by Alyssa Amasol
December 10, 2011
In hopes to inspire giving and generosity within Americans, Macy's "Believe" campaign hosted its third annual National Believe Day on Friday. Macy's partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant more than 55 "Wishes Across America" for children with life-threatening medical conditions. The campaign lets children write letters to Santa. For every letter collected in Macy's santa mail letterboxes, Macys will donate $1, up to $1 million, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. However, National Believe Day was also Double Donation Day, where Macy's pledged to donate an additional dollar per stamped letter, even beyond the $1 million goal.
This National Believe Day is especially important to local Kailua keiki Reece Goo, a wish recipient dedicated to collecting thousands of letters from all over the world in order to grant wishes to children of Hawaii with life-threatening medical conditions. Goo was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor a few years ago and immediately needed to start treatments. During this time, he met with wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation who granted him his wish to go to Disney World this past summer.
After hearing about Macy's campaign, Goo came up with the idea to help other kids in Hawaii. This fall he set out to collect 5,000 letters to help fund wishes for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. With boxes of letters from numerous Hawaii schools and all over the world, Goo reached his goal.
"I wanted other kids to have just as much fun as I did, its the best experience Ive ever had," Goo said.
On National Believe Day Goo collected more than 800 letters from Maryknoll School that students wrote in support of Goo's dedication and Macy's Believe Campaign. These letters were the last addition to the thousands he had already collected.
He delivered them to Macy's Ala Moana on National Believe Day after travelling with Mayor Peter Carlisle in the Honolulu Fire Departments Special Events Vehicle. At Macy's, Honolulu City Council members Stanley Chang and Ikaika Anderson presented Goo with an honorary certificate for his exceptional efforts in giving back to the community.
"This year especially, Reece had a lot to do with raising awareness about the campaign itself," said Crissy Gofigan, volunteer intern at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii and senior at Hawaii Pacific University. "Because of his efforts he's inspired other kids to want to give back too, it just goes to show that every voice does count, no matter how young or old you are."
Along with these National Believe Day events, the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted the wish of a local teenager named Taylor who thought she was there to share her letter to Santa with the public. Mayor Carlisle announced that her wish to go to the GRAMMYs was going to be granted. Macy's gave Taylor a celebrity stylist makeover complete with an outfit of her choice to wear in February when she will be traveling to Los Angeles to attend the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
"The goal of the Make-A-Wish campaign is to grant a wish to every eligible child," said Camilla Crescenzo, communications coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii. "This campaign definitely brought awareness of Make-A-Wishs presence to the local community and its wish-granting work to our local keiki."
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Rising up to make a difference
by Alyssa Amasol
November 29, 2011
Rise Up Hawaii is dedicated to making a difference in the world by spreading awareness and inspiring communities to institute global change. It utilizes the talents of local artists as a creative way to fundraise for nonprofit organizations.
“We are a grassroots movement that emerged with a mission to educate and promote positive activism within our communities through the use of our creative talents,” according to their website.
The goal of Rise Up Hawaii is “to team up with nonprofit organizations and help them raise money,” said Joel Gaspar, founder of Rise Up Hawaii. “We’re pretty much like a crutch to help them out.”
“We try to teach people not to wait for the world to change but to actually get up and do something,” Gaspar said.
Rise Up Hawaii started in 2010 when the earthquake rocked Haiti. Gaspar used to help put concerts together for Invisible Children, an organization that brings awareness to the conflict in Uganda and desires to stop the abduction of children for use as child soldiers. Friends came to him wanting to put together a benefit concert for Haiti. In March 2010, Gaspar helped organize Rise Up for Haiti, a collaboration with the American Red Cross, at SoHo Mixed Media Bar in Chinatown. It featured 30 musicians and raised approximately $3,000. With the success of this event, Rise Up Hawaii could not stop there.
“It was supposed to be a one time thing but it got so big and lots of people wanted to be involved that it turned into a movement,” Gaspar said.
Since its establishment in 2010, RUH has put on five benefit events for various causes and teamed up with six nonprofit organizations on the local, national and international level.
In May 2010 it hosted another benefit concert, Rise Up Against Animal Cruelty, in collaboration with the Hawaiian Humane Society and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They featured acoustic sets, slam poetry, hip-hop freestyle battles, food and drinks at Tropics Café. It raised $650 for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
To end 2010, RUH took a new approach. Instead of teaming up with a nonprofit organization, it took the money directly to the cause. In November 2010, RUH hosted a benefit concert for Hawaii’s homeless at Fresh Café, their largest event so far. All proceeds from this event went to a special project called “Project Care Package,” where bags containing first aid kits, flash lights, blankets, hygiene items and canned foods were put together and distributed to Hawaii’s homeless. Along with the benefit concert, it also featured a special screening of “Blue Tarp City” directed by Henry Mochida and had special guest, Representative Tom Brower, who talked about HC114, a bill that RUH tried to pass into legislature.
In May 2011, RUH teamed up with the American Red Cross again to put on Rise Up for Japan in a much more intimate setting at Blue Ocean Thai. With six performers and three artists showcasing their work, RUH raised about $150 in donations that all went to help with relief efforts in Japan.
More recently, RUH collaborated with Sunday Jams, an organization housed in Hawaiian Brian’s that provides a comfortable environment for people to develop their musical talents. It holds open mic nights every Sunday and occasional band nights. Together, Sunday Jams and RUH teamed up to help raise funds for Charity:Water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. In November 2011 it held a hip-hop night at Ka Lounge featuring more than eight musicians and DJs to help raise awareness and funds for Charity:Water.
“It brought a sense of humanity that I feel like Sunday Jams is very much a part of,” said Duane Fukumoto, co-director of Sunday Jams.
The goal is to raise $5,000 to help build a water well for an impoverished village in Africa. One water well will supply 250 people with clean water for life. Between August and November more than $2,000 has been raised to support this cause.
