A Marine Story stands up to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell honestly with this 2010 unflinching look at the policy’s effects on gays and lesbians in uniform. When a decorated Marine officer unexpectedly returns home from the war, she’s quickly recruited to help a troubled teen prepare for boot camp in this brave new film starring Dreya Weber (The Gymnast).

Alex Everett (Weber) hasn’t been telling, but the Marine Corps is definitely asking. Despite a terrific record, promotions have been slow to come, her sham marriage isn’t fooling anyone, and her commanding officer has pictures of her getting close with a “good friend.” She returns home to her dry, desert home and meets a fiery teen, Saffron (rising star and out actress Paris Pickard), whose choices are boot camp or a life of drugs and prison. But who said prepping for boot camp would be easy? As Alex whips Saffron into shape during the long, hot summer, the reason for Alex’s dismissal from the Corps threatens the future for both of them.

The leading duo shines: Weber combines Alex’s hard and soft sides with confidence and quiet power, while gorgeous newcomer Pickard stands out from a solid cast with impressive acting chops. Writer/director Ned Farr (The Gymnast) scores another hit with this heartfelt drama which distills the political down to the intimately personal.

This educational copy includes Public Performance Rights. For the home video version of this film, please visit www.wolfevideo.com

• Grand Jury Award for US Narrative Feature & Grand Jury Award for Actress in a Feature Film, Dreya Weber
  
  OutFest
  Audience Award for Best Feature
  
  Reeling The Chicago Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival