Vietnam veteran Lewis Downey said more Americans need to be open to seeing the film's perspective, and he hopes more will be capable of "digesting reality and making sense of it."

The movie screening, along with other conference events, was sponsored by the Salt Lake City Film Center, Wasatch Coalition for Peace and Justice, Utah Jobs with Justice, We the People for Peace and Justice and other local organizations and individuals. Their goal was to identify topics facing Americans in 2008 and increase interest as well as enhance the dialogue.

"No matter who wins in November, we are going to be forever changed by what's happening in Iraq," said Salt Lake City Film Center director Jennifer Jordan. She called the film a "fabulous ride," crediting Bingham and Connors, who were "provocative in covering the insurgencies. It's dear to our hearts because it is our future."

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com