“It’s a life-changing thing,” Gaspar said. “When we think numbers, it’s a lot, but we could actually make a huge difference.”
RUH desires to educate young people and inspire them to make a difference.
“I've had the honor of performing at several of Rise Up's charity events, and I have to say, they are a great bunch to work with,” said Amanda Frazier, a musician who performed at Rise Up for Japan. “Their events not only bring a wide range of people together to raise money for charity, but they are able to raise awareness to the local community about situations happening all around the world.”
Rise Up Hawaii has gained supporters through their partnerships with organizations like Sunday Jams and Innovative Concepts, a church that meets in Hawaiian Brian’s and sponsors Sunday Jams. One supporter, MJ Rodriguez made herself available to help.
“I think when you look at it, there’s 46 total people but the people who actually put it on is a small group of about 8 or 10 people,” Rodriguez said. “A small group with big ambitions… Their passion is contagious.”
Recent graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa and co-director of Sunday Jams, Chaz Umamoto, was on the RUH committee and thought it was important to partner with other local organizations for a good cause.
“Being a musician myself, I played in a band with gigs every other week and it gets tiring,” Umamoto said. “But when you’re playing for causes like Haiti or Japan it makes you feel good about yourself. It takes the focus off yourself and onto something bigger.”
Through all the benefit concerts, Rise Up Hawaii has made an impact locally, nationally and internationally. Its efforts to change the world have impacted Hawaii by bringing awareness to many of its people. Follow their efforts at www.riseuphawaii.org.
Rise Up Hawaii is dedicated to making a difference in the world by spreading awareness and inspiring communities to institute global change. It utilizes the talents of local artists as a creative way to fundraise for nonprofit organizations.
“We are a grassroots movement that emerged with a mission to educate and promote positive activism within our communities through the use of our creative talents,” according to their website.
The goal of Rise Up Hawaii is “to team up with nonprofit organizations and help them raise money,” said Joel Gaspar, founder of Rise Up Hawaii. “We’re pretty much like a crutch to help them out.”
“We try to teach people not to wait for the world to change but to actually get up and do something,” Gaspar said.
Rise Up Hawaii started in 2010 when the earthquake rocked Haiti. Gaspar used to help put concerts together for Invisible Children, an organization that brings awareness to the conflict in Uganda and desires to stop the abduction of children for use as child soldiers. Friends came to him wanting to put together a benefit concert for Haiti. In March 2010, Gaspar helped organize Rise Up for Haiti, a collaboration with the American Red Cross, at SoHo Mixed Media Bar in Chinatown. It featured 30 musicians and raised approximately $3,000. With the success of this event, Rise Up Hawaii could not stop there.
“It was supposed to be a one time thing but it got so big and lots of people wanted to be involved that it turned into a movement,” Gaspar said.
Since its establishment in 2010, RUH has put on five benefit events for various causes and teamed up with six nonprofit organizations on the local, national and international level.
In May 2010 it hosted another benefit concert, Rise Up Against Animal Cruelty, in collaboration with the Hawaiian Humane Society and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They featured acoustic sets, slam poetry, hip-hop freestyle battles, food and drinks at Tropics Café. It raised $650 for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
To end 2010, RUH took a new approach. Instead of teaming up with a nonprofit organization, it took the money directly to the cause. In November 2010, RUH hosted a benefit concert for Hawaii’s homeless at Fresh Café, their largest event so far. All proceeds from this event went to a special project called “Project Care Package,” where bags containing first aid kits, flash lights, blankets, hygiene items and canned foods were put together and distributed to Hawaii’s homeless. Along with the benefit concert, it also featured a special screening of “Blue Tarp City” directed by Henry Mochida and had special guest, Representative Tom Brower, who talked about HC114, a bill that RUH tried to pass into legislature.
In May 2011, RUH teamed up with the American Red Cross again to put on Rise Up for Japan in a much more intimate setting at Blue Ocean Thai. With six performers and three artists showcasing their work, RUH raised about $150 in donations that all went to help with relief efforts in Japan.
More recently, RUH collaborated with Sunday Jams, an organization housed in Hawaiian Brian’s that provides a comfortable environment for people to develop their musical talents. It holds open mic nights every Sunday and occasional band nights. Together, Sunday Jams and RUH teamed up to help raise funds for Charity:Water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. In November 2011 it held a hip-hop night at Ka Lounge featuring more than eight musicians and DJs to help raise awareness and funds for Charity:Water.
“It brought a sense of humanity that I feel like Sunday Jams is very much a part of,” said Duane Fukumoto, co-director of Sunday Jams.
The goal is to raise $5,000 to help build a water well for an impoverished village in Africa. One water well will supply 250 people with clean water for life. Between August and November more than $2,000 has been raised to support this cause.
“It’s a life-changing thing,” Gaspar said. “When we think numbers, it’s a lot, but we could actually make a huge difference.”
RUH desires to educate young people and inspire them to make a difference.
“I've had the honor of performing at several of Rise Up's charity events, and I have to say, they are a great bunch to work with,” said Amanda Frazier, a musician who performed at Rise Up for Japan. “Their events not only bring a wide range of people together to raise money for charity, but they are able to raise awareness to the local community about situations happening all around the world.”
Rise Up Hawaii has gained supporters through their partnerships with organizations like Sunday Jams and Innovative Concepts, a church that meets in Hawaiian Brian’s and sponsors Sunday Jams. One supporter, MJ Rodriguez made herself available to help.
“I think when you look at it, there’s 46 total people but the people who actually put it on is a small group of about 8 or 10 people,” Rodriguez said. “A small group with big ambitions… Their passion is contagious.”
Recent graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa and co-director of Sunday Jams, Chaz Umamoto, was on the RUH committee and thought it was important to partner with other local organizations for a good cause.
