New Documentary, “INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE,” Narrated by Actor Gary Sinise and Produced by Benovia Winery Co-Founder Joe Anderson, Premieres June 4th at the National Museum of the US Air Force™ In Dayton, Ohio
The documentary captures priceless interviews with WWII veterans and shows what happened behind the scenes when fifteen adventurous teams flew to Normandy in WWII planes in 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (June 2, 2022) – Trading in his role of vintner for that of executive film producer, Joe Anderson, chairman and co-founder of Benovia Winery, is proud to announce the release of “INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE,” a new documentary narrated by actor Gary Sinise. “INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE” brings to life the history of D-Day and the Allied Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, as told through the lens of one squadron and their epic journey across the North Atlantic on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It premieres this Saturday, June 4th, at the National Museum of the US Air Force™ in Dayton, Ohio.
The documentary captures priceless interviews with WWII veterans and shows what happened behind the scenes when fifteen adventurous teams flew to Normandy in restored WWII planes in 2019 to honor the veterans’ sacrifice and to thank them for their service. “INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE” is presented by Benovia Winery and The Green Foundation, and was produced by Sound Off Films in association with the Tunison Foundation, The D-Day Squadron, the DC-3 Society, and Fisher Automotive. The film was directed by Adrienne Hall, and the trailer for “INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE” can be found here.
Vintner Joe Anderson, who co-founded Benovia Winery in Sonoma County with his wife Mary Dewane in 2005, became involved in the project as executive producer because he owns a C-53 Skytrooper airplane called “The Spirit of Benovia.” In 2019, together with the American “D-Day Squadron,” Anderson and his 80 year old plane flew across the Atlantic Ocean and in formation over Normandy to commemorate “D-Day,” which occurred on June 6, 1944 when Allied forces stormed several beaches in the Normandy region of France, a turning point in World War II which led to the liberation of Western Europe from the Nazis. A variant of the civilian DC-3 passenger planes, the C-47/53’s were among the workhorses of World War II and played a key role in the Invasion of Normandy. Anderson and his colleagues made the significant trip in stages from Connecticut, to Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England – and finally, to Normandy on June 6, 2019.
“I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career,” said Anderson. “But I’m especially proud of this film. To be able to honor World War II veterans in such a poignant way, and for director Adrienne Hall to capture our journey so beautifully is really gratifying. We owe the Greatest Generation an immeasurable debt. My hope is that this film will keep their extraordinary, selfless achievements alive for future generations.”
Actor Gary Sinise, whose foundation honors and supports defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need, narrates the 65-minute film. Along the way he intimately introduces the film’s audience to some of the veterans who bravely fought on D-Day, as being reunited with their old aircraft unlocks emotional memories that the veterans have long held deep inside. The audience also gets to know the teams behind the planes, like the charming team in Montana that raced the clock and rallied their community to rebuild “Miss Montana,” and the Mendoza brothers from Riverside’s Flabob Airport who helped restore “Flabob Express,” as part of a special program for troubled teens. From a young high school teacher who brings WWII veterans to speak to his history classes, to a Millennial pilot, the film highlights younger generations who are keeping the memories of WWII and respect for the war veterans alive across the country.
Liberation Pinot Noir
To celebrate the epic journey, Benovia’s Winemaker & Co-Owner, Mike Sullivan, crafted a special Pinot Noir called “Liberation.” The juicy red fruit flavors of this 2018 Pinot Noir complement the wine’s velvety texture and spicy finish. A striking gift for pilots, veterans and history buffs, the wine is $50 per bottle and also comes in gift packs ranging from $220 – $375, that include 3 – 6 bottles, commemorative gear, a movie poster, and a complimentary rental of “INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE.” A percentage of sales is donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Tickets to the premiere can be purchased here.
