Posted on: Tuesday, August 5, 2003

Inspired film choice for at-risk viewers

Give credit to City Councilman Mike Gabbard for the idea, and Glenn Yim, vice president for operations at Consolidated Theatres, for the execution.

Gabbard has been worried about the growing drug problem in Hawai'i, and struck by the way the Hawaiian culture has been incorporated by one of the drug rehabilitation centers he visited. With that in the back of his mind, he went to the movies with his wife and daughter and providentially chose to see "Whale Rider."

It's a wonderful movie about the conflict between a young Maori girl and her grandfather, who loves her but refuses to acknowledge her leadership because she's not a male.

It occurred to Gabbard that seeing this film might do wonders for drug addicts in recovery. He approached Yim with the idea, and Yim came through with 500 free tickets for treatment clients, substance abusers and at-risk students. Good on both of them.

What impresses us about the choice of this particular film is that it's not doctrinaire, or political, or dogmatic. It's not even about drugs. But it speaks to the skepticism that abounds among Gabbard's target audience.

"Whale Rider" is a spiritual, chicken-skin inspiration. And its Maori component connects with Hawaiian and Samoan viewers here. We agree with Gabbard that the message of hope that this film sends is so strong, it will motivate people who are struggling to overcome chemical dependence.