“Being a musician myself, I played in a band with gigs every other week and it gets tiring,” Umamoto said. “But when you’re playing for causes like Haiti or Japan it makes you feel good about yourself. It takes the focus off yourself and onto something bigger.”
Through all the benefit concerts, Rise Up Hawaii has made an impact locally, nationally and internationally. Its efforts to change the world have impacted Hawaii by bringing awareness to many of its people. Follow their efforts at www.riseuphawaii.org.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Behind the Scenes.
Today we recorded our intros, outros and transitions between segments for our video production on APEC. We also recorded an interview today as well. But I won't give too much away. I'd say today was extremely productive for group APEC! :) I can't wait to see the final product.
Here's a photo from our set-up studio in room FC 111. There's Crissy memorizing her intro and Oswald chilling under the bright lights. Jack, Rayen & Yoshi were there too. And Britos stopped by as well. Thanks guys for all your help & expertise. We could not have done it without you.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Exclusive Interview with Chuck Boller at HIFF's Opening Press Conference
Chuck Boller, executive director at HIFF, tells us a little about what he loves about HIFF.
Special thanks to Oswald Bumanglag for filming & Crissy Gofigan for interviewing with me.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Top Ten Things You Probably Didn't Know About HIFF!
Here's a short video to share with you some things we found out while at HIFF. It was extremely sunny when we were filming, which explains our squinty eyes. Thank you to Oswald for the super cool green screen background and editing. We hope you guys enjoy! :)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
HIFF Opening & Closing Press Conferences
HIFF Opening Press Conference on Oct. 13 at the Sheraton Waikiki RumFire
HIFF Closing Press Conference on Oct. 21 at the Halekulani Kalia Room
During the HIFF Opening Conference, panelists Doug Chin, Peter Shaindlin, Princess Dialta, Goh Nakamura and George Drakoulias shared about their own background, why they were at the festival and what they were looking forward to the most.
Shaindlin, chief operating officer at Halekulani, started off by saying that HIFF is an international exchange of humanity through film.
Chin of the City & County of Honolulu said that the festival started as a way to bridge cultures and promotes cultural understanding through film. He then presented a check of $20,000 to HIFF from the city.
Dialta, of EuroCinema Hawaii, said that this was a way to extend culture from Europe to Honolulu, which she adores. She also shared about the EuroCinema films featured at HIFF.
"There is a different viewpoint, a different construction of the film," she said. "Is it a detective story? Is it a drama? Is it a romantic comedy? No, it's all of those things."
Executive producer Chuck Boller shared about how the festival is a great way for filmmakers to get screen time and exposure.
"It's a great chance to meet people and work with them," he said. "I enjoy people from all over the world and it's just great that they all come together here."
He also let us know that they've started planning for next year already, following films all year long while also accepting submitted films.
"I wish I had known more about film festivals when I was in school," Boller said. "I would have jumped on ship."
HIFF Closing Press Conference on Oct. 21 at the Halekulani Kalia Room
On the last weekend of the film festival, the closing press conference featured panelists Peter Shaindlin, Masato Harada, Prashant Bhargava, Adam Peschi and Ruslan Pak.
Shaindlin, chief operating officer at Halekulani, opened up the conference as he said that the Halekulani touches the human experience and leaves people with memories, much like the films at HIFF do.
Masato Harada wears many different hats--director, critic, professor, and by accident, actor.
For Ruslan Pak, filmmaking was a way to find his "Hanaan," or promised land. Growing up in the 19th century Soviet Nation as a Korean, he was moved around a lot and lived in a country that didn't exist anymore.
"I always thought my Hanaan was Korea but when I got there, I understood it wasn't so," Pak said. "Initially why I wanted to do Hanaan was to find my identity."
Hanaan is a true story of life and friends who actually star in the movie. He wanted to show real life and real problems.
"I'm still searching for my Hanaan, that's how I feel," Pak said.
Prashant Bhargava, director and producer of Patang, can relate. He spent three years doing research in India for his movie because he wanted to capture the magic and power of family. It was a movie made by the will and love of a community, he said. For this film he worked with kids from areas of adversity to capture the purity of the laughter they had.
For his film he allowed people to live onscreen. One of the characters in his movie has a first kiss, which was also his first kiss in real life. This was the first time his city was shown in a positive light. It is something that the community itself can be proud of.
"We all have an issue searching for our identity," he said. "In India I feel home."
Adam Peschi, director and producer of Splinters, spent nine months in Papua New Guinea without water or power and while suffering from Malaria a few times, before shooting Splinters. He heard that people in Papua New Guinea loved surfing and wanted to show the benefits of this sport through a movie about four village hopefuls in a quest to win a surfing competition.
For Pak, he took a big risk with hiring his friend that had no acting experience for the lead role. Women go with their intuition, so as a man I went with mine, Pak said. He didn’t give them a script nor did they know how it would come out. At the end, he said he pulled the reality out of him the best he could.
“If you have a real life story you’re passionate about and want to show it, this is where you can start,” Pak said.
Bhargava took 7 years of improv, 200 hours of footage, and two years of editing to make his film.
“Don’t wait for someone to tell you you can do it,” he said. “If you love it and believe in it you have to do it.”
“Making a film is like playing the guitar, just let it sing through you,” Bhargava said.
With amazing filmmakers and even more amazing films, HIFF 2011 was a great success to say the least.
“My dream is to make people who come to come back and make films to show,” Chuck Boller said.
HIFF 2012, get ready for us!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The changing face of Facebook
by Alyssa Amasol
October 25, 2011
With this generation’s fascination with social media, Facebook has become the most popular of them all. It has 800 million active members worldwide, with approximately half of them logging on every day, according to Facebook developers.
As this social network expands, new changes and updates have become more common to the everyday user. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg aims to make Facebook a network that simplifies the sharing process by adding new features, settings and changing in design.
In a few weeks, Facebook will implement yet another new design to its interface.
