NY Times: War Made Terrifyingly Palpable in ‘Citizen Soldier’ -Bert Bedrosian

The tension in “Citizen Soldier” is enough to make you gnaw through your fingernails. This documentary, which follows a group of American G.I.s in Afghanistan in 2011, uses footage taken during their missions, sometimes via their own helmet cams. The sense of danger is palpable, as is the sense of misery after the most dreadful scenes.

“War is boring until it’s punctured by these moments of heart-stopping terror,” one soldier says. He and the others are members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, and their civilian roles are varied: hospital workers, mechanics, police officers. After their deployment to Afghanistan, however, they band together to secure territory and engage the enemy.

Their duties range from the mundane to the perilous, and the footage, edited by Jason Mergott (David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud are the directors), conveys a good sense of their operations, even amid the confusions of battle. Scenes in which bullets whiz past, and bombs explode nearby, are terrifying. Nothing here comes off as contrived or overexplained, making it all feel still more immersive. Only the added music can be distracting.

Just as notable are the film’s respectful tone and its lack of cheerleading. No political screeds are delivered; also absent are debates over the war or over the inevitable problems that arrive in its aftermath. The choice isn’t an oversight, but a chance to provide a straightforward account of these men and their work.

That directness only heightens the esteem due these soldiers, even if they are reluctant to see themselves as admirable. Perhaps that’s the thing about the brave — they don’t think of themselves as such.

KEN JAWOROWSKI

“Citizen Soldier” is rated R (under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) for scenes of warfare and the resulting casualties.

Citizen Soldier

- Directors David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud

- Stars Jordan Alex, James Tyler Brown, Martin Byrne, Jared Colson, Colt Floyd

- Rating R

- Running Time 1h 45m

- Genre Action

- Movie data powered by IMDb.com

Last updated: Aug 4, 2016

Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/05/movies/citizen-soldier-review.html?nlid=8563333&_r=1

Dover Partners with "Apache Warrior" film produced by Bert Bedrosian and Lucas Oil for Fall Cup Race

DOVER, Del. (Aug. 30, 2017) - Dover International Speedway officials announced today the entitlement partner for the upcoming Oct. 1 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race - the "Apache Warrior 400 presented by Lucas Oil."

"Apache Warrior" is a feature-length documentary that puts the viewer in the cockpit of an Apache helicopter during one of the most intense missions in aviation history. Telling the story of an elite U.S. Army Aviation Squadron, this film highlights the adaptability, courage and selflessness of Apache pilots and their crews as they launch an attack during the initial surge into Iraq in March 2003. The mission unfolds in near real time as these heroic soldiers fight to stay alive. The film is a Strong Eagle Media production, in association with A. Smith & Co. Dox and Mechanical Dragons.

"We are once again very excited about our continued partnership with Strong Eagle Media and with Lucas Oil. Dover International Speedway has always been proud of our strong relationship with the U.S. military and our men and women that have and are serving our country," said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway's president and CEO. "Along with our terrific presenting partner, Lucas Oil, this type of platform helps allow the stories of our heroes in uniform to be properly told."

The "Apache Warrior 400 presented by Lucas Oil" Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race (NBCSN, 2 p.m.) is the first elimination race of the 16-driver 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series postseason. Four drivers will see their championship dreams dashed after 400 grueling laps at the Monster Mile.

"We couldn't be happier about our continued partnership with the iconic Dover International Speedway and the entitlement sponsorship of this important NASCAR event," said Strong Eagle Media Chairman Bert Bedrosian. "It's an honor to once again pay tribute to all of our brave men and women in uniform. This year we are especially proud to highlight our heroic Apache Warrior aviators, commanders, and support personnel with our riveting film 'Apache Warrior.'"

"We are delighted to be back at Dover," said Bob Patison, executive vice president of Lucas Oil. "It is a great facility, rich with history. Our team is excited to work with the amazing staff at Dover again."

"Apache Warrior" is being distributed by Gravitas Ventures, and will be available for preorder from Amazon and iTunes in time for the Sept. 29-Oct. 1 NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Dover International Speedway. The film will be available for retail sales on Dec. 12. More information can be found at www.apachewarriorfilm.com.

The Sept. 29-Oct. 1 NASCAR tripleheader weekend also includes the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Sept. 29 and the "Use Your Melon. Drive Sober 200" NASCAR XFINITY Series playoff race on Saturday, Sept. 30.

