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
Executive Produced by Dan Savage
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.
SELECTED FESTIVALS AND AWARDS:
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*
Viet Film Festival *Nominated for Best Feature*
Full List of Festivals and Awards
