FILM

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 Title: Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam
Genre: Feature Documentary
Format/Runtime: HDV, 72 minutes
Country: U.S./Vietnam
Released: April 2009 (Film Festival World Premiere)

Synopsis: "Operation Babylift" was a $2 million U.S. initiative that airlifted over 2,500 Vietnamese orphans out of a war-torn country to protect them from the impending threat of the Communist Regime. Coined by some as "one of the most humanitarian efforts in history," it was also plagued by lawsuits and political turmoil. Even with the best intentions, these adoptees grew up facing a unique set of challenges in America, including prejudice overshadowed by a controversial war and cultural identity crisis. Nearly 35 years later, this award-winning documentary takes a candid look at a significant, yet untold event as seen through the eyes of the volunteers, parents, and organizations directly involved, showing a contemporary look at Babylift and its relevance to international adoption today through the eyes of the adoptees themselves. Through honest and emotional testimonials, it uncovers the "lost" stories of the adoptees and who they have become as adults, revealing their compelling struggles and triumps, and giving them an opportunity to share their journey from their own perspective and make peace with their controversial past.

The movie features compelling and insightful interviews from a cross-section of adoptees and Babylift volunteers. Music is from emerging Asian American artists, including Jared Rehberg and Thomas' Apartment.

Adoptees:
Robert "Bert" Ballard and his wife Sarah, Dan Bischoff, Chris and Kelly Brownlee, Tim Buchanan, Tiffany Goodson, Jane Hopkins, Lyly Koenig, Tara Leaman, Jennifer Noone, Khanh Oehlke, Canh Oxelson, Jared Rehberg, Mark Slavik, DC Wolfe, Lucas Young and Jim Zimmerly.

Volunteers/activists:
Cherie Clark, Susan McDonald, Mary Nelle Gage, Cheryl Markson, Ross Meador, Lana Noone, Betty Tisdale and LeAnn Thieman.

Production Company: ATG Against The Grain Productions, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit production company whose mission is to produce films and media that educate and promote awareness and unity of Asian American culture and identity while raising funds for non-profit organizations that focus on adoption, international orphanages, and Asian American cultural awareness and education.

 Through the ashes of the Vietnam War, there rises a forgotten story of inspiring heroism about the resilience of the human spirit.

In war-torn Vietnam, impoverished orphanages swelled with cast aside babies and children, many the offspring of American GIs. They were the lost children, bui doi, the dust of life. International agencies like Holt International, Friends For All Children, Friends For the Children of Vietnam, Catholic Relief Service, International Social Services, International Orphans, and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation had already been in place to care for the children and arrange for their adoption and departure. As the war raged around them, many individuals risked their lives to make sure that the children would have a home of their own. As a desperate measure, Ed Daly (President of World Airways) commissioned his own flight and left Vietnam with 57 children on board. In the last days before the fall, time was of the essence. Volunteers worked under the most strained of conditions, with minimal supplies and food. With the impending Fall of Saigon only weeks away, President Gerald R. Ford ordered a $2 million initiative to airlift Vietnamese orphans to safety on April 3, 1975.

The issues that surround Operation Babylift are not without controversy. The first scheduled flight, a C-5A Galaxy cargo plane, crashed into a rice paddy shortly after taking off from Tan Son Nhut airport. Of the 330 passengers, 154 children and volunteers perished. Some criticized Babylift as a ploy for manipulating public opinion toward the war. Others felt it was America's way of showing cultural imperialism. Documentation on the orphans was sketchy. Babylift was riddled with class action law suits - against Ed Daly, against the plane manufacturer, against the President himself.

In light of all this, Operation Babylift has been coined by many as "one of the most humanitarian efforts of all time." In the course of a few weeks, over 3,000 orphans were taken to safety all over the world. More children were adopted in the US from Vietnam during this short interval in history than the total for the past 30 years. But the story is not over...

 Educational License - University/College

This version of the DVD is for educational use in the classroom or for public and institutional library collections. Restricted to closed-circuit, one-campus classroom viewings specifically connected to a teaching/learning activity in which all viewers (teacher and students) are involved, or to library loans to individuals for home viewing. Does not include public performance rights. Domestic and international copyright laws apply. Illegal duplication and exhibition strictly prohibited. By selecting this option, you agree to the restrictions above.

Title: Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam
Genre/Country: Feature Documentary, USA/Vietnam
Format/Runtime: NTSC R1 DVD (no subtitles), 72 minutes
Special Features: Theatrical Trailer, Public Service Announcement, Extended History Interviews, VHN-TV Roundtable with Filmmaker and Cast 

 Institutional License - K-12/Community Group

This version of the DVD is for educational use in the classroom or for public and institutional library collections. Restricted to closed-circuit, one campus classroom viewings specifically connected to a teaching/learning activity in which all viewers (teacher and students) are involved, or to library loans to individuals for home viewing. Does not include public performance rights. Domestic and international copyright laws apply. Illegal duplication and exhibition strictly prohibited. By selecting this option, you agree to the restrictions above.

Title: Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam
Genre/Country: Feature Documentary, USA/Vietnam
Format/Runtime: NTSC R1 DVD (no subtitles), 72 minutes
Special Features: Theatrical Trailer, Public Service Announcement, Extended History Interviews, VHN-TV Roundtable with Filmmaker and Cast 

 Home Video

Private home usage only, non-resale. Does not include public performance rights. Domestic and international copyright laws apply. Illegal duplication and exhibition strictly prohibited. By selecting this option, you agree to the restrictions above.

Title: Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam
Genre/Country: Feature Documentary, USA/Vietnam
Format/Runtime: NTSC R1 DVD (no subtitles), 72 minutes
Special Features: Theatrical Trailer, Public Service Announcement, Extended History Interviews, VHN-TV Roundtable with Filmmaker and Cast 

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