ISLAND SOLDIER

Directed by Nathan Fitch

Asian American Panorama / Afghanistan, Federated States of Micronesia, USA / 2017 / Documentary / 85 mins / English, Kosraean with English subtitles / DCP / West Coast Premiere

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ISLAND SOLDIER

UltraStar Mission Valley
Monday, Nov 13, 2017 6:20PM

Description

Official Selection, 2017 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Official Selection, 2017 Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival
Official Selection, 2017 Guam International Film Festival

“We don’t vote, but we can get killed.”

6,000 miles from America is Kosrae, a small Micronesian island with swaying palm trees, abundant greenery, and endless sapphire oceans. A closer look though reveals a vulnerable state filled with heartache and uncertainty.

Micronesia gained independence in 1986 under the Compact of Free Association Act with the United States, though the islands do receive financial assistance from the US and its residents can work for the US without citizenship. As such, Kosrae has become a “recruiter’s paradise,” with many young, willing men leaving behind their fishing boats for armored tanks. Sadly, families reunite with sons via their coffins and are left to cling to a foreign American flag for consolation. One mother grieves the death of her son while a father laments the economic future of the island as he sees his fourth son off into the Army. With the United States ending financial assistance to Micronesia in 2023, what becomes of nationhood, traditional culture, and the dream of independence?

From tropical Kosrae to the heavy heat of Afghanistan, director Nathan Fitch weaves subtle details in each landscape to create an immersive and emotional journey. –Maryanne Bilbao

Screening free for Pac Arts Members