For tickets or more information on Monster Mile events, call (800) 441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with track activities at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.

--- Dover International Speedway ---

Bert Bedrosian: Chairman Bedrosian Global

About Bedrosian Global
Bedrosian Global is a multinational corporation with diversified international holdings covering numerous business sectors. These interests range from intellectual property Licenses with Fortune 500 companies to film production and distribution and original television programming. Other interests include medical device patents and IP, OEM electronics manufacturing and technologies and telephony patents and IT technology licenses. The company also manages a portfolio of diversified commercial real estate holdings.

Bedrosian Global is deeply committed to philanthropic causes focused on positive change that reflect a wide range of causes that are dedicated to building a better tomorrow.

Website: http://bedrosianglobal.com/

Bert Bedrosian featured in Harley Magazine

Bert Bedrosian

The Hollywood maxim “based on a true story” isn’t enough for H.O.G. member Bert Bedrosian. The Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and chairman of Strong Eagle Media uses video footage of military personnel to tell the stories of the camaraderie and heroism, and grief and sadness, experienced by American men and women in uniform.

“Our real motivation is that we don’t want anyone to forget,” says Bedrosian. The Strong Eagle Media team created this technique for the best-selling 2014 film “The Hornet’s Nest,” which tells the story of journalist Mike Boettcher and his son Carlos as they cover the war in Afghanistan. The latest project from Strong Eagle Media, “Apache Warrior,” is slated to be released in late October.

“‘Apache Warrior’ retells the experience of a squadron of 13 helicopters assigned to make the first deep strikes into Iraq at the beginning of that war in 2003,” says Bedrosian. “It goes very badly and turns into a rescue story. It’s very intense.”

Producing films like these requires great sensitivity toward the soldiers and their families, and extraordinary cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense.

“We start by interviewing everyone and from those conversations develop a storyline,” says Bedrosian. “Then we use their video footage to recreate, as best we can, that story.” Bedrosian hopes these films endorse the current generation serving the United States. “These films show how incredibly brave and patriotic young people can be.”

Bedrosian has been enjoying the freedom of two wheels since he started riding a 50 cc dirt bike at age 9.

“A motorcycle has been the one thing that’s a consistent part of my life. I get on my Road King® and immediately disconnect,” says Bedrosian. “Riding a motorcycle is my meditation.”

“Apache Warrior” begins limited theatrical release in late October and will be available in physical and digital home entertainment formats in early December. Watch our social media channels and H.O.G. Insider for special viewing opportunities for H.O.G. members. Visit www.apachewarriorfilm.com.

Original Source: https://www.apachewarriorfilm.com/press-and-news/2017/9/12/hdnews-hog-in-hollywood

Bert Bedrosian: Leadership – Bedrosian Global

Bert Bedrosian, Chairman
Bert is a well known CEO, inventor and serial entrepreneur. Mr. Bedrosian currently operates businesses in six continents with his footprint resulting in distribution of his products and technologies in over 200 countries. Bert is known for his creativity, leadership, business acumen and his surfeit patents and inventions. These patents and inventions have contributed to advancements in cardiovascular procedure outcomes, telephony and geocoding technologies as well as security and digital patents that have made peoples lives safer and more efficient.

Bert has also been responsible for the inception and growth of multiple well known global brands going back decades and currently enjoys partnerships with some of the worlds largest and most innovative companies. Most recently, Bert’s patents and technologies are at the core of cardiovascular advancements projected to positively effect the outcomes of over a million patients throughout the world over the next decade through a global license with one of the worlds largest medical device manufacturers.

Bert Bedrosian is also the Chairman and CEO of Global OTT Solutions, as well as Chairman of Strong Eagle Media.

Dr. David Rizik
Dr. Rizik is a world renowned interventional cardiologist, inventor and highly published researcher and author. Dr. Rizik is a co-inventor of several breakthrough cardiology devices with Mr. Bedrosian that have dramatically effected patient outcomes Globally.

Robin Klassen
Robin is a highly experienced CFO, manager and leader. Robin is known for her twenty five plus years experience in the financial structure and management of surfeit international business concerns.

Tracy Rizik
Tracy has twenty five plus years experience managing operations for multi-national companies and organizations. At Bedrosian Global, Tracy oversees the daily operations and management of the company’s diversified holdings.

