Some of the funniest people in the world have military backgrounds. Civilians who have never donned the uniform may not know it, but the phrase “hurry up and wait” is said more often by servicemen and women than by anyone else.

When things are happening, they are happening fast. And when they aren’t? Well, veterans sit around and perfect the art of comedy — and make each other laugh with conversations that would put most podcasts and comedians to shame.

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Related: The GI Film Festival: ‘Real Heroes in the Room‘

Unfortunately, the gap between veterans or actively serving military members and civilians seems as if it’s never been bigger. Many people have no relationship to the military themselves or through someone they know, as less than one percent of the population is ever actively serving in the military.

A new film screening at the GI Film Festival (GIFF) in Washington, D.C., this weekend looks to help bridge that gap and let civilians know just how humorous veterans can be. More than that, “Comedy Bootcamp,” which follows comedians Isuara Ramirez (ret. Army), Willian Breckenridge (ret. Army), Mike Lake (ret. Coast Guard), and Mae Brayton (naval spouse), shines a light on a program that works to help reintegrate veterans back into society by allowing them to share their stories through a comedy platform. (Some of those featured in the film are pictured at the top of this article.)

Related: This Incredible Soldier’s Story Will Inspire You

The director of “Comedy Bootcamp,” Kendrick Hopkins Jr. — a filmmaker from Virginia — took some time to talk to LifeZette about his new movie.

Question: Tell us about this project and how you got involved with it.
Answer: Every year, WHRO [a public media company] has had the opportunity to highlight compelling arts programs in the Hampton Roads [Virginia] community through a documentary. The Armed Services Arts Partnership’s program was a perfect opportunity to celebrate arts and humanities and spread awareness about our military/veterans community.

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Q: Some of the funniest people I’ve ever met have been veterans or in the military, but I don’t think a lot of people know how quick-witted, thoughtful, or funny these guys and gals can be. Why is comedy such a good platform for them? And as more and more vets tell their stories in comedic fashion, can this have a positive impact on bridging the gap between veterans and civilians?
A: People in the military spend their adult lives differently than 99 percent of the rest of the population. On the one hand, we have the greatest military in the world protecting our freedom. Yet many of our service members feel disconnected from their families and the rest of society when they return. One thing I appreciated learning about is the relationships that our military population forge during their time together.

“People in the military spend their adult lives differently than 99 percent of the population.”

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But I also saw how tough it was for them to find that same camaraderie as they reintegrated back into society. That’s where I think comedy is tremendously helpful. Not only do the veterans find a new “tribe” in the comedy scene, they’re also educating audiences about a world that can oftentimes be polarizing — and making people laugh at the same time.

Q: What does it mean to you to have your film screen at the GI Film Festival, and what are your plans for the movie after the fest?
A: Our team at WHRO has worked on several veterans initiatives, but to have our first long-form documentary recognized by the GIFF is huge. The festival is filled with incredible films, and to earn a slot beside them is extremely gratifying and exciting. We are actively submitting the piece for other film festivals and will look to engage the national public media network for national distribution this Veterans Day. Ultimately, the piece will be online for universal viewing.

“Comedy Bootcamp” screens this Saturday, May 27, at the U.S. Navy Memorial Theater in Washington, D.C..