When Marine Corps veteran Joe Ramirez watched California’s entertainment industry contract as major studios relocated production out of state, he noticed something others missed: veterans with technical expertise, discipline, and untold stories were being shut out of an industry that once welcomed them.
His response? Build a new pathway in.
On Saturday, November 8, 2025 the National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military & Veterans (NEAAMV) will host the MV Shorts LA Film Festival at Culver City’s historic Veterans Memorial Auditorium during Veterans Day week. The red-carpet event represents NEAAMV’s second major initiative, following a May 2025 gala that drew 600 attendees, generated 4 million social media views, and earned backing from Dennis Quaid, Cybill Shepherd, and Marine veteran Gerry Byrne, Vice Chairman of Penske Media (parent company of Variety and The Hollywood Reporter).
“When film production started leaving California, I saw crew members, many of them veterans, scrambling for work,” said Ramirez, who founded NEAAMV earlier this year and serves as Commander of American Legion Palisades Post 283. “Veterans already have the skills Hollywood needs: logistics, technical precision, leadership under pressure. But they don’t have the network. We’re building that bridge.”
The November 8 festival will screen short films (under 40 minutes) across multiple categories, with competition open to veteran and civilian filmmakers telling military stories. Winners receive trophies, national recognition, and cash scholarships up to $1,000. All official selections may be distributed on VetStreamTV, a dedicated military and veteran streaming service.
Awards will include
- Best Overall Short Film by a Veteran ($1,000 scholarship prize)
- Best Narrative Short (Veteran & Non-Veteran divisions)
- Best Documentary Short (Veteran & Non-Veteran divisions)
- Best Vietnam Short (Veteran & Non-Veteran divisions)
- Best Student/First-Time Film by a Veteran
- Impact Behind the Scenes Award
MV Shorts LA Film Festival
Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Culver City, California
mvawards.org
