The award-winning GI Film Festival (GIFF),described as “the nation’s only military film festival,” announced the film program for its 2012 event, which will take place Tuesday, May 15, through Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Washington, DC.

Overall, the sixth annual GIFF film line-up offers 42 film screenings, movies that represent every branch of the military and span five wars. Over the course of the six-day event, the festival said that it will offer 23 narrative films and 19 documentaries covering every genre conceivable – from action and adventure to drama and romance.

“More than 200 films were submitted to GIFF this year. We were overwhelmed by the raw talent and emotion expressed in every film,” explained Brandon Millett, Co-Founder and President of the GI Film Festival. “Our mission is to educate the public about the successes and sacrifices of the American military and there has never been a better festival line-up to more perfectly exemplify that mission.”

On Thursday, May 17, the festival will provide an advanced screening of Universal Pictures’ BATTLESHIP, directed by Peter Berg. The BATTLESHIP screening will take place during the festival’s Wounded Warrior Appreciation Night, where wounded warriors from the DC metro area will serve as the festival’s guests of honor.

“One of the best parts of the festival is every day is so different. Whether our guests are honoring the contributions of wounded warriors or walking the red carpet with famous actors, there’s a unique experience every night,” said GIFF Co-Founder and Director Laura Law-Millett.