Greater Philadelphia Film Office Features American Veterans Media

Shawn Swords from American Veterans Media behind the camera.

This article originally appeared on Greater Philadelphia Film Office: https://film.org/local-team-behind-launch-of-american-veterans-media/.

Local Team Behind Launch of American Veterans Media

Inaugural Film “Edison 64” Premieres in October

Shawn Swords (pictured), Roger Bruce, Art Swanlund, James Kirlin, Gene Halus, Ralph Galati, Darryrl Johnson, and John Ricciutti are the team of military scholars, veterans’ advocates, and filmmakers that are behind the launch of American Veterans Media, a new production company based in Philadelphia, that is producing veterans-themed documentary films, television, print and radio content, Library of Congress interviews, content for academic curriculums, and live programs.

The filmmakers hail from Philadelphia, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties and between them, have amassed an impressive collection of awards and accolades for their individual projects over the years.

Members of the team have produced “Remember The 27 Crusaders” about the 27 students from Father Judge High School that died during the Vietnam War, “Duffy’s Cut,” and several other documentaries including The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Archive films “Wages of Spin I & II,” and “Charlie Gracie Fabulous.” Additionally, their television content has been exhibited/distributed through PBS, Fox, TCM, UPN and Irish/Sky TV.

Production is complete on American Veterans Media’s inaugural project, “Edison 64,” a feature-length documentary expected to premiere in October 2021.

“Edison 64” tells the story of the 64 students from Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia that were killed during the Vietnam War. Thomas Edison High School had more students killed during the Vietnam War than any other high school in America. The long term collateral damage from these deaths was devastating and the impact of this devastation continues to this day.

American Veterans Media is offering screenings of “Edison 64” and “Remember The 27

Crusaders” to VFW and Legion Posts or any organizations that promote veterans advocacy. To schedule a screening, please contact Andrea DiFabio, difabiocommunications@gmail.com.