
This fall, discover our picks for the best art and culture in San Diego, including visual art, theater, dance, music and literature — and even some picks for kids.