The Girl Who Wore Freedom

4101 Reservoir Rd NW,Washington DC 20007

09 November, 2022

Description

Special Screening Event The Girl Who Wore FreedomAn award winning film by Christian TaylorWatch the TrailerChristian Taylor's documentary is a touching tribute to D-Day and the longstanding friendship and bond between France and America. This film unveils the untold stories of the Norman citizens who lived through German occupation and the Allied liberation of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. Dany Patrix is the “Girl” who wore a dress made from American parachutes and is the thread that weaves the story of bravery and heroism of the American GIs who liberated France together. To this day, the people of Normandy appreciate the sacrifices that were made for their freedom and celebrate each year to honor their heroes and remember. Why must this story be told? Simply, to ensure that the brave actions of those heroes are never forgotten. Program:5:30pm: Meet & Greet - Reception with the filmmaker and VIP guestsExperience a "trou Normand": Normandy Calvados and Cidre will be offered, along with biscuits from NormandyCheese platters with bread6:30pm: Introduction from filmmaker and by Deputy Chief of Mission Aurelie Bonal and Defense Attaché General Bertrand Jardin 6:40 to 8:10pm: Movie Screening8:10pm: Q&A with filmmaker and honored guests Synopsis:THE GIRL WHO WORE FREEDOM brings us to Normandy, France. Once an idyllic landscape, Normandy had succumbed to German invaders who overran its farms, its manors, its countryside.Here we meet Dany Patrix, Maurice Lecoueur, Henri-Jean Renaud, and others, who recount their unique relationships with the Allied forces who liberated Normandy on June 6, 1944. The journey from occupation to liberation, to acceptance and forgiveness to gratitude and pride, is explored through interviews with French survivors and American veterans in this powerful, personal film that tells stories handed down over two generations.We visit Brecourt Manor, the site of the battle between the men of Easy Company – known as the Band of Brothers – and a German battery. We hear from the children of D-Day, who were cared for by American soldiers after their families were killed in the onslaught. We explore the nature of war, of forgiveness, of gratitude through interviews with French survivors and American veterans.We travel today’s United States with Flo Plana, who seeks out heroes of World War II to collect and curate their stories for the Utah Beach D-Day Museum. We meet veterans like Ceo Bauer, Charles Shay, and Bob DeVinney, who recount their experiences and the relationships they built over the summer of 1944.Normandy itself is now a living war museum, with shrapnel on the beaches, bullet holes in its walls, and blood staining its church pews. Those that were there have vowed never to forget the lessons of World War II and to pass down the value of freedom to their children and their children’s children.The film closes on contemporary D-Day celebrations of remembrance and gratitude, where French citizens of all ages celebrate those who were and are willing to defend freedom because they, the people of Normandy, know all too well that freedom is not free.Thanks to our sponsors Our Other EventsSat, Nov 19, 2022: Beaujolais Nouveau & Beyond 2022 Thu, May 4, 2023: French-American Business Summit