NEW ORLEANS –As the culmination of Real to Reel: World War II in Film, Documentaries & Newsreels, a three-day Conference exploring the relationship between our memories and perceptions of WWII and the medium of film, The National World War II Museum will examine the relationship between the real men of Easy Company and how they were portrayed on film with the April 12 presentation Band of Brothers – Translating Real Life to Film. This special event is sponsored by HBO.
The bestselling book Band of Brothers by historian Stephen Ambrose and the subsequent HBO Emmy-winning miniseries follows the 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from their days in training to the invasion of Normandy, through the frozen forests of the Ardennes and on to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Along the way, the public was given an intimate look not only into the lives and relationships of these celebrated heroes, but a glimpse into the darkest parts of humanity and mankind at its best.
The program will feature actors Ron Livingston (Capt. Lewis Nixon) and Michael Cudlitz (Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman) and screenwriter John Orloff from the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. Historian Hugh Ambrose, who is currently working on The Pacific, HBO's sequel to the Emmy-winning miniseries, will serve as moderator.
The Museum’s Second International Conference on World War II will also feature celebrated authors along with experts and historians from the world of film presenting and discussing documentaries, newsreels, and Hollywood films and the impact and influence of this medium on America’s memories and perceptions of World War II over the years.
Presenters include Catherine Wyler, producer of Memphis Belle and daughter of famed director William Wyler, who will share her insights on her father’s passion for portraying the sacrifice of American soldiers in World War II. James Moll, filmmaker and director of Price for Peace, Survivors of the Holocaust and Voices from the List, will share his perspective on translating the raw emotions of war via film.
Additional panels will focus on other unique aspects of film from the era. USMC combat photographer and Academy Award winner, SSgt. Norman “Norm” Hatch will screen rarely seen footage from the brutal Battle of Tarawa. Reality meets perception on a panel featuring Carlo D’Este, author of Patton: A Genius for War and Benjamin Patton, grandson of General George S. Patton. Presenter James McBride, whose work Miracle at St. Anna is now being made into a film by Spike Lee, will examine the African-American perspective of the war. And renowned historians and authors Donald L. Miller, Rick Atkinson, Gerhard L. Weinberg and Lawrence H. Suid will also offer their interpretations of World War II and film. Dr. Mario Barrera and Kerry Yo Nakagawa will discuss ethnic portrayals and WWII films.
All sessions will be held at the Marriott Convention Center Boulevard in downtown New Orleans. A reception will be held at the Museum to unveil the accompanying special exhibition, Real to Reel: Hollywood and World War II. The special exhibition highlights the role of pre-war superstars from the battlefront to the Home Front, the relationship between the studios and the Office of War Information and the story of how the war gave so many future stars their big break. The closing Band of Brothers banquet will also be held at the Museum.
Tickets for Saturday only, including the Band of Brothers event are available for $149. Individual tickets are available starting at $299 for a full conference pass and $129 for select day passes. The Museum’s Travel Department has also created affordable conference and hotel combo packages. As always, discounts are available for Museum members. Call 1-877-813-3329 x 257 for additional information. For updates on this exciting conference or to purchase your tickets securely online, visit www.warfilms.org.
The National World War II Museum, was dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and recently has been designated by Congress as the country’s official national World War II museum. It illuminates the American experience during the war era and celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won World War II. The National World War II Museum is currently undertaking a $300 million expansion that, when complete, will create a six-acre campus of exhibition pavilions, an advanced format 4-D theater, dining venue, and a research and conference center in downtown New Orleans. For more information about The National World War II Museum, call 504-527-6012 or visit online at www.nationalww2museum.org.
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