Bert Bedrosian - SHOCKYA: Citizen Soldier Exclusive Clip Showcases Brave Thunderbirds’ View of the War in Afghanistan

A group of brave young American Soldiers are fearlessly highlighting their life-changing tour of duty in Afghanistan in the upcoming documentary, ‘Citizen Soldier.’ The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is offering an excruciatingly personal look into modern warfare, brotherhood and patriotism in Shockya’s exclusive clip from the film.

‘Citizen Soldier’ is the next feature made from actual combat footage from directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud, the team behind critically-acclaimed and commercially-successful 2014 war documentary, ‘The Hornet’s Nest.’ The filmmaking duo’s latest project is set to be released in limited theaters this Friday, August 5 by Gravitas Ventures. The distributor will then unveil the movie nationally on all major VOD and On Demand platforms on August 30, the same day that Broad Green Pictures will also release it on Blu-ray and DVD. The film can now be pre-ordered on iTunes.

‘Citizen Soldier’ is a dramatic feature film that’s told from the point of view of a group of Soldiers in the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which has been known as the “Thunderbirds” since World War II. Set in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan at the height of the surge, the documentary offers a heart-pounding, heartfelt grunts’ eye-view of the war.

The film uses real footage from multiple cameras, including helmet cams, to give the audience an intimate view into the chaos and horrors of combat. In the process, the Soldiers display their bravery and valor under the most hellish of conditions.

The Citizen Soldiers are patriotic men and women, who are one day working 9 to 5 jobs, and the next day are deployed to the front lines of war. One of them is Sgt. Eran Harrill, who’s a born leader, devoted single father and head of his local Chamber of Commerce. When Eran’s unit was called up, he deferred his education and deployed to fight for his country. This is his story, but it is also the story of Citizen Soldiers everywhere fighting America’s wars when called upon, building global partnerships when asked and protecting the homeland at all costs.

Read more: http://www.shockya.com/news/2016/08/02/citizen-soldier-exclusive-clip-showcases-brave-thunderbirds-view-of-the-war-in-afghanistan/

Bert Bedrosian - Village Voice: ‘Citizen Soldier’ Reveals War Itself Through the Eyes of Actual National Guardsmen

For the past fifteen years, the embedded U.S. war documentary has become a subgenre all its own, usually offering a more thorough portrait of our troops overseas than much of our media is willing or able to manage.

What makes Citizen Soldier, a portrait of Oklahoma National Guardsmen sent to Afghanistan, stand out, however, is the fact that rather than sending a director in with the military, the project uses the guardsmen’s own helmet-cam footage. And for want of a better term, this gives you a “first-person shooter” look at actual war: It’s Call of Duty with no cheats or respawns, and real-world consequences.

Paradoxically, this technique both keeps you from getting to know the soldiers better and puts you completely in their boots, understanding directly that (as one character puts it) war is boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. And any excitement at viewing a firefight from the inside becomes dread once you realize that not everyone you’re watching is going to make it.

Gore is tastefully avoided, but through the personal cameras, we twice view the final fall from within as we hear the kill shot. This alone is sufficient to sell the movie, but directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud (who previously covered this war in The Hornet’s Nest) go a bit overboard in trying to sell this as The Most Patriotic Movie Ever Made.

The press kit is nearly all glowing quotes from veterans, while the end credits list off every single National Guardsman killed in combat since 9-11, state by state. In a movie that otherwise renders the personal universal, such packaging threatens to drown out the point.

Citizen Soldier
Directed by David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud
Gravitas Ventures
Opens August 5, AMC Empire 25


Read more: http://www.villagevoice.com/film/citizen-soldier-reveals-war-itself-through-the-eyes-of-actual-national-guardsmen-8933209

Bert Bedrosian: Documentary follows journalist, U.S. Special Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan

Watch "Danger Close" (Alex Quade Story) Trailer Here - https://youtu.be/VQ1e7Rd5XB0

It started with a promise and 300 hours of combat footage. “Danger Close” seeks to make good on a promise made by military journalist Alex Quade to “A-Team” ODA-072, a detachment of U.S. special operators looking to make sure Army Green Beret Staff Sgt. Rob Pirelli wasn’t forgotten.

