Meet the Hosts
Honorees
Honoring Chris Holmstrom
We are proud to honor Chris Holmstrom, Emmy Award–winning anchor at KCAL, for his outstanding work in media and his dedication to supporting the veteran community. Through his platform, Chris has amplified important stories, highlighted the contributions of service members, and shown unwavering commitment to giving veterans a voice in the public conversation. His impact in journalism and his advocacy for those who served make him a true ally to the military and veteran community.
Sean Kanan
On November 8th, we are proud to honor Sean Kanan at the Military & Veteran Shorts Film Festival & Fashion Show for his outstanding advocacy and continued support of veterans in entertainment. Known for his iconic roles in The Karate Kid Part III, Cobra Kai, General Hospital, and The Bold and the Beautiful, Sean has built a remarkable career as an actor, author, and producer — using his platform to inspire and uplift others. His dedication to empowering veterans and advancing positive storytelling in media reflects the mission of the National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military & Veterans (NEAAMV) — Recognizing the Military and Veterans in Entertainment Media and Redefining the Narrative.
Presenters & Speakers
David Brambila, California Department Commander, American Legion
Charles Curtis, California Department Commander, Sons of American Legion
Jim Cragg, Lt. Col. (Ret.) U.S. Army Special Operations, CEO of So Tech, Past Commander, Community Leader
Steven Grayhm, Actor, Director, Writer - SHEEPDOG
Matt Dallas, Actor, Producer, Writer - SHEEPDOG, Every Breathe She takes, Kyle XY
Johnny Vargas, Social Media Influencer, TikTok, Army Veteran and Veteran Voice for various causes.
Sam Lagana, Stadium Announcer, Los Angeles Rams and Actor. Sons of American Legion Palisades
Jane Austin, Veteran Committee Chair LA SAG-AFTRA, Stuntwoman, Stunt Coordinator, Flight Choreographer
Kate Monroe, Marine Veteran, CEO & Founder of VETCOMM, Spokesperson, Former Congressional Candidate, Actress
Melisa Lopez, Marine and Air Force Veteran, Actress, Producer, Writer - Grounds for Inquiry, Stranger Next Door, Young Wife
Angelique Fawcette, ARCHANGEL FILLMS LA, ELDERLY LIVES MATTER USA, Actress, Director & Producer, Unbelievable, Piranha 3DD, Advocate & Speaker
Sam Humphrey(IV), Actor, Producer, The Greatest Showman, Houston we have a Crush, The Table Read, Flagged
James Gavsie, President of VetstreamTV, Produce and Writer, Alpha Initiative Zero
John Cohn, President Culver City Exchange, Community Activist, Speaker and Educator
Brad Sherman, Congressman, California 32nd District
Saturday November 8th
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Red Carpet
3:30 pm Program Starts - Fashion Show
4:45 pm Short Film Awards
*Program will contain, DJ, special guests, appetizers, refreshments, private lounge for VIP ticket holders, special performances.
*All Proceeds go to our national Initiatives for the National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military and Veterans. NEAAMV
AWARD CATEGORIES
Shorts are defined as 40 minutes and under.
$1,000 Scholarship Prize to the overall winner.
Best Overall Short Film by a Veteran
Best Narrative Short Film by a Veteran
Best Comedy Short by a Veteran
Best Narrative Short Film by a Non-Veteran
Best Documentary Short by a Veteran
Best Documentary Short by a Non-Veteran
Best Vietnam Short by a Veteran
Best Vietnam Short by a Non-Veteran
Best Student Film or First Time by a Veteran
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORS
