'Award-Winning Documentary 'Sum Function'' Returns to San Diego Film Festival
News related to:Sum Function · 2 min read
In a poignant return to Southern California, the award-winning documentary 'Sum Function' is set to screen at the San Diego International Film Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The film, directed by Marine Corps veteran Noah Currier, will be shown at AMC 14 at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, California, on October 15 and 16, 2026.
Currier, a decorated veteran who served at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 2000 and later at nearby Camp Pendleton, has a personal connection to the festival venue. His journey is deeply intertwined with the base, where he was injured in a motor vehicle accident just three days after returning from his Iraq deployment in 2003. The accident left him a quadriplegic at the age of 21. Years later, he returned to Camp Pendleton to film 'Sum Function,' a documentary that delves into the lives of members of the Oscar Mike Militia, the nation’s only all-veteran wheelchair rugby team.
The film follows the Oscar Mike Militia as they navigate personal battles that extend far beyond the wheelchair rugby court. Each member of the team is impaired in all four limbs, but the documentary transcends disability and sport to explore themes of relationships, purpose, access, and survival. The Oscar Mike Foundation, founded by Currier, is dedicated to keeping injured veterans on the move through adaptive sports, recreation, and community engagement.
The San Diego International Film Festival, with its largest slate to date, is screening 90 films from 22 countries, selected from a record 3,500 submissions. The festival, which runs from October 13 to 18, 2026, includes independent films, documentaries, studio premieres, filmmaker events, and industry programming. The screenings of 'Sum Function' are part of this diverse lineup, offering a unique perspective on the lives of veterans and the challenges they face.
Members of the Oscar Mike Militia will be present for a Q&A following the screenings and will engage with the local VA. This event not only celebrates the film but also provides a platform for veterans and military families to connect and share their experiences.
For those interested in attending, tickets and additional screening information can be found through the San Diego International Film Festival’s official website. The screenings on October 15 at 3:00 PM and October 16 at 2:00 PM at AMC 14 at Westfield UTC in La Jolla offer a rare opportunity to witness the powerful storytelling of 'Sum Function' and the resilience of its subjects.
The return of 'Sum Function' to Southern California is more than just a film screening; it is a celebration of the community’s support and a reminder of the ongoing journey of veterans and their families.