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Jimmy in Saigon

A FILM BY PETER MCDOWELL | EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY DAN SAVAGE

JIMMY IN SAIGON
a new film by Peter McDowell
2022, Documentary, USA, 90 min
In English, French, and Vietnamese with English subtitles
Filmed in USA, France, Vietnam

Jimmy in Saigon is a feature documentary by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Peter McDowell and executive producer Dan Savage. Originally from Illinois, Peter chronicles the story of Jim, his eldest brother, and a Vietnam War veteran. In 1972, when Jim was 24 and Peter was only 5, Jim died under mysterious circumstances while living as a civilian in Saigon.

Through over 200 of Jim’s letters, candid interviews with Jim’s friends and family, and filming of the truth-seeking journey that led him across the United States, Vietnam, and France, Peter creates an elegiac work that examines grief, family secrets, war, drug use, sexuality, and healing, amounting to a celebration of a short but powerful life.

BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival *World Premiere* 
Frameline Int’l LGBTQ+ Film Festival San Francisco 
Bentonville Film Festival Arkansas
Athens Int’l Film Fest. Greece
Reeling: The Chicago Int’l LGBTQ+ Film Festival *Audience Award* 
GAZE Int’l LGBT Film Festival Dublin *Best Documentary*

Full List of Festivals and Awards

READ CHICAGO TRIBUNE ARTICLE BY RICK KOGAN