Text Fwd: [famoksaiyanfriends] Two Films on Guam and Hawai'i 괌과 하와이에 관한 두 영화

* Texts & images from Martha Duenas on Oct. 18, 2010

22nd Annual Pacific Rim Film Festival

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

5:00 pm

Rio Theater

1205 Soquel Avenue

Santa Cruz, CA 95063

The Insular Empire: AMERICA IN THE MARIANAS
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A COLONIAL SUBJECT OF THE GREATEST DEMOCRACY ON EARTH?

(USA, 2009, 60 min.)
Director: Vanessa Warheit
Website - http://www.horseopera.org/Insular_Empire_2010

Most Americans have only a vague idea of where the Marianas Islands are, yet residents of these two U.S. jurisdictions – the territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands – speak English, carry U.S. passports and have fought in record numbers in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are not allowed to vote in presidential elections, however, and have no representation in Congress. Subtitled “America in the Mariana Islands,” this thought-provoking documentary examines the hidden story of U.S. colonialism in the Marianas, offering a compelling look at the environmental and cultural impact of ever-escalating American militarism there. Director Vanessa Warheit humanizes her informative film by focusing on the personal, professional and political lives of four residents of the islands, whose attitudes range from loyalty and longing to resentment and resistance

See Santa Cruz Weekly article on documentary below.

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Remember The Boys

(USA, 2005, 30 min.)

Director: Stephanie Castillo

Website - http://www.olenamedia.com/remember_the_boys.htm

Directed by former Hawaii newspaper journalist and independent Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Stephanie Castillo, this film is a tribute to Domingo Los Banos and the rest of the "Hawaii boys" of Filipino ancestry who fought in the U.S. Army's Second Filipino Infantry Regiment in World War II. Still in his teens when he served as an Army chaplain, Los Banos later became an educator and continued to see over his troop members after the war. Remember the Boys recognizes the power of overcoming racism with humor and group solidarity, and traces the young men’s wartime experiences, from boot camp to combing the hills of Samar Island for Japanese soldiers. The documentary also reflects a time when bonds that would endure a lifetime were forged, serving as a monument to "the boys" who came together and overcame prejudice in the military ranks.

Who would turn down a free trip around the world? That’s just what the Pacific Rim Film Festival has offered the local community every year for nearly two decades now. This year’s 22nd annual PRFF invites audiences once again to be entertained, inspired and enlightened by documentaries and feature films offering global glimpses of life. And all showings are free, with the exception of a special benefit event the last day of the festival.

Presented by George Ow Family Properties, PRFF 2010 will screen 18 films during the six-day event, held October 15-20, shown at three locations: the Del Mar Theatre, Rio Theatre and Cabrillo College Watsonville Center.

As in past years, all PRFF screenings are free except for the closing night benefit event. This year's benefit film is Those Who Came Before, the latest in the “Hawaiian Legacy Series” of documentaries by Eddie and Myrna Kamae, who will be present at the screening. The event features live music by the Keiki Palaka Band and a hula performance by the Te Hau Nui dance group at 7pm on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Rio Theatre.

As always, films originate from many areas of the world: India, Bolivia, Japan, China, Philippines, Mongolia, India, South Korea, Vietnam and the U.S. mainland and Hawaii are all represented this year. Selected screenings will be followed by free discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

Originally inspired by the Hawaii International Film Festival, the first Pacific Rim Film Festival was held in 1988 at the Del Mar Theatre. Films are chosen to reflect the festival's theme, “When Strangers Meet,” embodying PRFF’s dedication to promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding.

http://www.pacrimfilmfestival.org/home

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* See also
Santa Cruz Weeky
Triste Tropics
By Richard von Busack
Thu, Oct 14, 2010

The Marianas Islands offer the US safe harbor, but what do the islands get?