![\"Local](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/web-MAIN-NEW-GI-Film.jpg\")
This year\u2019s San Diego festival (the original GI Film Festival actually began in 2007 in Washington D.C.) includes stories made in California as well as around the world.<\/p>\n
One short, dark, San Diego comedy, \u201cFletcher and Jenks,\u201d might not seem like an obvious choice for the festivities. It\u2019s a funny, mismatched buddy cop adventure about a clueless detective, Fletcher (Mission Valley resident, George Jac), and his new focused partner, Jenks (Kayla Schaffroth). They attempt to solve a case involving a killer known as \u201cThe Handyman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Director Tony Olmos\u2019 mystery premiered in 2016 as part of the 48 Hour Film Project in San Diego. Since its premiere, Jac was nominated for Best Actor for last year\u2019s competition and for the 2017 San Diego Film Awards.<\/p>\n
Five years ago, Jac moved to Mission Valley, and he really enjoys places like Riverwalk Golf Club and Hazard Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cFletcher and Jenks\u201d is featured Oct. 21 as part of the Local Film Showcase: Made By or Starring Veterans at AMC Mission Valley. On Saturday evening, the awards celebration for the showcase will be at KPBS. There is a good chance the comical tale could win for categories like Best Narrative Short, Best Actor for Jac and Best Actress for Schaffroth.<\/p>\n
A few people behind and in front of the camera served their country in the past. Producer Ryan Binse, is a naval veteran, and actor\/cinematographer Luke Anthony Pensabene is a marine veteran. Besides being the director of photography, Pensabene plays Luke, a cabdriver, who becomes essential to the plot.<\/p>\n
Partially responsible for choosing \u201cFletcher and Jenks\u201d is the founder\/president of the Film Consortium San Diego, Jodi Cilley. \u201cOur ongoing goal is to bring San Diego filmmakers in town, get them working together on projects and increase the quality and quantity of work produced in the city,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been around for five years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her social venture, along with KPBS and the GI Film Group, are helping to present the event.<\/p>\n
She is impressed by the talents of former servicemen like Binse and Pensabane. \u201cA lot of people that come out of the military have skillsets that are perfect for the film industry,\u201d she said. \u201cA personal goal of mine is to incorporate as much of the military community in the cinematic community as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Similar to Cilley, Jac sees parallels between the military and the motion picture industry. \u201cPeople in the military are trained with discipline and hierarchy, which is similar to how the film industry works,\u201d he said. \u201cI want the GI Film Festival San Diego to be a testament to their talent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Jac never went to the festival before, he plans on seeing different flicks during his free time. \u201cThere are several friends of mine who have films that are going to be screening,\u201d he said. \u201cI definitely want to see their movies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some point in the not too distant future, Jac could reprise his role as Fletcher. \u201cOlmos is thinking about following up the flick with a web series about similar crime cases,\u201d he said. \u201cMany people that worked on \u2018Fletcher and Jenks\u2019 would like to team up again in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mixing artistry with genuine patriotism, the GI Film Festival San Diego offers entertainment that shines a light on real heroes. Jac is very enthusiastic to be a part of such a meaningful experience.<\/p>\n
The GI Film Festival San Diego will continue through Sunday. For tickets or more information, visit gifilmfestival.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n