WWII in Film Conference

WWII in Film Conference

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Liberty University

Make plans to attend the World War II in Film conference at Liberty University, hosted by the National D-Day Memorial Foundation and Liberty University Department of History.  The conference will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the theatrical release of Saving Private Ryan.

Acclaimed WWII author and consultant for historical ­film productions, Dr. Donald Miller of Lafayette College will be the keynote speaker. He is the author of numerous books including Masters of the Air: American Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, D-Days in the Pacific, and The Story of World War II.   Miller has also worked as a historical consultant on numerous film and television productions including The Pacific, WWII in HD, The Air War, and He Has Seen War.  He is currently working with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg on an upcoming HBO miniseries based on his Masters of the Air.

In a special session we’ll explore how “real-life” figures from history have to be re-interpreted into “reel-life” characters when movies are based on actual events. What if one of these figures is from your own family? George Patton Waters and Desmond Doss Jr. will discuss how their notable relatives, George Patton and Desmond Doss Sr., have been portrayed in cinematic blockbusters, including Patton and Hacksaw Ridge.

Other conference sessions will cover topics incorporating film that such as D-Day, the Pacific theater, Homefront and more. There will also be special presentations by the Virginia War Memorial and National D-Day Memorial on incorporating film into WWII curriculum and Liberty University Cinematic Arts on the process for filmmakers.

Free Saving Private Ryan Screening

Following the conclusion of the WWII in Film conference, there will be a screening and discussion of Saving Private Ryan to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its theatrical release. Prior to the movie beginning, Dr. Donald L. Miller will share some of his experiences with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks during the production of Saving Private Ryan.

The screening is free and open to the public, but tickets will be required for admission. The movie will begin at 6:45 p.m. and doors will open at 6:00 p.m. No food or drink is allowed in the concert hall.

For more information, email mmitchell@dday.org or call (540) 586-3329.

Conference Schedule at a Glance

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.                  Conference Check-In

Montview Ballroom Lobby

8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.                  Welcome

Montview Ballroom

8:40 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.                  World War II and Film Overview

Montview Ballroom

9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.               Concurrent Sessions

Demoss Hall Classrooms

10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.             Coffee Break

Montview Ballroom

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.             “A War that Never Ends—Cinematically Speaking:” World War II on  the Screen

Montview Ballroom

11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.             Break

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.              Lunch and Keynote Address

Montview Ballroom

1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.                 Break

1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.                 Concurrent Sessions

Demoss Hall Classrooms

2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.                Coffee Break

Montview Ballroom

2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.                Concurrent Student Sessions

Demoss Hall Classrooms

4:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.                Coffee Break

Montview Ballroom

4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.                Q&A Session with George Patton “Pat” Waters and Desmond Doss, Jr.

Montview Ballroom

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.               Dinner

Montview Ballroom

6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.              D-Day and WWII Veteran Meet and Greet

School of Music Concert Hall Lobby

6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.            Screening of Saving Private Ryan

School of Music Concert Hall

The conference is proudly sponsored by:

Hotel and Travel Information

Hotel Block Information

A number of hotel blocks have been reserved for the WWII in Film conference. We are currently working to add the evening of Monday, June 4 to the last two room blocks.

La Quinta Inn and Suites, 3320 Candlers Mountain Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Monday, June 4 to Thursday, June 7, 2018

$99 per night for either a King or Double Room

Reserve a room by calling Group Reservations Department at 1-866-527-1498 and identify yourself as a member of the National D-Day Memorial Group, Reservation Block confirmation number 6680762.

Hilton Garden Inn, 4025 Wards Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Tuesday, June 5 to Thursday, June 7, 2018

$125 per night for either a King or Double Room

Group Code: DDAY

Reservations may be made through the hotel website or by calling the 800 number and requesting the Group Code: http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/virginia/hilton-garden-inn-lynchburg-LYHLVGI/index.html  or (434) 239-3006.

Sleep Inn, 3620 Candlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Tuesday, June 5 to Thursday, June 7, 2018

$85 per night for either a King or Double Room

https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/DL5PZ5

Travel Information

Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH)

12 daily arriving and departing American Airlines flights that connect to Charlotte International Airport, a hub for the airline.

Amtrak: Kemper Street Station

https://www.amtrak.com/stations/lyh.html

Two Amtrak passenger trains depart and arrive in Lynchburg everyday.