It used to be a place where users could share basic information, however Facebook has evolved to show more of a user’s activity.
A “timeline” will replace a user’s profile page, streaming information about the user. The “timeline” can show everyday events or significant life moments dating all the way back to birth, according to The Facebook Blog. With the “timeline,” users can add photos and events to their page to allow them to go back in time, even before Facebook was born.
There’s also the “ticker,” a sidebar on the top, right corner of the news feed page. It is a live feed of updates and activity from both friends and non-friends that updates itself in real-time. The “ticker” moves as the user scrolls down the page, letting users hover over an item to see the full story. According to the Facebook Help Center, the privacy for this is determined by the privacy of the user in which the original post is linked to.
“It’s kind of scary and not worth it to read or know,” said Oswald Bumanglag, a senior at Hawaii Pacific University who goes on Facebook at least once a day.
Facebook will also add a feature called “gestures,” allowing users to do more than “like” a post. Instead, Facebook developers can turn almost any verb into a button that users can use similarly to the “like” button currently.
The update will make it easier for users to listen to music, watch movies and television and read news articles all without leaving Facebook. It will allow users to share all these activities with friends in real-time. This will turn Facebook into “a primary entertainment hub” by integrating music services such as Spotify and Turntable.fm, according to CBS News at the f8 conference.
There will also be lifestyle applications allowing users share posts about cooking, shopping or exercising.
“I don’t know if I like the update, it makes it harder to read,” Bumanglag said. “I don’t mind it, I actually like the mobile app but the computer interface is not the same.”
These new features have some users skeptical about privacy, especially since sharing has become even simpler.
“People can randomly search you on Facebook, like employers or just anyone, so I like to be able to manage that if possible,” Bumanglag said.
With this generation’s fascination with social media, Facebook has become the most popular of them all. It has 800 million active members worldwide, with approximately half of them logging on every day, according to Facebook developers.
As this social network expands, new changes and updates have become more common to the everyday user. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg aims to make Facebook a network that simplifies the sharing process by adding new features, settings and changing in design.
In a few weeks, Facebook will implement yet another new design to its interface.
It used to be a place where users could share basic information, however Facebook has evolved to show more of a user’s activity.
A “timeline” will replace a user’s profile page, streaming information about the user. The “timeline” can show everyday events or significant life moments dating all the way back to birth, according to The Facebook Blog. With the “timeline,” users can add photos and events to their page to allow them to go back in time, even before Facebook was born.
There’s also the “ticker,” a sidebar on the top, right corner of the news feed page. It is a live feed of updates and activity from both friends and non-friends that updates itself in real-time. The “ticker” moves as the user scrolls down the page, letting users hover over an item to see the full story. According to the Facebook Help Center, the privacy for this is determined by the privacy of the user in which the original post is linked to.
“It’s kind of scary and not worth it to read or know,” said Oswald Bumanglag, a senior at Hawaii Pacific University who goes on Facebook at least once a day.
Facebook will also add a feature called “gestures,” allowing users to do more than “like” a post. Instead, Facebook developers can turn almost any verb into a button that users can use similarly to the “like” button currently.
The update will make it easier for users to listen to music, watch movies and television and read news articles all without leaving Facebook. It will allow users to share all these activities with friends in real-time. This will turn Facebook into “a primary entertainment hub” by integrating music services such as Spotify and Turntable.fm, according to CBS News at the f8 conference.
There will also be lifestyle applications allowing users share posts about cooking, shopping or exercising.
“I don’t know if I like the update, it makes it harder to read,” Bumanglag said. “I don’t mind it, I actually like the mobile app but the computer interface is not the same.”
These new features have some users skeptical about privacy, especially since sharing has become even simpler.
“People can randomly search you on Facebook, like employers or just anyone, so I like to be able to manage that if possible,” Bumanglag said.
Privacy settings have evolved with the implementation of “lists,” where users can now sort their friends and manage sharing certain posts.
“The way I take privacy on my Facebook is that I don’t post,” Bumanglag said. “I actually put untrue information, limit my networking, and let people see only a very minimum amount. I post but I restrict it.”
Instead of his real last name, he goes by Oswald Boom on Facebook to ensure his own privacy.
Randy Manaverere, a third year student at HPU from Tahiti, goes on Facebook at least once a day and feels indifferent toward Facebook’s privacy settings.
“It’s okay, you can set it yourself. You just have to know how to use it,” he said. “You’ve got to be organized and sort your friends, family, real friends and leak whatever you want to share with them. It’s just a matter of adaptation and it takes time.”
Facebook is changing and with it, users are expected to adapt. The excitement of social media is not predicted to disappear anytime soon but it is hoped that updates and changes are better understood as networks grow.
The Price of Sex
by Alyssa Amasol
October 25, 2011
The screening of “The Price of Sex” at the Hawaii International Film Festival opened many eyes to the horrendous industry of sex trafficking within Eastern Europe. Photojournalist Mimi Chakarova produced this documentary to expose the intimate stories of young women trapped in sex trafficking. Through outstanding access and undercover footage, Chakarova uncovers the horrible world of sex trafficking that thrives in many countries.
The women interviewed in this documentary lived in the poorest villages in Eastern Europe. The promise of a job, passport and free plane ticket easily persuaded them to move to Western European countries where they believed they would be working as maids or seamstresses. Contrary to popular belief, these women were not deceived by agencies but by friends, acquaintances and other women who offered them jobs abroad.
“Because of one wrong move, you suffer for the rest of your life,” Chakarova said after the screening.
Chakarova grew up in Bulgaria, a country in which many young women are exported from. In her village, hardly any young people are present, leaving their parents and grandparents believing that they are living a better life in another country. Though some do obtain legitimate jobs, there are those who have been deceived or have turned to prostitution as a way out of poverty.