Pirelli, 29, was killed by small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in the Diyala Province of Iraq on Aug. 15, 2007. He was revered for his friendship and his engineering skills.

After the Status of Forces Agreement deadline saw the departure of most U.S. military units from Iraq at the end of 2011, secret “Team houses,” also called “safe houses,” were scattered, hidden, across the country.

Pirelli and his team built one of those outposts near where he was killed in a small village called Tibij, close to the Iranian border, in al-Qaeda-controlled territory. Diyala, still embattled, is currently being invaded by ISIS.

“Danger Close” follows Quade through her days of being embedded with Special Forces. The documentary opens in theaters April 28.


Original Source: http://www.guns.com/2017/04/12/documentary-follows-u-s-special-forces-in-iraq-and-afghanistan/

Bert Bedrosian: DANGER CLOSE

By Bert Bedrosian

For Danger Close Official Trailer 1 (2017) - Documentary, visit here:- https://youtu.be/mbeR3v5QkAA

DANGER CLOSE, the third film in the “Heroes of Valor” Collection, is a powerful story about a fallen soldier, Special Forces Staff Sgt. Rob Pirelli, who sacrificed his life on deployment in Iraq, and an award-winning female war reporter, Alex Quade, who did what no other journalist has ever done — she embedded with Green Beret A-Teams long-term on highly-classified combat missions to help provide his family closure, after meeting Rob on previous special operations.


Taken From - http://dangerclosefilm.com/

Bert Bedrosian: Danger Close - Gravitas Ventures

By Bert Bedrosian

DANGER CLOSE, the third film in the "Heroes of Valor" Collection, follows award-winning female war reporter Alex Quade's daring missions to tell soldiers' stories during a series of unprecedented embeds with U.S. Special Operations Forces.

DANGER CLOSE Is Available on VOD and DVD Today! -Bert Bedrosian

War docu #DangerClose is available on VOD and DVD today. And make sure you check out my exclusive interview with war reporter, Alex Quade, who is at the center of this docu. http://dangerclosefilm.com/

Synopsis: DANGER CLOSE, the third film in the "Heroes of Valor" Collection, follows award-winning female war reporter Alex Quade's daring missions to tell soldiers' stories during a series of unprecedented embeds with U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Directed by: Christian Tureaud and David Salzberg
Written by: Eli Baldridge and Alex Quade (War Reporter)
Cast: Alex Quade and Wendy R. Anderson (Citizen Soldier)
Produced by: Wendy R. Anderson, Bert Bedrosian, Alex Quade, David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud
Dir. Of Photography: Alex Quade
Filming locations: Afghanistan and Iraq
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Release date: Theatrical: April 28th, VOD/HV: May 16th
Running time: 90 Minutes / Not rated

Bert Bedrosian: Watch Citizen Soldier Online Full Free Movie HD - Movies4u.Pro

Citizen Soldier – (2016)

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Initial Release: 5 August 2016 (USA)
Directors: David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud
Producers: David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud, Bert Bedrosian, Eran Harrill
Music Composed By: Michael Trella
Stars: Jordan Alex, James Tyler Brown, Martin Byrne
Country: United States of America


Original Source: http://www.movies4u.pro/citizen-soldier-2016/

Bert Bedrosian: JOE WALSH TO KICK OFF SOLO “WALSH TOOR” THIS SATURDAY JULY 16 IN CINCINNATI

This Saturday, July 16 Joe kicks off his solo “Walsh Toor” at PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, Ohio with dates continuing through September. Walsh's touring band includes his Barnstorm bandmate Joe Vitale on drums as well as Chad Cromwell, Waddy Wachtel on guitar, Larry Young on bass, Jimmy Wallace on keyboards and DJ Clayton Janes. Singers Leslie Fuller, Lois Mahalia, Windy Wagner and Rickey Washington will provide background vocals. Special guests JD & the Straight Shot will be opening select dates.

Tickets and VIP packages are still available for the toor, including premium tickets, meet & greet, exclusive merchandise and more. VIP sales close approximately 10 days prior to each event. See a full list of dates and get yours HERE.

Fan club members can enter now to win a 2016 Tour merchandise bundle and a pair of tickets to the show of their choice! Sign in to your account and enter HERE.

Not a Joe Walsh fan club member? Join HERE for access to exclusive presale tickets, merch discounts and giveaways.

