Warrior Champions, Produced by IAVA, Premiers at Austin Film Festival

Warrior Champions, Produced by IAVA, Premiers at Austin Film Festival

CONTACT: Michael Houston (212) 982-9699 or Michael[@]iava.org

Michael Houston

(212) 982-9699

Contact Email: 

Michael[@]iava.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Follow IAVA on Twitter.com/IAVAPressRoom [1]

"Warrior Champions," Produced by IAVA, Premiers at Austin Film Festival

"Warrior Champions: From Baghdad to Beijing" Chronicles the Courage, Strength and Dedication of Four Wounded Servicemembers on the Road to Beijing Olympics

New York - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is proud to announce the premiere of "Warrior Champions: From Baghdad to Beijing," at the 2009 Austin Film Festival on Friday, October 23rd. Filmed and produced by Brent and Craig Renaud, in association with IAVA, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. Paralympics Division, "Warrior Champions" chronicles the inspiring journey of four servicemembers who were severely wounded in Iraq as they recover and compete for a spot on the US Paralympic Team, bound for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. IAVA is an Executive Producer of the film.

"'Warrior Champions' is a powerful and important film that all Americans should see. This film is not just another film about war-it is about service, world-class athletes and the triumph of the human spirit," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.  "This film centers on four amazing warriors, but it tells the story of all of us who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  IAVA and our national membership are proud to partner with the Renaud Brothers and the USOC in creating and premiering this historic film."

"Warrior Champions" will premiere on Friday, October 23 at 7:30 PM CDT at the Austin Film Festival's Rollins Theater, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704.  For more information, click here [2].

To view the film's trailer, click here [3].

"Warrior Champions: From Baghdad to Beijing" tells the moving story of four severely wounded servicemembers as they fight to overcome their injuries with Olympic aspirations. Iraq war veterans Scott Winkler, Carlos Leon, Melissa Stockwell and Kortney Clemons all set out to do what many thought impossible: to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. Through failure, pain and triumph "Warrior Champions" follows these servicemember-athletes for a full year. "Warrior Champions" is not a sad tale of the tragedy of war, but rather an uplifting testament to the human spirit that challenges every notion of what it means to be disabled. The film also shows the involvement of Scott and Carlos in IAVA's groundbreaking work to support new veterans.

In 2008, IAVA sponsored Scott Winkler and Carlos Leon's training and travel to the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.  Hundreds of IAVA members from all over the country raised over $20,000 to support their training and travel to China.  Additionally, on July 30, 2009, Carlos testified on behalf of IAVA before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Capitol Hill.  The hearing focused on the U.S. Military Paralympics Program and its mission to help injured veterans heal and recover, while also providing an environment of competitive spirit and athletic competition. For their courage, strength and commitment to their fellow veterans, Scott and Carlos were also honored at IAVA's Second Annual Heroes Gala [4] with the 2008 Veterans Leadership Award.

About the Renaud Brothers
Brothers Craig and Brent Renaud have directed and produced award-winning films for HBO, NBC, Discovery, PBS, CBS, MTV and ESPN in places like Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Bolivia, China, Pakistan and Juarez. Their films have earned the Renaud brothers an Emmy and Director's Guild nomination, an Overseas Press Club Award, an International Documentary Association Award, the National Education Writers Association TV Documentary Award, and top honors at the San Francisco International Film Festival and the Tokyo Video Festival.  For more information, visit www.renaudbrothers.com [5].

About the Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a non‐profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television and new media. The AFF champions the work of aspiring and established writers and filmmakers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation and encouraging dynamic and long‐lasting community partnerships. For more information, visit www.austinfilmfestival.com [6].

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or one of the veterans featured in "Warrior Champions," please contact Michael Houston (212)-982-9699 or Michael@iava.org [7].

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org [8]) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 150,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.

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