In the culture of Eastern Europe, where many countries suffer in poverty, moving away is a successful step for women. The stigma is that once these young women leave poverty behind, life could not get worse. When daughters are offered an opportunity to leave, few parents ask questions. Often these young women lie to their families because they don’t want them to think their life has worsened.
Many young girls in Eastern Europe are very trusting making them ideal prey, especially in a land where homemade wine rules and many of the parents are alcoholics. Girls are not a priority in these cultures and many parents are ignorant.
With no money, once these girls are taken from their homes and deceived, they have no way of escaping nor do they have anyone to turn to. Because of the corrupt government in many Eastern European countries, pimps are rarely charged for sex trafficking, but the women are put in prison and deported back to their country. They have nothing and are eventually taken and resold. The cycle continues.
This is not a new story. Many women in these countries know that sex trafficking exists. When Chakarova asked women how they got into these predicaments, they responded, “I knew about it, I just didn’t think it would happen to me.”
“The Price of Sex” won many awards, one of which is a Nestor Almendros Award for Courage in Filmmaking at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival. On her way to New York to accept this award for courage, Chakarova felt guilt and that she didn’t deserve an award for courage. She had been in the same type of environment and conditions these women were in.
“I took one path while others took another,” she said. “This movie is my contribution to them. It is ending the silence for women by showing their faces.”
Similar films share stories of women, but the audience never gets to see their face. They choose to remain nameless and faceless with no identity, as they are treated in the brothels.
“I’m hoping people walk away from this thinking of these women in different ways,” said Chakarova.
Exposing the nightmare of sex trafficking through film is just the start for Chakarova.
“I challenge people — put me, or someone with my experience, anywhere in the world, give me three days and I’ll find you trafficked women,” she said. “It’s a localized story but this is a global issue.”
Locally, a Honolulu-based advocacy group for survivors of human trafficking, Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, will be helping to reach out to workers on the street during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation next month, according to the Associated Press. With approximately 20,000 business and political leaders expected to come from many countries, some in which trafficking is viewed as ordinary, Honolulu police are bracing for an influx of traffickers.
In June the state passed three house bills — HB 44, HB 240 and HB 141 — in an attempt to solve the problem of prostitution here. These new laws give prostitution cases a higher priority, increase the grade of offense and expand the offenses to cover patrons of prostitution and those who habitually patronize prostitutes. It also assigns greater penalties to those who promote prostitution and provide witness protection for sex workers. With the support of lawmakers, police and law enforcement are better equipped to fight prostitution.
Even with the newly implemented laws, prostitution continues to be a problem in Hawaii and worldwide.
“Look at the U.S. anti-smoking campaign. It took about 50 years to raise public awareness,” Chakarova said. “It shows that it is possible to change the mentality; the challenge is that it’s not just one country but globally.”
The screening of “The Price of Sex” at the Hawaii International Film Festival opened many eyes to the horrendous industry of sex trafficking within Eastern Europe. Photojournalist Mimi Chakarova produced this documentary to expose the intimate stories of young women trapped in sex trafficking. Through outstanding access and undercover footage, Chakarova uncovers the horrible world of sex trafficking that thrives in many countries.
The women interviewed in this documentary lived in the poorest villages in Eastern Europe. The promise of a job, passport and free plane ticket easily persuaded them to move to Western European countries where they believed they would be working as maids or seamstresses. Contrary to popular belief, these women were not deceived by agencies but by friends, acquaintances and other women who offered them jobs abroad.
“Because of one wrong move, you suffer for the rest of your life,” Chakarova said after the screening.
Chakarova grew up in Bulgaria, a country in which many young women are exported from. In her village, hardly any young people are present, leaving their parents and grandparents believing that they are living a better life in another country. Though some do obtain legitimate jobs, there are those who have been deceived or have turned to prostitution as a way out of poverty.
In the culture of Eastern Europe, where many countries suffer in poverty, moving away is a successful step for women. The stigma is that once these young women leave poverty behind, life could not get worse. When daughters are offered an opportunity to leave, few parents ask questions. Often these young women lie to their families because they don’t want them to think their life has worsened.
Many young girls in Eastern Europe are very trusting making them ideal prey, especially in a land where homemade wine rules and many of the parents are alcoholics. Girls are not a priority in these cultures and many parents are ignorant.
With no money, once these girls are taken from their homes and deceived, they have no way of escaping nor do they have anyone to turn to. Because of the corrupt government in many Eastern European countries, pimps are rarely charged for sex trafficking, but the women are put in prison and deported back to their country. They have nothing and are eventually taken and resold. The cycle continues.
This is not a new story. Many women in these countries know that sex trafficking exists. When Chakarova asked women how they got into these predicaments, they responded, “I knew about it, I just didn’t think it would happen to me.”
“The Price of Sex” won many awards, one of which is a Nestor Almendros Award for Courage in Filmmaking at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival. On her way to New York to accept this award for courage, Chakarova felt guilt and that she didn’t deserve an award for courage. She had been in the same type of environment and conditions these women were in.
“I took one path while others took another,” she said. “This movie is my contribution to them. It is ending the silence for women by showing their faces.”
Similar films share stories of women, but the audience never gets to see their face. They choose to remain nameless and faceless with no identity, as they are treated in the brothels.
“I’m hoping people walk away from this thinking of these women in different ways,” said Chakarova.
Exposing the nightmare of sex trafficking through film is just the start for Chakarova.
“I challenge people — put me, or someone with my experience, anywhere in the world, give me three days and I’ll find you trafficked women,” she said. “It’s a localized story but this is a global issue.”
Locally, a Honolulu-based advocacy group for survivors of human trafficking, Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, will be helping to reach out to workers on the street during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation next month, according to the Associated Press. With approximately 20,000 business and political leaders expected to come from many countries, some in which trafficking is viewed as ordinary, Honolulu police are bracing for an influx of traffickers.
