THE 100TH production team just completed a three-week, 2,000-mile filming journey retracing the battle campaigns of the 100th/442nd RCT through Italy and France. A side-trip to Germany covered the 552nd FAB (detached from the 442nd RCT).
A Journey Filled with History and Aloha
Producer/Director Steve Sue described the European production as “beyond our wildest dreams,” noting, “We got everything and more in Europe. The experience was beyond our wildest dreams with locals welcoming us, vibrant fall colors and epic stories. Despite the backdrop of WWII, the content we captured is full of heart and sure to inspire hope and unity among viewers. I think weʻll do a lot of good with this piece.”
Original Music Written & Performed
One of the most distinctive elements of the trip was the inclusion of the film’s two Music Directors, Harold Payne and David Kopatz, who were tasked not only with composing original songs on the journey but also with sharing music to build bridges with locals. Crew members Kristle Backe, Frances Quinlan, Patrick Quinlan, Cliff Kimura, Kathi Hayashi and Steve Sue got into the mix, serving as the Choir in the filmʻs title song, “Seeds of Aloha.”
Cinematographer and Co-producer Alexander Bocchieri emphasized the impact: “The music really helped open everyone up. Everywhere we pointed cameras there was beauty, emotion and connection. This film will be far more than your average documentary as the visuals and storyline are so strong.”
Shadow Tour Joins Finale Event
A second traveling group, the “Shadow Tour” joined the Production Tour the last week of production to take part in exploring key locations along the Gothic Line including participating in a finale shot in San Terenzo Monte and Tendola, the location where US Senator Daniel K. Inouye lost his arm in battle and where the towns dedicated their town square, “Daniel Inouye Piazza” in honor of the Nisei solders liberating their towns in WWII.
March, 2026 Completion for Americaʻs 250th Anniversary
Now entering post-production, lead by Editor Deborah Miller, The 100TH: Seeds of Aloha follows the award-winning documentary Shaka, A Story of Aloha and serves as the second installment in the Project Shaka Trilogy—a series of films dedicated to exploring and perpetuating the Aloha Spirit. The final cut is targeted for completion in March 2026, to accommodate screenings planned for America’s 250th Anniversary Fourth of July celebrations.
Europe Sample Images & Music: https://vimeo.com/1137330018
Call for Support
The film is produced by Hawaiʻi 501C3 Nonprofit, ID8, which is actively seeking funding to finish post-production and promote the film at film festivals next year. Donations are 100% tax-deductible, and supporters have the option of being recognized in the film’s end credits. Donate & learn more: 100thFilm.com »