The National World War II Museum to Host Film Conference Examining How a Powerful Medium Shaped Memories

The National World War II Museum to Host Film Conference Examining How a Powerful Medium Shaped Memories

Real to Reel: World War II in Film, Documentaries & Newsreels comprises The Second International Conference on World War II this April

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The pivotal years of World War II have influenced and inspired filmmakers, documentarians and the media for more than 60 years, and to commemorate and reflect upon this important bygone era, The National World War II Museum in New Orleans will host Real to Reel: World War II in Film, Documentaries & Newsreels, April 10-12.

"World War II has been the focus of many important and compelling film productions, including The Longest Day, Saving Private Ryan, Flags of Our Fathers, The Shooting War, and most recently, Ken Burns' THE WAR," said Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, President and CEO of The National World War II Museum. "When planning our second annual International Conference on World War II, we thought it would be exciting to examine this often overlooked aspect of this important time in our nation's history."

The Museum's Second International Conference on World War II will feature numerous experts and historians from the world of film -- in addition to a special appearance by one of the original members of the Band of Brothers -- presenting and discussing films, documentaries, and newsreels, and the impact and influence of this medium on America's memories and perceptions of World War II over the years. Panels also will examine the complicated relationship between the film medium and the portrayal of history.

Presenters include Catherine Wyler, producer of Memphis Belle and daughter of famed director William Wyler, who will share her insights on her father's passion for portraying the sacrifice of American soldiers in World War II. James Moll, filmmaker and director of the Museum's exclusive film, Price for Peace, and the films Survivors of the Holocaust and Voices from the List, will share his perspective on translating the raw emotions of war via film.

Additional panels will focus on other unique aspects of film from the era. USMC combat photographer, SSgt. Norman "Norm" Hatch will screen original footage of live combat film from the brutal Battle of Tarawa. Reality meets perception on a panel featuring Carlo D'Este, author of Patton: A Genius for War and Benjamin Patton, grandson of General George S. Patton. Presenter James McBride, whose work Miracle at St. Anna is now being made into a film by Spike Lee, will examine the African-American perspective of the war. And renowned historians and authors Donald L. Miller, Rick Atkinson, Gerhard L. Weinberg and Lawrence H. Suid will also offer their interpretations of World War II and film.

The closing banquet Band of Brothers - Translating Real Life to Film will feature actor Michael Cudlitz from the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, screenwriter John Orloff and historian Hugh Ambrose, who is currently working on The Pacific, HBO's sequel to its Emmy-winning miniseries, Band of Brothers.

All sessions will be held at the Marriott Convention Center Boulevard in downtown New Orleans. A ribbon cutting reception will be held at the Museum for the accompanying exhibition, Real to Reel: Hollywood and World War II, highlighting the role of pre-war superstars from the battlefront to the Home Front, the relationship between the studios and the Office of War Information and the story of how the war gave so many future stars their big break. The closing Band of Brothers banquet will also be held at the Museum.

Individual tickets are available starting at $349 for a full conference pass and $129 for select day passes. The Museum's Travel Department has also created affordable conference and hotel combo packages. As always, discounts are available for Museum members. Call 1-877-813-3329 x 257 for additional information. For updates on this exciting conference or to purchase your tickets securely online, visit http://warmovies.nationalww2museum.org/.

The National World War II Museum was dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and recently has been designated by Congress as the country's official national World War II museum. It illuminates the American experience during the war era and celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won World War II. The National World War II Museum is currently undertaking a $300 million expansion that, when complete, will create a six-acre campus of exhibition pavilions, an advanced format 4-D theater, USO venue, and a research and conference center in downtown New Orleans. For more information about The National World War II Museum, call 504-527-6012 or visit online at http://www.nationalww2museum.org/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: National World War II Museum

CONTACT: Clem Goldberger, Associate Vice President of Marketing,
+1-504-527-6012, ext. 355, mobile, +1-504-554-9400,
clem.goldberger@nationalww2museum.org, or Kacey Hill, Public Relations
Officer, +1-504-527-6012, ext. 357, mobile, +1-504-858-7092,
kacey.hill@nationalww2museum.org, both of National World War II Museum

Web site:

http://www.nationalww2museum.org/

-------
Profile: intent