In June the state passed three house bills — HB 44, HB 240 and HB 141 — in an attempt to solve the problem of prostitution here. These new laws give prostitution cases a higher priority, increase the grade of offense and expand the offenses to cover patrons of prostitution and those who habitually patronize prostitutes. It also assigns greater penalties to those who promote prostitution and provide witness protection for sex workers. With the support of lawmakers, police and law enforcement are better equipped to fight prostitution.
Even with the newly implemented laws, prostitution continues to be a problem in Hawaii and worldwide.
“Look at the U.S. anti-smoking campaign. It took about 50 years to raise public awareness,” Chakarova said. “It shows that it is possible to change the mentality; the challenge is that it’s not just one country but globally.”
HIFF Wrap Up
During HIFF 2011, I watched five films — “The Salt of Life,” “Pacific Showcase Shorts,” “Samson & Delilah,” “The Price of Sex,” and “Surrogate Valentine.” I read the synopsis for each of the movies online and chose a list of movies, but out of those I only ended up seeing the two, “The Salt of Life” and “Samson & Delilah.” After going to the opening press conference and hearing Goh Nakamura, I really wanted to see “Surrogate Valentine.” I was also hearing good things about “The Price of Sex” so that really interested me as well. Oswald was going to the “Pacific Showcase Shorts” and so I was curious and tagged along to that one. I really wish I had more time to see more movies and take full advantage of my press pass.
I attended both the opening and closing press conferences, which to me were my favorite part of HIFF because you really get to learn about the background of the filmmakers and their films. I loved being able to hear the stories of why they made their movies told by the filmmakers themselves. It was also a great opportunity as a journalism major to work on my interviewing skills and to find a great story within the event. I also really loved seeing movies from different cultures and visually learning about it.
I’ve never participated in HIFF before so being that it was my first experience, it meant a lot to me. I really loved being able to attend the media events and being given the opportunity to meet people I would have never been able to meet otherwise. I learned a lot from my participation this year in HIFF — about different cultures and about different people from all walks of life and the stories they share through film.
One of the films I watched, “The Price of Sex,” really opened my eyes to see a whole different undercover side of the world, Eastern Europe in particular. This film really opened my eyes to the horrible world of sex trafficking. After watching this film, I felt so much more thankful for the freedom I have. Some of these women turned to prostitution because they had no money. Others were captured and deceived but had no way out. Seeing their faces and hearing their stories really makes me count my blessings.
I really enjoyed “Surrogate Valentine” because it was such a good movie on so many levels. There was the love interest, the comedy aspect, and the fact that it was made on such a small shoestring budget. The main character had the chance to play himself in a more scripted format. I thought it was a great perspective and a whole new approach to film making.
From the many cultures at HIFF, I learned a lot. EuroCinema provided me with a chance to learn that men treat women in Europe very well and that it’s a very expressive culture. In Eastern Europe I learned that prostitution has become a large problem because young girls are very trusting and parents don’t really ask questions. From the shorts, I learned about the culture of many islands in the Pacific. I also learned that many people live in poverty in Fiji, where “Samson and Delilah” was filmed.
This collaboration was extremely helpful both professionally and academically. I expanded my knowledge of cultures, worked on my interviewing skills through the press conferences, and worked on my writing skills through the blogs and movie reviews posted.
I loved my first experience at HIFF this year and I will definitely be participating again next year. I’ve already recommended it to my friends and family with stories about the amazing films I was able to watch. I also hope my tweets influenced some of my followers on Twitter. During HIFF, it was all I would talk and tweet about. Now that it’s over, I can’t wait for next year. HIFF 2012 should be amazing. See you there!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Pacific Showcase Shorts
Last night I saw the Pacific Showcase Shorts. It was pretty good. The theater was the most packed I've ever seen it because the audience consisted of the director, producers, actors and family members.
The first film shown was Blessed Assurance by Kama'aina Creations directed by Aina Paikai. It was a 10-minute film about a day where gasoline mysteriously disappeared. This was filmed in Hawaii on the North Shore with amazing water shots. I thought it portrayed Hawaii very well.
The second film was called Ebony Society. I really liked this film from New Zealand about two teen boys who could be found on the streets tagging and stealing. One night they break into a house to find themselves in an unexpected situation that changes their friendship for the better.
E Ho'omau! The Menehune and the Birds was the next short film shown. It was an animated, 23-minute short produced in collaboration with Kamehameha Schools. It took place on the beach with the aunty telling the little ones of the story of how the menehune respected the birds to teach kolohe Kaimi to also respect the birds. "Little ones working together can accomplish big things," was the lesson taught. It was a great short to show children in Hawaii.
Laura Green, of Fiji, produced a film called Lazy Razorbacks telling the story of a rugby team and their individual struggles. This film was beautifully shot in black and white.
In Lina'la' Lusong, the importance of the lusong was shown through the history and through the chant with a focus on the strength and endurance of the rock. This 5-minute film was produced by the PIC Micronesian Filmmakers' Workshop: Guam.
From the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Academy for Creative Media, Lana Dang produced two films: Huki Ulua and Pa'ahana. Huki Ulua was a comedy depicting just how small the island is while using the classic phrase, "Hook, Line, Sinker." Pa'ahana was inspired by her own family. It's a film about taking care of the land and the important life lessons a father can teach his daughter through the Hawaiian culture.
Lastly from New Zealand, we had two amazing films: Manurewa and The Winter Boy. Manurewa depicts the true story of Navraj Singh, a liquor store owner who is killed by Isaac, a young boy who tries to rob their store with his friends. This film was intense. It was 19 minutes of shaky camera angles so close up you felt like you were right there. Filled with dramatic music and emotion like no other, this movie was a lot for me during the screening. It kept me on the edge of my seat, that's for sure, however I didn't think it really fit with the other films. The Winter Boy was a great ending movie. It was the story of a mother who desperately tries to get her son to talk to her. A trip to the aquarium changes things for them. I must admit throughout this movie I was hoping it would put a smile on my face (especially after the last film) and it did!
