OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The largest military film festival in the United States will take place in San Diego at Balboa Park from May 6-11 at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art.
In this Zevely Zone, I preview a documentary nominated for Best Local Film in the 2024 GI Film Festival San Diego.
"I wanted to be a Marine. I wanted to be in the infantry, I wanted to go the war, I wanted to serve my country," said 36-year-old Julian Torres. In 2010, Julian was living his dream in Afghanistan, and even when an IED took both his legs, Julian saw the American Flag as a symbol of his commitment.
"This is for you, I am giving you my legs because I believe in you. I believe it what you stand for and I believe in this country and I look up and I point at this flag and give it a thumbs up I hope it's enough," said Julian.
Julian called his wife Ashley from the hospital. "It was really early morning when I got a call. They said he had been injured. I was in shock," said Ashley.
Julian told Ashley, "Just want to let you know, I'm a little shorter now but I am alright."
"I just started laughing," Ashley said. "That would be Julian just to say a joke to lighten the mood." These exchanges were all documented in a movie about the Marine's life titled "JULIAN: a Jiu Jitsu Story" which premieres at the GI Film Festival San Diego next Tuesday, May 7.
For nearly a decade, the GI Film Festival San Diego has showcased films either for, by or about military and veteran experiences. This year, festival organizers have selected 21 films that will be screened across five days.
For almost a decade, the GI Film Festival San Diego has showcased over 260 films created by international, U.S., and San Diego County filmmakers. The festival has drawn in a diverse audience of more than 11,000, bridging the gap between military and civilian communities with a curated selection of unique and compelling films.
"Julian is an inspiration," said Keshia Javis-Jones, the former Marine who sits on the Advisory Committee Member for the GI Film Festival San Diego. She is urging others to watch as many of the 21 military movies as they can.
"It's a chance for San Diegans to get out there and learn more about the military firsthand, not only what they sacrificed but the challenges and things they have overcome," said Keshia.
When Julian returned from war, he wanted to show his children what their dad could still do. He started surfing, he became a beekeeper, then he went on a huge hike. After climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, he still wasn't done. The double amputee discovered the healing power of jiu-jitsu.
"An amazing individual," said Doug Holcomb. He is the owner of Gracie Barra Oceanside and also served in the Marine Corps for 16 years.
When Julian told him he wanted to compete against athletes with no disabilities, he was worried. "I panicked, I was nervous, " said Doug who knows firsthand, that when you're a Marine, the fight doesn't end when you leave the battlefield. "I think a lot of people say thank you for your service, but they don't understand what the service was or is," said Doug.
"JULIAN: a Jiu Jitsu Story" is nominated for Best Local Film as well as the Veterans Voice Award. "Of course, his movie is going to win," said Keshia.
Ticket prices start at only $8 so if you don't have plans next Tuesday, May 7, at 5 p.m., you know where to be.
"They made a movie about you," I said. "Yeah man, that's crazy man, well it's about us," said Julian. "I cannot do jiu jitsu by myself. I can't be a husband without my wife."
He also wouldn't be alive without others. "How could I squander and disregard their best efforts?" said Julian. "We are all in this together. I wasn't expecting to cry."
Julian was able to pay for his jiu jitsu training thanks to the We Defy Foundation.
For more information go to GIFilmFestivalSD.org. Single tickets start at $8 for active duty military, veterans, and students or $10 for general admission.
WATCH: GI Film Festival in San Diego 2023