WWII Film – CREW 713

We have had the son of an American airman contact us about a film he’s been making. Here are the details about this exciting film Alejandro Mena is directing in memory of his father and those who served during WW2:

CREW 713: THE MEN WHO FLEW “THE IRISHMAN’S SHANTY” is a WWII documentary film produced by Fiona Hall and directed by local Dallas filmmaker, Alejandro Mena.  Currently in production, the film is the story of Mena’s father’s B24 liberator bomber crew who flew bombing missions over Occupied Europe and Nazi Germany from their base in England in 1944.

CREW 713 was the first crew to complete a 30-mission combat tour with the bloody, violent and short-lived 492^nd Bomb Group (H). The 492^nd would go on to become the most devastated American heavy bomb group in WWII and was subsequently disbanded after only 89 days of combat service.  CREW 713 is Mena’s homage to his late father’s military service, a salute to the men who served in the 492^nd and a glimpse into a brief window in time when the mighty 4-engine heavy bombers rained destruction down upon the Third Reich in their massive air armadas.  The producer’s goal is to educate and expand the knowledge about the Bomber Air War of WWII, specifically the contributions of the B24 Liberator bomber and the men who flew them.

The film provides a new twist on the WWII documentary genre.  CREW 713 will feature animation, re-enactments, archival footage, modern music, and interviews with 492^nd veterans to tell the story of these venerable B24 liberator bomber boys.  Copies of the veteran interviews will be donated to The National Archives and to the WWII Museum in New Orleans, so that future scholars may study these men.

Shanty Films LLC is still seeking sponsors to help fund the film. For more information and to contribute to their general production fund, please go to their website, www.crew713.com.

About the filmmakers:

Producer Fiona Hall served as the production manager on the 2011 Academy Award nominated film, THE ILLUSIONIST, produced by Pathe Films and directed by Sylvain Chomet.  Director Alejandro “Alex” Mena is a 20-year veteran of the Texas film and video production industry. Most recently, Mena served as director of operations for the 2014 Lone Star Film Festival & line producer on the independent film, The Last Possession.

Celebrating Black History Month 2014 at the Millennium Library

Three events and an exhibition for Black History Month 2014 – presented by the University of East Anglia Department of American Studies, the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library and the Millennium Library in Norwich. Come and join us !

The Life and Legacy of Maya Angelou – 9th October, Vernon Castle Room, Norwich Millennium Library (6:30-7:30pm)
This event will commemorate the life and work of the African American writer Maya Angelou, who sadly passed away in May of this year. This roundtable discussion will feature contributions from staff from the Department of American Studies at UEA who will discuss various aspects of Angelou’s career and reflect on what her writing means to them.

The Anti-Apartheid Movement in Britain: A Roundtable Discussion – 22nd October, Vernon Castle Room, Norwich Millennium Library (6-7:30pm)20 years after the first democratic elections in South Africa, academics and former activists will lead a general discussion reflecting on anti-apartheid activism in Britain. To coincide with the ‘Forward to Freedom’ exhibition based at the Millennium Library, this roundtable will provide a general overview of the anti-apartheid struggle as well as reflecting on the activities of local activists in Norfolk.

Exhibition: Forward to Freedom: The History of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, 1959-1994 – Norwich Millennium Library (20th-31st October)
A pop-up exhibition telling the story of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement and its campaigns to support the people of South Africa in their fight against apartheid. The AAM also campaigned for freedom for Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola, and against South Africa’s attacks on its neighbours.

Film and Black History: 12 Years a Slave and Belle – 29th October, Vernon Castle Room, Norwich Millennium Library (6:30-7:30pm)
A discussion of recent films that document black history and the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Lectures and postgraduates from UEA will examine how Hollywood has dealt with black history and discuss the ongoing political significance of films such as Belle and 12 Years A Slave in terms of how we remember and debate the issue of slavery today.

Contact the 2nd Air Division Library on 01603 774747 or email: 2admemorial.lib@norfolk.gov.uk to reserve your free place.