Joe Walsh ‘One Hell Of A Night’ Tour Gold Record Plaque & Signed Poster

 

‘One Hell Of A Night’ Tour 2016 memorabilia is available now in the Online Store, including a 16x20 gold record plaque commemorating the tour and clock tower poster signed by Joe.

A very limited number are available while supplies last, so get yours now.

Questions? Contact Wonderful Union Fan Support


Taken From: https://www.joewalsh.com/news/278713

Bert Bedrosian: ‘6 Certified’: 13 entertainment projects get veteran advocacy group’s seal of approval

A nonprofit group pushing for an accurate portrayal of veterans by the entertainment industry found a lot to like in recent months.

From superhero shows to blockbuster movies, and even Broadway, Got Your 6 announced Tuesday that 13 productions have earned “6 Certified” status, meeting atleast some of the organization’s criteria for a balanced representation of former service members.

It’s the fourth such list offered by the group as part of the “6 Certified” effort, which launched last year at an event featuring first lady Michelle Obama. To qualify, productions must either consult with veterans or veterans groups, cast a veteran or hire one as a writer, portray a multidimensional veteran character, or include a plotline with veteran-based themes.

As with past winners, the recent selections include both productions with heavy military focus and those where the notion of veterans or service is part of a larger story.

Among the former category:

“Hacksaw Ridge,” the Mel Gibson-directed film about Pfc. Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to earn the Medal of Honor. It premieres nationwide Friday.

“Citizen Soldier,” a documentary featuring soldiers from an Oklahoma National Guard unit and their experiences in Afghanistan.

“No Greater Love,” another documentary set in Afghanistan, this one featuring the fighting through the eyes of an Army chaplain.

“Reparation,” an independent film co-written by an Air Force veteran, builds its suspense when the main character’s friend from his days in the Air Force brings unwelcome memories into what had been a happy life after service.

“Roadtrip Nation: The Next Mission,” co-produced by American Public Television, features three veterans who begin their newfound civilian life by traveling the country and speaking to fellow former service members.

Broadcast productions of the Invictus Games, an international competition featuring wounded warriors, and the Power Triumph Games, a contest taped at the U.S. Military Academy over the summer featuring 10 wounded warriors battling for a $50,000 grand prize.

Bert Bedrosian's NASCAR Race Team Sponsorship

HUNTERSVILLE, NC (September 30, 2016) – “Citizen Soldier,” a feature film using real footage that follows an Oklahoma National Guard unit during its deployment to Afghanistan will be the primary sponsor for Regan Smith’s No. 7 Chevrolet at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, October 2.

Produced by Strong Eagle Media and distributed by Gravitas Ventures and Broad Green Pictures, “Citizen Soldier” is a modern day “Band of Brothers” and documents the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (nicknamed the “Thunderbirds”) 2011 deployment. Set in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan at the height of the surge, it is a heart-pounding, heartfelt grunt’s-eye view of the war. The film tells the true story of an exceptional group of young soldiers and their life-changing tour of duty in Afghanistan, offering an excruciatingly personal look into modern warfare, brotherhood and patriotism.

For Baldwin, this film hit home due to a friendship with United States Marine Corps Sgt. Derek Stevenin. Through Baldwin’s friendship with Derek, he learned of his serving five deployments in just eight years and the trials he has faced because of those deployments. This past Memorial Day, TBR honored Derek and 17 of his fallen brothers on the No. 7 car at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“I’ve always been drawn to support military efforts because of Derek and the NASCAR fans we meet at track each week who tell me their stories of service,” said Baldwin.

“We are honored to have Citizen Soldier Film on our car at Dover to further tell their story during the Citizen Solider 400 race weekend.” “We are honored to have our film ‘Citizen Soldier’ ride with a team as respected as Tommy Baldwin Racing, especially with a proven winner like Regan Smith behind the wheel,” said the film’s producers Bert Bedrosian, Christian Tureaud and David Salzberg. “We know the #7 car will have members of the National Guard all over the country cheering it into the winner’s circle in Dover.”

Tune in to the Citizen Soldier 400 on NBCSN at 2:00 p.m. ET.

