Media Kit

The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha

The 100TH is a feature-length documentary that centers on the global works of “The Purple Heart Battalion,” a highly decorated US military unit from Hawaiʻi that fought in World War II.

Logline

Amid the chaos of World War II, a battalion of AJA soldiers (Americans of Japanese Ancestry) from Hawaiʻi, named the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) – initially distrusted by their own country after the attack on Pearl Harbor – was named “The Purple Heart Battalion” for fighting heroically to liberate Italy and France. Their exemplary performance led to the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (also primarily AJA soldiers) and along with the 442nd RCT became the most decorated unit of itʻs size and type in U.S. military history. This however is not your average war story – it’s an epic tale of service that develops into 80+ years of positive legacy that encircled the world. See Full Synopsis »

Backstory

The 100TH is a follow-on project birthed from the award-winning ID8-produced documentary, Shaka, A Story of Aloha.” Says filmmaker Steve Sue, “I have to credit Wally Camp of Hilo, an interviewee in our Shaka film, for relentlessly badgered me to tell the story of the 100th Infantry Battalion, as he felt its never been adequately been told. Wally bugged me for a year and brought in other voices who concurred with his belief and who were also very persuasive toward activating us to do tell this story.”

After completing the Shaka film, Sue saw himself more as a “Mr. Aloha” than a military storyteller, making him hesitant at first. But he soon conceived of a way to tell the 100th Battalion’s story — one that not only honors their military heroism and sacrifices but also celebrates their lasting legacy of service rooted in the Spirit of Aloha.

“I did some research and got hooked,” says Sue. “It’s an incredible story. I wrote a treatment that highlights their heroism in a fresh way — without pyrotechnics or aggressive re-enactments — while showcasing a story of healing through an 80 year post-war legacy of global service. It’s a delicate balance, honoring their sacrifices while telling a story of paradise rising from the ashes of war. It’s high time for a story that fosters gratitude and healing. I’ve come full circle and am now truly excited to share the story.”

A Growing Team

A number of people have joined ranks with Sue and ID8 including The 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (aka Club 100) led by President Kathi Hayashi, Nisei Legacy Tours owner and tour leader Nora DeBievre, and 100th/442nd/MIS historical expert Stuart Hirai. Additional experts, supporters and friends of the production will be added.

Part of the Project Shaka Trilogy

The 100TH is part of Project Shaka trilogy of Aloha films. See Project Shaka »

Media Contact: Steve Sue, producer/writer | steve[at]id8.org | (808) 220-6449 | @histevesue

For more, see Filmmaker’s Statement »