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California filmmakers release false missile alert documentary trailer

Nina Wu
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ASSOCIATED PRESS

A highway median sign broadcasts the message “There is no threat” in Kaneohe on Jan. 13, after State emergency officials mistakenly sent out an emergency alert warning of an imminent missile strike.

The trailer for the documentary film, “This Is Not A Drill: 38 Minutes That Changed Lives,” was released today by California-based Cinependent Films.

The film, directed by Rob and Keiko Feldman, documents what those in Hawaii went through on Jan. 13, when a false ballistic missile alert was issued to cell phones and over television and radio stations, creating widespread fear and panic.

The Feldmans, inspired by that historical event, began work on the film in January.

For 38 minutes, they said people who live and vacation in Hawaii said tearful goodbyes, prayed, and left messages for loved ones, believing death was imminent. The documentary includes surveillance video, cell phone video and audio recordings, in addition to in-person interviews to capture what those 38 minutes were like.

“We were really touched by how strong the emotions were attached to this,” said Rob Feldman. “People were really traumatized by this. I hope people will get a feeling for just how emotionally traumatic this was, and the good that came out of it — how people were transformed for the better.”

Feldman said interviews for the film is in its final stages, and will include the first on-camera interview with the man who placed a child underneath a manhole cover for safety.

The goal, he said, is to complete the film in the fall in time to submit it for consideration to this year’s Hawaiian International Film Festival.

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