The G.I. Film Festival San Diego begins Monday in Balboa Park with the world premiere of the documentary Make Peace or Die. 

The Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) plays host to the fest, which opens at 6 p.m. with the screening of the 95-minute documentary.

In Make Peace or Die (see trailer above) filmmaker Manny Marquez follows his brother, veteran Anthony Marquez, during his return from Afghanistan in 2011, where the Marine’s unit lost 17 men during the Battle of Sangin.

Anthony first set out to help the families of his fallen comrades find healing, yet in the process, finds some for himself. 

The documentary marks the filmmaker’s third appearance at the fest, but his first time showing a feature-length film at the event as he continues to document his brother’s journey.

“The G.I. Film Festival San Diego has long been one of my favorite places to experience films, not just screen my projects,” Manny said. “I can’t think of a better place to premiere Make Peace or Die and I am honored to share another part of my brother’s story with civilians, military allies and other veterans like Anthony who can connect with his experiences.” 

Following the premiere, the brothers will participate in a post-screening panel discussion. 

Screenings continue through Friday, with films by and about those who have served in the armed forces. The festival concludes May 11 with an awards ceremony at the museum.

Highlights include:

  • Black Uniform, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. A dozen Black veterans who served in conflicts dating back to WWII, share their perspectives on what it felt like to be on the front lines in the U.S. military.
  • The Volunteer, part of the 5 p.m. Wednesday slate of documentary shorts. The film depicts a veteran’s decades-long search for his friend, a fellow Army Ranger with whom he served in Vietnam.
  • Final Fight, 5:30 p.m. Thursday. A study of the root causes of suicide among service members with profiles of a group of veterans struggling with either combat or sexual assault-related post-traumatic stress. 

Individual screening tickets start at $10 for general admission, with a $2 discount for active duty military, veterans, students and KPBS members. Full passes cost $125.

Note: Photo credit, inset – scene from “Make Peace or Die,” via GIFilmFestivalSD.com