The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

Imagine being sent to the front lines in World War II. Not to destroy the enemy, but to record the war with your pen and paint brush. In Art in the Face of War, eight WWII veterans recount the experience of their lives as war recorders in a documentary directed by David Baugnon. Ignoring their fear and shaking hands, these brave men embraced their skills and found the creativity needed to record an accurate portrayal of what was occurring overseas.

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These war artists served in all theaters of operation and in all branches of the U.S. Military, including the once-secret Army division known as The Deception Corps. Their powerful imagery – some done on the spot, some done years later from haunting memories – will enlighten, challenge, even amuse, showing that war is hell but also that creativity can still exist, even in the face of utter destruction.

These artists/veterans share how they used their art for journalism and to preserve their own sanity.

Director David Baugnon

Filmmaker David Baugnon resides in New York. His directing credits include the feature documentary Art in the Face of War, 2006 (winner of the Newport Film Festival Special Jury Prize 2007 and Audience Award Winner for Best Documentary at Connecticut International Film Festival, 2006); the short documentary Matisyahu (screened in 50 film festivals worldwide and Grand Prize Winner at AOL Moviefone Short Film Festival, 2006 and the Special Jury Prize at the God on Film Festival 2004). He currently teaches screenwriting in New York at Writers Boot Camp and at Pratt Institute.

The GI Film Festival is delighted to announce Art in the Face of War as an official selection of the 2009 Festival. The GI Film Festival is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization whose mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform. Please consider supporting our festival to further our mission by bringing awareness to more great movies like David’s.