THANK YOU 5: A Special Screening & Conversation Beyond the Uniform

🎬 THANK YOU 5

Special Screening & Filmmaker Discussion

Join us for a special screening of THANK YOU 5, the award-winning independent feature comedy-drama written and directed by Reid Estreicher and Michael Barnard.

THANK YOU 5 follows a struggling theater production as it races toward opening night while navigating oversized egos, impossible personalities, unexpected romances, backstage disasters, and the everyday chaos that comes with trying to create something meaningful alongside other human beings.

Beginning on the first day of rehearsal and carrying through tech week, dress rehearsal, and opening night, the film offers a hilarious and heartfelt look at the artists, dreamers, technicians, performers, and creators who sacrifice so much in pursuit of a shared vision.

At its core, THANK YOU 5 is a tribute to the often-unsung creative communities that bring stories to life. While set in the world of theater, its themes of collaboration, perseverance, friendship, frustration, and artistic passion resonate far beyond the stage.

The film has screened at festivals across North America and has received numerous honors, including:

• Best Feature – Victoria Texas Independent Film Festival
• Best Narrative Feature Film – Red Dirt Film Festival
• Best Ensemble – Woods Hole Film Festival
• Grand Prize Winner for Best Comedy – Fade In Awards Comedy Competition
• Multiple Festival Director's Choice Awards at Sunny Side Up Film Festival, including Best Feature, Best Drama, Best Ensemble, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Cinematography

WHY THIS SCREENING?

Filmmaker Reid Estreicher is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran. While military service remains an important part of his story, it is only one chapter.

Too often, veterans are viewed exclusively through the lens of their service. This evening is an opportunity to celebrate something larger: the idea that veterans are not defined by a single experience or title. They are artists, filmmakers, musicians, entrepreneurs, parents, partners, creators, and community builders.

THANK YOU 5 is not a war film. It is not a film about combat or military service. Instead, it is a story about creativity, collaboration, ambition, failure, friendship, and the messy, often hilarious process of bringing art into the world.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a discussion and audience Q&A with Reid Estreicher, covering independent filmmaking, storytelling, creative life after military service, and the importance of seeing people as more than the labels attached to them.

Whether you're a film lover, theater enthusiast, artist, veteran, creative professional, or simply someone who appreciates a great story, we hope you'll join us for an evening of film, conversation, and community.

Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes

Evening Schedule

• Doors Open & Community Mixer
• Welcome & Introduction
• Film Screening
• Intermission
• Filmmaker Discussion & Audience Q&A
• Closing Remarks
• Event Conclusion