Media Kit

The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha

The 100TH is a feature-length documentary that centers on the global works — both during WWII and 80+ years after — of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, together the most decorated unit in US military history.

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 – fought heroically to liberate Italy and France, earning the name “The Purple Heart Battalion” from the US Army. Their losses were so dire that they were eventually attached to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team including the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion (both primarily AJA soldiers), all together becoming the most decorated unit 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 100th/442nd 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 several vets who badgered me to tell the story of the 100th Infantry Battalion, as they felt itʻs never been adequately been told. They bugged me for a year and brought in other voices who concurred with their belief 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. To that end, I’m grateful for all the individuals, veteran organizations, companies, government, nonprofits, and the community for immediately engaging with the project.”

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 »