About the film, “Citizen Soldier”
Available Aug. 30 on DVD, Blu-ray and On Demand/VOD, “Citizen Soldier” is a dramatic feature film told from the point of view of soldiers in the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th-Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known since World War II as the “Thunderbirds.” “Citizen Soldier” is produced by Bert Bedrosian, Christian Tureaud, David Salzberg with SEM partner Wendy R. Anderson executive producing, in association with Charlie Anderson and Mike Camello of Charlie Mike Productions and John Brenkus, Jason Mergott, and Frank Sinton from BASE Productions. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/citizensoldierfilm/, Twitter @ctznsldrfilm and Instagram @citizensoldierfilm.

About Strong Eagle Media (SEM)
Strong Eagle Media is based in Beverly Hills, California and is a full-service Entertainment Company that develops, produces, distributes, and markets entertainment content in all mediums Worldwide. Most recently, the Principals at Strong Eagle directed and produced the critically-acclaimed feature-length documentary “The Hornet’s Nest,” produced the feature film entitled, “The Perfect Game,” and the feature length documentaries entitled “Running the Sahara,” “For Right or Wrong,” and ‘La Source.’ The Principals at Strong Eagle Media – Christian Tureaud, David Salzberg, Bert Bedrosian, and Wendy R. Anderson – have collected over 200 awards, including numerous awards at major film festivals around the world. For more information, visit www.strongeaglemedia.com.

Bert Bedrosian: 6th Annual Student Veteran Film Festival shows 'Citizen Soldier'

(Photo: Strong Eagle Media)

Topping off a week dedicated to veterans on campus, Florida State University held its sixth annual Student Veteran Film Festival on Saturday at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

Each year the university – in cooperation with Office of the President, Student Veterans Center, Florida State Collegiate Veterans Association, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, Student Government Association and the College of Motion Picture Arts – showcases a film that depicts the realities men and women face while serving in the armed forces. In doing so, the university hopes to raise awareness of veterans’ issues among the campus and local community.

The festival featured the critically acclaimed documentary Citizen Soldier. The film illustrates the stories behind the members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Thunderbirds Brigade during a particularly volatile time in Afghanistan.

Citizen Soldier currently ranks among the best-selling documentaries of the year because of its unprecedented glimpse into the war in Afghanistan. As the name foretells, the soldiers in the film were called into active duty from the National Guard, changing their statuses from citizens to soldiers within a few hours. The film focuses on Sgt. Eran Harrill, who chose to defer his education and instead be deployed to fight the war.

Last Thursday, the university held a media event with the film’s co-directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud along with Vince Williams, president of FSU Collegiate Veterans Association, and Erica Menendez, director of the Veterans Student Union. Frank Patterson, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts, was also present.

Williams, who became a Marine in 2006 and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at FSU, told media how the festival continues to raise awareness of veterans’ issues by depicting the struggles of a military service member.

“It gives [our student body] a short snapshot of what [soldiers] go through,” Williams said.

Williams said that oftentimes, veterans on campus are only identified as such because they are older than the rest of the student body, and that student veterans choose to remain humble about their service for many reasons.

“It’s not because they aren’t proud of their service, it’s because they do not want any special treatment,” Williams said.

The university has made it a primary initiative to be a more inclusive campus for student veterans and is currently the only university to host a student veterans film festival. During the media event, Dean Patterson spoke on how film can fuel understanding to those that are not completely aware of emotional complexities of our servicemen and women.

“One of the common themes throughout this whole festival has been understanding the humanity of our vets, understanding their lives behind the scenes in ways I just don’t think we all recognize,” Dean Patterson said. “We’re injecting [awareness of veterans’ issues] into the ecosystem that is Florida State University.”

Salzberg and Tureaud were honored on Saturday with the Student Veteran’s Torchlight Award for Outstanding Filmmaking. The two were honored with the same award last year for their film, The Hornet’s Nest. Salzberg, a now familiar friend of the university, commended the school for its efforts.

David Salzberg, co-director of “Citizen Soldier, received FSU College of Motion Picture Arts’ Torchlight award on Saturday.

“Having this school do what it does for veterans is incredible – we need more colleges to do it,” Salzberg said.

The Torchlight Award will be donated to the National Guard Association and the Oklahoma 45th Museum to continue honoring the country’s ‘citizen soldiers.’


