Wyoming Arts Council

Pat Mendoza drops by to show latest film

Uncategorized | March 12, 2009

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Denver-based storyteller and musician Pat Mendoza has spent two decades making trips to Wyoming to perform in schools, libraries and arts centers. He dropped by the Wyoming Arts Council today to talk about his latest interest — filmmaking. Pat, a Vietnam veteran, is making a new short film about a highly-decorated woman military veteran from Wyoming. He brought us copies of his 2008 film, “In the Shadow of Giants: A Return to Makin Atoll.” As is always the case, Pat has almost as many stories about the making of the film as he has included in the film itself. It’s the product of seven years of research, which included travels around the U.S. and a jaunt to the South Pacific. You can view a clip from the film here: http://web.mac.com/patmendoza/Site/The_Shadow_of_Giants.html

And more info about the film from Pat’s web site:

In the Shadow of Giants: A Return to Makin Island, a film by Pat Mendoza, is the remarkable true story about the recovery of the remains of the 19 Marines who were killed in action in WWII. They were buried on the island and their remains were discovered 58 years later. The recovery was made by The U S Army’s Central Identification Lab Hawaii (now called JPAC–Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command).

This film clip is part of a full hour production about, not only the recovery, but of the men who served in Carlson’s 2nd Marine Raiders in 1942. On August 19, 2006. the U.S. Navy christened the ship the USS Makin Island (LHD8) to honor that engagement.

Traditional song “E Papa” and the “Marine Corps Hymn” arranged by Pat Mendoza. Song is performed by Makin Islanders and Pat Mendoza. “Marine Corps Hymn” performed on flugelhorn by Steve Wiest. Narration and music by Pat Mendoza and Steve Wiest

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