It's May in Washington, D.C., which means the GI Film Festival is getting ready to roll out the red carpet.
The festival, which highlights films created by the military community, for the military community, is celebrating its 10th year in style May 21-29.
"The keyword this year is diversity," said Brandon Millett, co-founder and president of the festival.
The nine-day event features more than 75 films, as well as Q&As with filmmakers and actors, live music, comedy — and, of course, the after-parties.
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band perform for Washington Navy Yard personnel and families in 2013.
Photo Credit: Senior Airman Tony Coronado/Air Force
This year's festival kicks off Saturday with a concert from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at the Howard Theatre in D.C.
If you're feeling the need for speed and a place to don your best 80s attire, celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Top Gun" at the Angelika Film Center at Mosaic with an 80s-themed after-party on Wednesday. It's sure to get you pumped up for that "Top Gun" sequel that's in the works.
Tom Cruise in a scene from the 1986 film "Top Gun" produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The movie is 30 this year.
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures
After watching a throwback movie, switch to the future with an advance screening of "X-Men: Apocalypse" on Thursday before it hits theaters the following day. Don't miss the after-party here, either.
The red carpet will get a little crazier that Friday night with the world premiere of the zombie-comedy "Range 15," created by the veterans behind apparel companies Ranger Up and Article 15 Clothing.
"It's very different in terms of the type of films we normally show," Millett said. "One of our goals from the beginning was to support veterans who want to be filmmakers."
"Range 15" is a case in which the story behind the story is one of the most fascinating parts, Millett said.
"Here you have a group of veterans who wrote a script, broke records in crowdfunding, who got major stars to perform in the film, who shot the film three times faster than a standard production and who are distributing it themselves," Millett said.
The diversity of entertainment at the film festival is greater this year than it's ever been before, he said, and it's covering every genre and branch of service, as well as every American conflict from the Civil War up to now.
Check out the full lineup at this year's GI Film Festival.
Charlsy Panzino covers veterans education, employment and transition issues, as well as travel, entertainment and fitness. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