Original Source:- http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2016/11/12/6th-annual-student-veteran-film-festival-shows-citizen-soldier/93741528/

Bert Bedrosian: The Hollywood Reporter- Follow a crew of Army National Guardsmen through a tour of duty in Afghanistan

Relying on hours and hours of helmet-cam footage to capture a first-person account of one combat team’s time in Afghanistan, Citizen Soldier emphasizes the part played in current wars by National Guard members who in regular life hold down varied non-military jobs. Coming many years after other attention-getting docs with similar missions, the film will have a hard time attracting attention outside the community of veterans. But that doesn’t diminish its ability to put us in the shoes of ordinary men balancing boredom with life-or-death action on a daily basis.

Focused mostly on a handful of soldiers in the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud’s film bounces constantly between 2011 field footage and interviews held well after the participants’ return home. The effect is largely familiar as the movie introduces its subjects (its focus is too broad to bring many of them to life as characters). But midway through, our experience of action is more extensive than in some other films: Where other good war docs have done more of the storytelling retrospectively, the directors here bounce around in-the-moment POV angles to keep us in the action.

Most extensive is a long, late sequence in which, when one of their number is killed and falls down a mountain, several others must make a grueling and dangerous attempt to retrieve his body while under fire. Mike Trella’s score, appropriately Heartlandsy in other places, takes a brief turn into generic action-movie mode, cheapening the drama a bit. But in the moment and in the comfort of civilian life, the participants make sure we never fail to take it seriously.

Production Company: Strong Eagle Media

Distributor: Gravitas Ventures

Directors: David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud

Screenwriter: Eli Baldrige

Producers: David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud, Bert Bedrosian, Eran Harrill

Executive Producers: Charlie Anderson, Mike Camello, David L. Thompson, John Brenkus, Jason Mergott, Frank Sinton, Wendy R. Anderson, Mike Boettcher, Carlos Boettcher, B. Kevin Turner

Editor: Jason Mergott

Composer: Mike Trella

R, 104 minutes

Read Full Article: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/citizen-soldier-film-review-917659


Taken From:- http://citizensoldierfilm.com/the-hollywood-reporter/

Bert Bedrosian: War Documentary ‘Apache Warrior’ in the Works From ‘Citizen Soldier’ Producers

Strong Eagle Media, producer of “Citizen Soldier,” has signed a multi-picture agreement with A. Smith & Co. Dox to create a slate of film projects with “Apache Warrior” as the first title, Variety has learned exclusively.

“Apache Warrior” focuses on the U.S. Army helicopter crews in the war-torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. The film includes real-life footage of the crews providing 24-hour transport, air cover and rescue.

“Apache Warrior” is produced by Bert Bedrosian, David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud for Strong Eagle Media and Frank Sinton, Arthur Smith and Jason Mergott for A. Smith & Co. Dox. Other titles will be announced within the coming weeks.

A. Smith & Co. Dox is a recently-launched division of A. Smith & Co. Productions, which served as co-producer on “The Hornet’s Nest,” “Citizen Soldier,” and “Danger Close.”

“Citizen Soldier,” released earlier this year, is told from the point of view of a group of soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Thunderbirds Brigade about their tour of duty in Afghanistan. It’s been touted as offering a personal look into modern warfare, brotherhood and patriotism.

“The Hornet’s Nest,” released in 2014, was produced by Bedrosian, Salzberg and Tureaud. It grossed $312,706 in the U.S. and is the only film to ever be enshrined into the National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning, Ga.

“With the successes of ‘The Hornet’s Nest’ and ‘Citizen Soldier’, we are delighted to unite with our co-producers on a new multi-picture deal under their A. Smith & Co. Dox banner and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership,” Salzberg said.

Bedrosian negotiated the deal for Strong Eagle Media with Sinton for A. Smith & Co. Dox.

“We’re proud to partner with Strong Eagle Media to tell some of the most gripping stories of our time with content that audiences wouldn’t normally have access to,” said Sinton, president of A. Smith & Co. Dox. “Our documentary films will serve to inform, educate, and lend voices to our veterans who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our freedoms.”

A. Smith & Co. has produced more than 3,500 hours of programming. Current productions include “Hell’s Kitchen,” “American Ninja Warrior,” “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge,” “Ellen’s Design Challenge,” “Unsung,” “Behind the Label,” “Acting Out” and “Team Ninja Warrior.”


Taken From: http://www.asmithco.com/news.aspx