Will You Be The Change? - "Dear Thalia" HIFF Review
- Alyssa Acob
- Nov 18, 2015
- 3 min read
Sunday, November 15, 2015 was my first time attending the 35th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). That day, I decided to watch Dear Thalia.
In this documentary, we got to take a look into the lives of a homeless family living in Kaka'ako, Oahu/Hawaii; the Martin Family (Tracy, Tabitha, and 3-year old Thalia). With the cost of living in Hawai'i being ridiculously high and life having unexpected twists, this family continues to strive and do what they can to survive. Especially parents Tracy and Tabitha, they're constantly working hard in order to provide as much as they can for their little bundle of joy, Thalia.
Before the film, they did a short introduction with the director, Rex Moribe, along with an appearance by the Martin family as well. Seeing the family there in person brought tears to my eyes and gave me chicken skin. The film didn't even start yet and I was already tearing up! Just knowing we were about to see what they've been through and their story, it was just a heartfelt, crazy, unexplainable feeling.
I'll admit, passing by tents and seeing people sitting down with cardboard signs, I'd think to myself like "why can't they just apply for a job?" or "why don't they go to a homeless shelter?" It took a few negative encounters and my own poor personal judgement for me to think that way, when it's really unfair to most homeless people out there.
The people we see out on the street, they each have their own story. There are people like the Martins who are just struggling to make a living, but there are others who may have a drug addiction or mental-health problem. But all in all, what can we do as a community to help this homelessness problem? With obstacle after obstacle, like what the state and government are doing, it makes it even more difficult for these people to get back up on their feet. Most of society needs to realize that these people are still human, too. Just because they're homeless doesn't mean we have the right to treat them like nothing.
We get so caught up in our own lives that sometimes we don't realize how blessed we are with what we've got. One quote that comes to mind is, "the things you take for granted, someone else is praying for." I'm a bit angry and disgusted at myself for thinking the way I did, but I'm glad that this film changed my perspective.
You just never know what life is going to throw at you. In the film, a quote showed up, "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." by Bruce Lee. Ever since sunday, that quote has stuck with me.
The story of the Martin family opened my eyes and my heart to a whole new meaning of life. It definitely motivated me to "be the change" that Moribe was advocating for. Especially with the holiday season and feels in the air, I want to be able to make a difference in other people's lives, even if it's something small and simple. A little can definitely go a long way. Also, not just during this holiday season, but whenever I can and for as long as I can.
I just want to say a huge thank you to Rex Moribe for creating such an inspirational, moving, and mind-altering film. Also to the Martin family, I admire your tremendous perseverance and thank you so much for sharing your story.
Without a doubt, I think everyone should take the time to watch this film. It motivated me to make a change, hopefully it will do the same for you.
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