El Dorado Films

Following the tradition of military service in her family, Alene Duerk enlisted as a Navy nurse in 1943. During her eventful 32 year career, she served in WWII on a hospital ship in the Sea of Japan, and trained others in the Korean War. She became the Director of the Navy Nursing Corps during the Vietnam War before finally attaining the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. Despite having no other women as mentors (or peers), Admiral Duerk always looked for challenging opportunities that women had not previously held. Her consistently high level of performance led to her ultimate rise to become the first woman Admiral.

PFC Benjamin Tollefson was killed in action during Operation: Iraqi Freedom. His mother tells the story he never got a chance to share.

In 1945, Adele Shimanoff joins the U.S. Marine Corps amid a larger plan to bring women into the military in order to “free a marine to fight.” Adele moves away from the traditional Women’s Reserves and into active duty for a year, where she forms lifelong friendships and meets her future husband. He remains in active duty for 28 years after she leaves, giving her a full experience of life with the Marines. More than 70 years later, Adele is forced to confront the idea that she is still needed, even when her friends have passed on before her.

The story of Noble Sissle Jr., a production company owner, community development expert, and veteran of the Vietnam War. Combining archival footage with interviews and family portraits, the film explores Sissle Jr.’s life, and the way he carries on the legacy of his father, Noble Sissle – the famous WWI Harlem Hell Fighter and leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Includes original music and footage of Noble Sissle.

When our elders pass away, they live on through the stories of them that we share, keeping us warm when we feel cold, and cheering us up in our darkest times. “A Collection of My Father” tells the story of Vincent Faulls, a WWII soldier, devoted husband, and loving father.

In 1991, John Heroux served in Operation Desert Storm, piloting one of forty F16 Fighter Planes sent in to target large manufacturing facilities deep inside Iraq. Looking back on these missions, John explains that pilots, himself included, felt no pride at causing destruction, but did have pride in serving their country and completing their tasks. This is his story.

Joel Hunt served as a combat engineer from 1998-2007, with multiple tours in Iraq. While there, he endured more than 15 roadside bombs, and experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Today, with the help of his dog, Barrett, he uses sports to push through the challenges of having a TBI.

"All Equal!" is an evocative animated film that unfolds around a village fire where a grandfather narrates the poignant tale of his ancestors and their enslavement to his eager grandchildren. As the story begins, the children are transported to a time when their great-grandfather and his brothers were kidnapped by slave traders. The narrative takes them through harrowing scenes of captivity, forced labor, and the oppressive lives of enslaved in the masters' plantations. It vividly depicts the cruel reality of children and women being exploited and mistreated. Amidst this hardship, the grandfather's tale reveals a powerful revolution against their masters, leading to self-liberation and the founding of their own village. The animated journey, rich in historical and cultural significance, ends on a note of gratitude and reverence for the ancestors' indomitable spirit and their fight for liberty.

John Henry Balch was a Pharmacist's Mate attached to the 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment when his unit entered the Belleau Wood. His dedication to the Marines under his care earned him the Medal of Honor.

"The Jock: a Montford Point Marine" unveils the harrowing yet inspiring journey of an American Marine from the segregated boot camp of Montford Point, North Carolina. Raised on the tough streets of Philadelphia, Dave Culmer is drawn to the Marines, enchanted by the impeccable attire and imposing stature of a local Marine. After being dismissed from high school, he finds his path leading him not to the widely known Parris Island boot camp, but to the lesser-known Montford Point. His path to becoming a Marine is fraught with discrimination and grueling trials that push him to his physical and mental limits. Amid the struggle, he learns resilience, embodying the relentless spirit of Montford Point that drove these men to exceed expectations set by a society that predicted their failure.

After losing her father at an early age, Tina Duran explores the rich history of her father, the story of her ancestors who migrated from Mexico to the United States, and the impact the Vietnam War had on their community.

Captain Pam Roark is a Navy nurse who shares her story about service, compassion, and leadership, demonstrating that leadership ability isn't a consequence of gender. It is a consequence of character.

On the eve of Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War, the Italian government deployed eight Tornado Fighter-bombers. Gianmarco Bellini was one of these pilots. He was shot down, captured, and abused, but returned and was able to rise to the rank of General.

In the poignant and thought-provoking short film, a distressed mother, Velda, takes center stage as she recounts the tragic tale of her son, Michael, who battles inner demons after being sent to war. As she navigates through the gut-wrenching chronology of his enlistment on the eve of 9/11, his traumatizing experiences in combat, and his futile attempts at readjustment after returning home, the narrative unravels to reveal the silent and insidious toll of war on the mental health of soldiers. Compelled by her son's devastating suicide, Velda transforms her grief into a call for action, articulating her concerns about the military's approach to mental health issues in a letter to the president. This heart-rending short film underscores the often overlooked consequences of war, giving voice to those left in its devastating wake.

Mexican American Rodolfo P. Hernandez faced death along the 38th parallel, earning a Congressional Medal of Honor for valor during the Korean War. A story of heroism, perseverance and service, Hernandez proved that even in the most dire circumstances a wounded soldier can accomplish his mission and go on to greater service as a veteran.

In this short documentary, the life story of Buck Southworth as a U.S. Air Force aircrewman is told and narrated by his wife, Priscilla Southworth, now a Cemetery Volunteer at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. This is a remarkable and touching documentary about bravery, mission and love.

In this compelling short film, we follow the life of a Montford Point Marine as he reflects on his experiences and the challenges he faced as an African American in the Marine Corps. Set against the backdrop of racial segregation and the horrors of war, the film delves into the Marine's journey from the initial days of training to witnessing the devastating aftermath of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. From Korea to Vietnam, the Marine's resilience and dedication shine through as he recounts his harrowing encounters with death and his unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers. Through his story, the film sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans in the Marine Corps and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these unsung heroes. Ultimately, it becomes a powerful testament to the Marine's determination to share his experiences, educate others, and preserve the legacy of African Americans in the military.

Maria Zoe Dunning is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and gay rights activist. She is known for being the only openly gay person remaining on active duty following a series of lawsuits against the U.S. Military and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy during the 1990s. This is her story.

This short film tells the story of WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Fighter Pilot Ralph Parr. In addition to rarely seen archival footage, this film features interviews with his biographer, Ken Murray, his stepdaughter Linda Capps, and his stepson Paul McLaughlin.

Against the backdrop of a world on the brink, the Montford Point Marines transcended enemy lines and formidable barriers of racial segregation. Beginning in rural Virginia, their journey to the front lines of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War is more than a testament to their bravery - it's a reflection of their indomitable spirit and unyielding resolve. Confronting racial prejudices, the heartbreaks of war, and the turbulent transition to civilian life, these men never wavered in their commitment. "Triumph Over Prejudice" dives deep into the uncharted terrains of the Black experience in the early 20th century Marine Corps, illuminating stories often shadowed in history's corners. With cinematic finesse fit for a global streaming audience, the film weaves personal narratives into a rich tapestry, culminating in an epic saga of heroism, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of the American veteran.