Act of War

Act of War rediscovers important historical events and brings attention to the culture that is slowly diminishing. The provocative documentary takes audience on a chronological journey through the events leading up, during and after the 1893 overthrow of constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Lili'uokalani. The film delivers its powerful message through re-enactments, archival and film, historic quotes and traditional music audience are positioned to view the events through the eyes of the locals, the traditional Hawaiians.
The film develops a sense of nostalgia through the use of re-enactments. Audience witness various historic clips and photographs that are intimidating by portraying the events as something current. These clips and photographs position viewers to view the tragic events through the eyes of one of the locals. By drawing the audience into this perspective it develops an emotional relationship between audience and the Hawaiin culture.
Throughout the film, emotive techniques are used, the most effective is use of music. One of the overpowering, repetitive film techniques is the music. This is because through the different types of music used, the documentary can develop different types of effects. The main type of music used is traditional Hawaiian music as well as more modern as well as simple drums and instruments. Depending on what graphics are in unison, can provide dramatic emotive, traditional even symbolic moods.
The opening of the film is one of the most provocative scenes. The song ‘Blue Hawaii’ is known as a more upbeat, positive tune, the graphics that accompany this is something more confrontational. The music contradicts the images of fighting, police escorting locals and young children screaming “do you want us to be homeless.” The producer has instantly position viewers to question what they know of Hawaii and open minds to the hidden past that not every American understands of the US 50th state.
The symbolism of the traditional Hawaiian music is very raw. It shows that although this place has been lost to America they, the Hawaiians, will not lose their tradition.
Produced exactly 100 years after the overthrow, the film reiterates the message that the Hawaiians will continue their movement for sovereignty and independence. As a result of the strong, emotive film, Congress passed a joint resolution admitting the illegal taking of Hawai'i and formally apologizing to the Hawaiian people. President Clinton signed the resolution after viewing the film in 1993.

Phil Atoigue teaching Expression not Repression

Phil Atoigue in The Blessing Crew:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6ibfJLRBAQ

Phil Atoigue seems like an average student at HPU, dedicating four years to his passion of English and Writing. Although what Phil does in his spare time makes him a truly extraordinary person. Everyday Phil works as a life coach helping, approximately 150 disadvantaged youth from the ages of six to seventeen years old. Phil explained the position of a life coach, “First we tutor their school work, and we do bible study. We also teach them life lessons, morals, discipline, respect and love.”

The program is about dance and support, where adolescences can turn to creative expression and guidance. The program, run through ‘Word of Life Christian Centre’, helps young citiziens dealing with alcohol and drug addictions, and focuses their energy into more positive areas, such as dance. The program gives alternative, healthy options to dealing with problems; focusing on expression instead of repression.

Phil reflected on an emotional journey of a 9 year old boy that turned to the program in an attempt to help his young troubled life. “I met a nine year old boy who was drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and smoking ice at such a young age. Since starting the program, four months ago, he has stopped all of those addictions.” The simple expression of dance allows kids to express themselves in unique ways instead of turning to substance abuse. Phil said the range of dance allows a variety of passions, “we do hip hop, cultural, sign language, as well as interpretative in a contemporary style.”

Phil has been a part of the ‘Blessing Crew’ dance group for three years and often travels to surrounding islands to perform at schools and special events. “We have also been to the mainland, Texas, California and Florida for performances.” Phil is one of thirty life coaches that have developed a dance group called ‘The Blessing Crew’ to promote the program. The program is called ‘Life 360’ and helps youth that are under privileged or with substance abuse and is held most nights at the “Word of Life Christian Centre’.

Phil spoke of the challenges that accompany dealing with troubled adolescents, “it is sometimes really challenging but it is always very rewarding.” The group gets support from the ‘Word of Life Christian Centre’, ‘Weed and Seed’ a part of the Honolulu Police Department and voluntary work. With homeless numbers increasing in the economic challenges, Life360 is constantly looking for help from dedicated volunteers.

Phil’s attachment to helping the children is truly uplifting, proudly showing homework of some of the young children and explaining the characteristics of the talented teenagers. Phil summarised his role in the program, “we teach them how to be constructive citizens, refocusing their life to more positive influences.”

The Blessing Crew performing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owvZN7GjzI