Hey folks. We are filmmakers in Washington, DC, and just completed a feature documentary about "Oklahoma D-Day", the largest paintball game in the world. Five thousand people (including veterans and active duty military personnel) gather every June to re-stage D-Day and instead of bullets, they use paint. It's Allies vs Germans and anyone can win. The commanders draw on the strategies of Eisenhower and Rommel in planning their own battle strategies. They build tanks, planes, bazookas. And they play on a field of 700 acres, complete with Sword, Omaha and Utah beaches. The founder started the game to honor his grandfather, who landed on Omaha and has made the game a living memorial to him and all veterans. Sound interesting? You can check out an advance clip here.

Full disclosure: We are independent filmmakers and while we have gotten this film completed with our own meager resources, but making a quality, professional film is very expensive! So we started a crowd-funding campaign to raise funds for helping us get the film distributed and available to all via Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, etc. So if you like what you see and would like to be able to see the entire film, head over to our crowd-funding page and check out our pitch.

Enjoy!
Doug

I must honestly admit that I am skeptical when it comes to WWII reentactment. I've seen it done in an ethical and responsible manner which had a historical value, but I've also seen, what in my eyes was glorification of war.

Paintball is probably much fun but personally I feel that by adding the element that you physically shoot at each other with paint you actually ridicule the veterans who sacrificed their lives back then. Then it is no longer in honor of the fallen soldiers, it's just a circus show.

Just my thoughts.

welcome.... I am in DC... Can I see the film?

Der Alte — Understand your concerns. But I think the film and the attitudes you find among the people who play will surprise you — in a good way. A lot of the players are veterans, as is the game-founder. There are also active duty people who play on leave from Afghanistan. Many people who go through the game say it's the closest sense they can get to the feel of war without actually being in one, and they came from the game having a new appreciation for those who have gone through real war. Having gone through it myself several times over the course of the production, I can attest to that! Additionally, the military itself trains soldiers using paintball because it is the closest thing to bullets.

Team Infidel - shoot, we just had a screening last month! Would have loved to invite you. Right now we're working on getting distribution via Netflix, Amazon, etc, which is why we are doing the crowd-funding campaign. For those who are able to contribute, you are helping us getting that much closer to getting the film out there for all to see.

Thanks for your interest!

Welcome....Doug

It's far away for me...

I can understand Der Alte. It was a war he fought in.
If 60 years from now you reconstructed the Battle of Musa Qala as a paintball event, I would probably perceive it as he does today.

Please please, don´t think that it is the closest you gets to combat. You´re not even close. If you dive at night alone in an area where the great white shark hunts, you may experience a fraction of the stress and fear level you go through as a combat soldier. All you do is play soldier, and nothing wrong with that. But close to the real thing - never!

Everyone knows that an oven is hot - but only the turkey knows how hot.

Welcome....

Now that I've seen some of your videos on the web, I agree with Der Alte
A circus show and far from a tribute.

I won't debate you guys on what the closest experience to war is and whether paintball is valid in that respect, but what is unmistakable and inarguable is the new found appreciation and respect people have for what veterans of war have gone through after playing this game. This is especially true of kids, several of whom we interview in the film and tell us as such. While you may call it a "circus show" what is also true and inarguable is that up to 15,000 actual people each year—veterans included—participate in this game to honor veterans. They tell us and demonstrate as such in the film as well. I would just encourage you all to give this film and the game more consideration.

Thanks!
Doug