Jimmy in Saigon

In 1972, when filmmaker Peter McDowell was only 5 years-old, his 24-year-old brother Jimmy died under mysterious circumstances while living as a civilian in Saigon. A Vietnam War veteran, Jimmy returned to Saigon when the war was still raging on. Why? This film chronicles Peter’s search for answers many years after his brother’s death. Through over 200 of Jim’s letters, candid interviews with his friends and family, and years-long filming of the truth-seeking journey across the United States, Vietnam, and France, Peter creates a thrilling, elegiac work that examines grief, family secrets, war, drug use, sexuality, and healing – all amounting to a celebration of a short but powerful life. Why Jimmy returned to Vietnam after leaving military service at the height of the war is just one of the mysteries McDowell uncovers, and solves, in this powerful film that finally allows Peter to get to know his long-lost brother and find peace in his own life.

A Q&A session featuring director Peter McDowell will follow the screening.