'This is War' Gets the Red Carpet Treatment in Cinema City (VIDEO)

Americans should recognize that it is possible to showcase the actions of our soldiers today and it is something people want to know more about, in spite of the TV networks' drastic cutback on Iraq coverage.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A story about a group of Oregon soldiers who lived and fought together in Iraq is debuting in Cinema City, California this weekend at a special red carpet event.

The best thing about Gary Mortensen's "This is War" may be the fact that politics have nothing to do with it; it is simply an amazing real life story about people surviving a hellish year of combat.

Mortensen says plans for this weekend's event began a few months back when Suzanne DeLaurentiis called unexpectedly. She is a highly successful producer, director and writer, and also the Grand Daughter of famous film producer Dino DeLaurentiis.

"Suzanne had seen our film and called asking if we would be open to letting her screen it at her upcoming Cinema City International Film Festival."

He says the company's festival has categories for television pilots, music videos and advertisements, but since their documentary didn't really fit any of those categories, he remained curious as to what she had in mind.

"Well imagine our surprise when she told us that she was so moved by the film that she wanted to make it the premiere event to kick off the entire festival. It also happens that part of the proceeds from the festival will go to assist soldiers who have been burned in combat so we were both excited and honored to be part of such a wonderful event."

Mortensen's documentary has managed to generate what appears to be continual momentum since first being released. "This is War" debuted at film festivals in Portland and Salem to stunning reviews, and the documentary comes at a time when increasing numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan vets are readjusting to civilian life and dealing with issues like post traumatic combat stress.

It is doubtless that this intelligent and level look at the months of non ending enemy contacts will help educate people as to what these veterans go through, and also serve as an item in history that will forever convey this group's hardships and tragedy, along with their humor and triumph.

On Saturday, five soldiers from the film will accompany Gary Mortensen and his team to Los Angeles on a private jet courtesy of Frank Dulcich, CEO of Pacific Seafood.

He says it looks like our soldiers will be given the "Hollywood Treatment" as the film's screening is a red carpet event complete with paparazzi and a behind the scenes after party.

"The next day our soldiers will be giving interviews to publications from around the world and followed by a black tie awards ceremony and yes another after party. We have it now confirmed that both Tom Arnold and Ed McMahon will be attending the screening and are hearing rumors that several other high profile celebrities will also be watching the film."

People who want to see an end to the fighting in Iraq support these men and women as much as anybody, and "Hollywood" or Cinema City as the case may be, does have what it takes to simply applaud an effort like the Oregon Guard's 2-162 Infantry and Gary Mortensen, simply because it is the right thing to do.

It is efforts like this that achieve the very most for people, by bringing them together. I hope more similar projects in the future continue to reinforce this, and recognize that while there are some problems, almost all of our people serving in uniform in Iraq are towing the line and serving honorably. These soldiers did not come home as a complete unit, they suffered loss of life and some lost parts of themselves. In my opinion they represent the values and courage all people wish they had.

The video clip below, courtesy of YouTube, is by the company that produced "This is War", Lucky Forward Films. It features reviews from some of the people at another theater release.

I can tell you as a war photographer and reporter that this is one of the most epic things I have ever watched and it would be a long and difficult process for any group to ever attempt to produce a project of a similar nature that would rival it. I hope you visit this site: luckyforwardfilms.com/ and buy a copy for $19.99, which includes shipping and handling. You will be acquiring something that can be considered one of the most stark, open and honest records of the Iraq War on record. You will also help the soldiers that benefit from Gary's work, and the sacrifice of the Oregon National Guard.