There are two more showings of the Pacific Showcase Shorts and I definitely recommend it! I love shorts because it keeps my attention and is kind of like watching a bunch of YouTube videos. I also loved that these films were shot on islands in the Pacific. It made it feel close to home but also let us experience the different cultures of other islands near us. It's definitely worth your time to see.
The first film shown was Blessed Assurance by Kama'aina Creations directed by Aina Paikai. It was a 10-minute film about a day where gasoline mysteriously disappeared. This was filmed in Hawaii on the North Shore with amazing water shots. I thought it portrayed Hawaii very well.
The second film was called Ebony Society. I really liked this film from New Zealand about two teen boys who could be found on the streets tagging and stealing. One night they break into a house to find themselves in an unexpected situation that changes their friendship for the better.
E Ho'omau! The Menehune and the Birds was the next short film shown. It was an animated, 23-minute short produced in collaboration with Kamehameha Schools. It took place on the beach with the aunty telling the little ones of the story of how the menehune respected the birds to teach kolohe Kaimi to also respect the birds. "Little ones working together can accomplish big things," was the lesson taught. It was a great short to show children in Hawaii.
Laura Green, of Fiji, produced a film called Lazy Razorbacks telling the story of a rugby team and their individual struggles. This film was beautifully shot in black and white.
In Lina'la' Lusong, the importance of the lusong was shown through the history and through the chant with a focus on the strength and endurance of the rock. This 5-minute film was produced by the PIC Micronesian Filmmakers' Workshop: Guam.
From the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Academy for Creative Media, Lana Dang produced two films: Huki Ulua and Pa'ahana. Huki Ulua was a comedy depicting just how small the island is while using the classic phrase, "Hook, Line, Sinker." Pa'ahana was inspired by her own family. It's a film about taking care of the land and the important life lessons a father can teach his daughter through the Hawaiian culture.
Lastly from New Zealand, we had two amazing films: Manurewa and The Winter Boy. Manurewa depicts the true story of Navraj Singh, a liquor store owner who is killed by Isaac, a young boy who tries to rob their store with his friends. This film was intense. It was 19 minutes of shaky camera angles so close up you felt like you were right there. Filled with dramatic music and emotion like no other, this movie was a lot for me during the screening. It kept me on the edge of my seat, that's for sure, however I didn't think it really fit with the other films. The Winter Boy was a great ending movie. It was the story of a mother who desperately tries to get her son to talk to her. A trip to the aquarium changes things for them. I must admit throughout this movie I was hoping it would put a smile on my face (especially after the last film) and it did!
There are two more showings of the Pacific Showcase Shorts and I definitely recommend it! I love shorts because it keeps my attention and is kind of like watching a bunch of YouTube videos. I also loved that these films were shot on islands in the Pacific. It made it feel close to home but also let us experience the different cultures of other islands near us. It's definitely worth your time to see.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The Salt of Life
What an interesting movie to see! The Salt of Life is based in present day Rome, Italy in Italian with English subtitles. The story follows Gianni, based on the alter ego of writer, actor and director, Gianni Di Gregorio.
As a retired, aging man, Gianni is put to work by the women in his life. His wife assigns him a list of chores to do, his daughter tells him all her boyfriend troubles and his mother is overdramatic, demanding and irresponsible with her money. While he patiently deals with these women, he can't help but fantasize about younger women. His friend Alfonso tries his best to get Gianni out to meet and seduce these beautiful women. They try, but luck never comes their way.
Throughout the movie, Gianni runs into old girlfriends, a daughter of his mother's friend, the nurse caring for his mother, a neighbor whose dog he always walks (pictured), and beautiful women on the street. He is a gentleman to each of them but they never end up working out.
I won't ruin the ending for you (although it wasn't even relevant and left me with many questions), but I will say that this movie did expand my understanding of the Italian culture. People are much more affectionate toward others with a greeting of kisses on both cheeks. I also have to mention that the location was beautiful and I did like the cinematography in this movie.
However, I thought this movie was really scattered and the plot was not very clear. I found myself becoming really sleepy while watching the everyday routine of an old man checking out younger women for 90 minutes. I didn't really see the point of having so many characters throughout the movie when they were only in it for a scene or two. It was an interesting movie, but I wouldn't see it again. Sorry, EuroCinema Hawaii, I hope your other films were better than this one.
Ciao!
Say hello to George!
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| Photo courtesy of www.hawaiiredmagazine.com |
Oh hey, and look behind him! It's Oswald and I reporting for Hawaii Pacific University at the Hawaii International Film Festival Opening Press Conference! Unfortunately I think he's blocking Crissy.
This Thursday HIFF held its opening press conference at RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki. What an awesome opportunity it was to speak with some of the huge names in charge of HIFF and to learn more about the film festival. George Drakoulias, music producer and supervisor for movies such as Super 8, was a pleasure to speak to. This is his second visit to Hawaii to attend HIFF. Most of the films he's worked on, such as Super 8, Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend & The Wonder Year will be shown this weekend.
"There are really nice people here," he said. "I wish I could stay longer!"
This is my first year attending, but I can already tell you, it won't be my last!
Tomorrow I'll be watching "The Salt of Life." It's a EuroCinema film, which I've never seen before but I can't wait to. We got the chance to speak with Princess Dialta Alliata di Montereale, Director of PR for EuroCinema Hawaii, who told us that these EuroCinema films are hand-picked; the cream of the crop, in her words.
This Thursday HIFF held its opening press conference at RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki. What an awesome opportunity it was to speak with some of the huge names in charge of HIFF and to learn more about the film festival. George Drakoulias, music producer and supervisor for movies such as Super 8, was a pleasure to speak to. This is his second visit to Hawaii to attend HIFF. Most of the films he's worked on, such as Super 8, Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend & The Wonder Year will be shown this weekend.
