The 38th annual Hawaii International Film Festival took place from November 8-18. Many different creators entered for a chance to win and this year, junior Magnolia Basoc won the Daniel K. Inouye Student Film Initiative. Contestants had to make a 3 minute video about a theme from the late Senator’s speech from the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

“What I did in my video was I compiled small clips from different crisis’ or like important events throughout our history from [around] the 1960s, to today,” said Basoc.

In some ways, her film was like a story, with a beginning, middle and end. At first, it was negative and dark featuring clips of crisis. The middle of the video she called the turning point. This part showed change. She concluded the video in a positive light way.

“First I put the negative stuff to say that there’s a problem in our society. And then there is a turning point in the middle of the video where Daniel K. said something about change. And then I put the positive stuff where people did something to push for change in the society.”

Her inspiration to enter this contest was a combination of two different things that rarely go together. Firstly, she saw it as her chance to contribute to the community. She said that she doesn’t really make good use of her free time. This was her chance to not only fill time but also do something that will hopefully benefit the community. The second reason she decided to enter this contest is very relatable in the teen world. She had nothing to do during spring break. Making a video and entering it into a contest seemed fun and exciting in her eyes.

“Fall break was coming up and I didn’t have anything to do. So like, why not do something fun? It was really just for fun.”

Basoc admitted that she waited last minute. Let it be noted, she did do some work every day but wrapped it all up at the end.

She honestly didn’t want to go to the award ceremony because she was sure she would lose. She only really went for the free food.

“I was preparing right before leaving the house for the awarding ceremony. I thought to myself ‘You know, there’s probably gonna be students that are taking film classes there. And I have no background in filmmaking at all. So I probably won’t win’…  I was there for the Luncheon because there was free food.”

Most other videos, were in the category of Aloha, while she did hers on Action. Her video was presented last, which she liked because she felt it had a lot more impact that way. Also, her video was very dark at the begin while others were very bright. In these ways, her video was very unique and stood out to many.

“Mine was the last one. And mine was very dark and sad at first. So that was beneficial to me because it left an impression”.