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A nationwide shortage of military recruits threatens US national security. But nearly 12,000 fully capable men and women have been discharged from the military as a result of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Instituted as a compromise in President Clinton’s campaign to end discrimination in the military in 1993, the policy has often done more harm than good. Thousands of soldiers lead double lives, risking their mental stability to support their country. Others do not even bother enlisting. Despite discouragement from friends and family, “Perry” has recently enlisted, relying on “don’t tell” as he endangers his life in Iraq. Amongst the discharges is linguist Alex Nicholson, fluent in Arabic as well as four other languages, who has embarked on a tour of college campuses to educate servicemen and civilians about the discriminatory practices of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In ASK NOT, Johnny Symon (Director of "Daddy and Papa" – 26th CIFF) reveals the absurd, heartbreaking effects this policy has had on countless individuals and the nation at large, while offering hope in the form of the brave soldiers and civilians determined to revoke this questionable government ruling. – E.J.B.

Sidebars	Standing Up Competition, 10% Cinema
Producer	Johnny Symons
Cinematography	S.Leo Chiang, Peter LoGreco, Andy Schochen
Editing	Andrew Gersh
Music	Norman Arnold
Director Bio	The work of producer/director Johnny Symons has received acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, the Emmy Awards, and the Academy Awards®, among other prestigious institutions. He currently resides in the Bay area, where he teaches documentary film at both Stanford University and the Art Institute of California-San Francisco.
Select Filmography	”Beauty Before Age” (1997), “Daddy and Papa” (2002), “Beyond Conception” (2006), ASK NOT (2008)
Print Source	Persistent Vissions Johnny Symons johnny@johnnysymons.com www.asknotfilm.com

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Past Screenings

Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM
- with FilmForum

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