"There are really nice people here," he said. "I wish I could stay longer!"
This is my first year attending, but I can already tell you, it won't be my last!
Tomorrow I'll be watching "The Salt of Life." It's a EuroCinema film, which I've never seen before but I can't wait to. We got the chance to speak with Princess Dialta Alliata di Montereale, Director of PR for EuroCinema Hawaii, who told us that these EuroCinema films are hand-picked; the cream of the crop, in her words.
"The films are not a cookie cutter formula. They have a different vision, feeling and atmosphere. They're made with less money so they're able to be more free."
According to Chuck Boller, HIFF Executive Director, HIFF is a "chance to meet and interface with people, people of all ages, with a broad entity."
According to Chuck Boller, HIFF Executive Director, HIFF is a "chance to meet and interface with people, people of all ages, with a broad entity."
HIFF had an amazing start and I can't wait to see how the rest of this festival turns out.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
It's Alyssa & Kayla Rei day! :D
Currently, I'm babysitting this little cutie. Meet my baby cousin Kayla Rei, who's no longer a baby anymore. We're a little past the terrible twos and now into the talkative threes. She's my favorite little person but sometimes I think she's just in her own little person world. She loves to sing and count and randomly will burst out in song or count random things around my house. We're so very much related, haha.So far we've watched about three episodes of Barney and one episode of Sesame Street, her favorite shows. It's been a fun afternoon but I need a nap already or some coffee.
I really love little kids because they make life seem so simple. To keep this one happy all you need is a Barney DVD, some Kraft Mac & Cheese, a few toys and Teddy Grahams. Imagine if everyone in the world was like her? We'd all have a great time.
Growing up gets so busy and complicated.
I have no clue where I'm going with this blog entry or why I'm even posting it, other than to show off my adorable baby cousin (just kidding). I hope you're all having a beautiful Saturday, whatever you may be doing or wherever you may be. For me, I'm going to be a little kid today and play until I get tired enough for my nap. Homework will wait until tomorrow. :)
Monday, September 19, 2011
15 Minutes or Less
By Alyssa Amasol
September 22, 2011
Most students assume that if a professor shows up more than 15 minutes late to class, everyone can leave and class is cancelled. However, rumor has it that if the professor has a doctorate degree, that time increases to 20 minutes. It is interesting to note that nothing about a professor’s tardiness is mentioned on the Hawaii Pacific University website, although it is expected that students are on time to class.
“I think after 20 minutes you pretty much know that they’re not coming to class,” said Torri Ishida, a fourth year student at HPU. “I feel like with today’s technology, there should be a way to alert people of something like car problems, health reasons or other emergencies.”
In some instances, professors may be running extremely late with a valid reason for their tardiness. However, it is highly unlikely for students to wait around for a professor for more than 20 minutes. A five-minute grace period is understandable but once it gets to the double digits, students start to rethink coming to class.
“I’ve never heard of this [rule] and I’ve been in academia for a long time,” said Peter Britos, Director of Media and Cinematic Arts in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at HPU. “It sounds like the five-second rule [where when you drop a piece of food, it’s still alright to pick it up within five seconds] or that kind of urban myth. I think that it depends how late you are.”
Rumor, urban myth, unwritten rule, or whatever you would like to call it, the amount of time a professor is late to class does affect the students’ learning.
Although most students would love more time in their day not spent in class, there are those who value the consistency of their classes.
“Personally I’m the kind of person that if there’s no class I’m good, but technically my dad who is helping to pay for my school would disagree and want to get his money’s worth,” Ishida said. “Ultimately I think it is the teacher’s prerogative, but if they’re not being punished then students shouldn’t be punished for being late to class either.”
Whether you have your high school diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, it should not change the amount of time people should wait for you. As for professors, unless a “late-wait policy” is specified in their syllabus or explained by the specific professor, it is the student’s decision whether or not to wait.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Bio: Alyssa Amasol
Currently, I am a full-time student and working part-time at my church, Hope Chapel Kapolei, as an administrative assistant. On the weekends, I love going to church, hanging out with my family & friends, and going on dates with my boyfriend. When I'm not studying I love sleeping in, lounging around at home or on the beach, going shopping, trying out new recipes, and discovering new places to eat.
Besides all of that, I'm a huge fan of The Office, Friends and Modern Family. Kit Kats, flaming hot Cheetos, Swedish Fish and an Arizona Green Tea are my movie snacks of choice. Right now, I think my favorite food is pad thai, but honestly I just love food (even though I'm kinda picky)! I'm a Christian and I love Jesus, He's the giver of all good gifts. Find me on Facebook & follow me on Twitter! I'm a big fan of social media. I love Starbucks, wearing pretty dresses, new shoes, shave ice, and smiling. Aside from all that, I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you through this class.
Act of War
In the film "Act of War," the first thing that stood out to me was the scene where the lady was saying, "We are not American, we will never be. We will die as Hawaiians." Although the film was outdated, Hawaii was annexed on August 21, 1959. I feel like by the time they produced this film, they should be a little more accepting of Hawaii as part of the mainland. Personally I see myself as an American, even though I've lived in Hawaii my whole life. The people featured in the film felt very strongly about their native culture and history. I very much admired their love for the islands and desire to keep it the way it was, without influence of outsiders. I also thought it was interesting that when Hawaii was annexed it was shown in newspapers throughout the world. I learned that we are strategically placed, which led to the annexation of the islands and the U.S. as a superpower. One thing I disliked about the film was how the foreigners forced ancient Hawaiians to change and give up their traditions. Ancient Hawaiians are known for their amazing use of the land and I think that many foreigners could have learned a lot from them. Hawaii was portrayed as a child compared to America, which I thought was very racist. By watching this film I think it did improve my knowledge of the history of the islands.
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