IFS Film Festival - G.I. Hospital
Some veterans have given “an arm and a leg” for their country. This short but deep comedy explores just what that might mean.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jonny Lewis
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made G.I. Hospital because I feel strongly that war is absurd, and specifically that it’s crazy to tell our young people that being killed or losing limbs in war is okay, even good, because it is “for our country.” Our society seems to accept this idea without thinking. But I once saw a veteran who had lost both arms and both legs, and was badly burned as well. If that were me, and someone tried to console me by saying I was in this condition “for my country,” I think I would probably react as the “Matt” character does in the film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film if you know and care about anyone who is thinking of joining the military. Or especially if you yourself are thinking about joining. Because they don’t show it on the TV news, but thousands of young people suffer horrible injuries that cripple them for the rest of their lives—“for their country.”
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The universal theme is the absurdity of war. The personal themes are about how some characters change their ideas about war, and about how others are oblivious to war’s absurdity, or even excited about it, even though they themselves are victims of it.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I wrote this film in 2010, but didn’t have the money to make it then. By the time I had the money to make it, the animators had improved their technology, so we actually ended up with a much better film. Also, once we started shooting, I realized that the opening scene was too poignant to begin a comedy (even with the mollifying influence of it being an animation), so I wrote a new opening scene that better sets a comedic tone, and called the voice actors back in for a new recording session.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People have thanked me for making this film. Many people tell me they think the time is ripe for this sort of film (antiwar), and they love that I use comedy to deliver what would otherwise be too heavy of a message.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
One audience member at a festival told me: “This is a great film. And you know why I know it’s a great film? Because several people around me were laughing, but one guy was getting angry. That means it’s having an impact.” Also, I had presumed that everyone associated with the military (which is a lot of people) might have strong feelings against the film. But people with relatives in the military have told me they loved the film, and one of our voice actors is actually a former Air Force officer!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I love that We Are Moving Stories can help spread the idea that it’s okay to challenge the notion that “patriotism” (which often seems to mean killing people in faraway countries for reasons we don’t really understand) comes above personal safety.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
G.I. Hospital has been in 28 festivals in less than a year, and my antiwar comedy Gonna Be a Soldier has been in 33 festivals so far, so festival directors have already played a key part. (Thank you!) I am hoping and expecting that once I release these films and others to the web, that both internet and print journalists can help spread the idea that it’s time to reconsider our views about war.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
If just one person decides not to join the military and put himself or herself at risk of death or severe injury, I will feel fulfilled. Generally, I would love it if my films could be part of a new dialogue about war, and its risks to the common man for the benefit of the wealthy man.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is it okay if someone I don’t know loses his or her limbs in war? Is it okay if my nephew does? My daughter? Me? And what’s the difference who it is?
Would you like to add anything else?
I agree with Mark Twain, who said that “all war must be just the killing of strangers against whom you feel no personal animosity; strangers whom, in other circumstances, you would help if you found them in trouble, and who would help you if you needed it."
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have a total of 8 comedic shorts finished or in post-production treating various aspects of the absurdity of war. This summer I will post them all to the web and let the you-know-what hit the fan. I also have one comedy feature script on a lighter topic done, as well as several others in process, including an antiwar feature comedy.
Interview: May 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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G.I. Hospital
Some veterans have given “an arm and a leg” for their country. This short but deep comedy explores just what that might mean.
Length: 5:44
Director: Jonny Lewis
Producer: Jonny Lewis
Writer: Jonny Lewis
About the writer, director and producer:
Jonny Lewis has produced a series of 8 antiwar comedies exploring the absurdities of war. The first two have appeared in over 60 festivals.
Key cast: Deus Xavier Scott, Adrian Gonzalez, Heather Fox, Christine Joëlle, Jonny Lewis
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Journalists and distributors.The film has a Creative Commons license (attribution only).
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GIHospital/
Made in association with: CoolTown Creations
Where can I see it in the next month?
NYC Animation/Anime Short Fest in New York City
Say It Loud Film Festival in Baltimore