below is an article i came across in the honolulu advertiser. has anyone seen this film or know anything about the film maker? how about the people interviewed, or if this film is promoting the akaka bill or any other particular form of self-determination? just curious to know more before i rush to judgement :)
Hawaiian sovereignty film to debut in Washington, D.C.
By JOHN YAUKEY
Gannett Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Photographer Catherine Bauknight first went to Hawai'i in 1980 for some peace and quiet.
She found more.
On Thursday evening, her full-length documentary, "Hawaii - A Voice for Sovereignty," premieres at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to an invited audience of writers, pundits, Washington power brokers and lawmakers.
It opens as Congress is weighing long-awaited legislation that would create a process for Native Hawaiian self-governance.
Bauknight's 83-minute film documents what she calls the journey of Native Hawaiians to sustain their culture and spirituality - all deeply rooted in the land.
The film was four years in the making. The oral history includes interviews with Native Hawaiians - leaders and "people of the land" - in their homes and at sacred sites.
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I would hedge a guess and say that this film was shown to garner support for the Akaka Bill - HR 2314 which is now in the Natural resources Committee as we speak. The you tube trailer ends with " After years of struggle Daniel Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian senator continues to rally for the Akaka Bill to be passed by Congress." then in her interview she shows a little bit more of that clip which ends with ..."which supports the federal recognition of Hawaiians".
I also viewed an interview done with the filmaker Catherine Bauknight (www.catherinebauknight.com click on interview) as she explains the history of Hawaiian land "ownership", which she does not even mention the Great Mahele, and says Hawai`i became a territory in 1893. In the interview she was asked how many Native Hawaiians are left, to which she says her "guestimate would be 7000."
I have questions as to her research skills and her intentions in making this film.. I really have my concerns regarding this film.
How come it was never screened on O`ahu, in Hawaiian communities like Molokai, and Hawaiian Homes venues other than Maui/Hana Film Festival. E kala mai, but I have a real problem with bad research and not doing your homework. If she is going to interview and promote her film, she better know Hawaiian history. I learned well from Uncle Harry Mitchell, who always said,do your homework or you will look hupo.
I haven't seen the film but I would like to know if any Kanaka Maoli nationalists were interviewed for the film, or their viewpoints presented. So, this is just my take on the timeliness of this screening, when it actually premiered in 2007.with entry into the Maui Film Festival. There are Kanaka Maoli filmakers who (will) tell their own mo`olelo .
Mahalo for your questions and critique. You have all valid points. I hope I can clear some of them up. The interview was done when she first began filming. She was soooo energized by learning of our plight that she plunged full bore into trying to tell the story. As you could easily tell, she was not yet prepared, but itching to get something in motion. Since that interview, we have talked and I have tried to slow her down and get her canoe pointed in the right direction. I have not yet seen her final piece but am hoping that she indeed has made the necessary changes.
I must say that her intention is NOT to sway anyone to or from the Akaka bill. Her mention of the bill at the end of the film is to show a sense of movement by Hawaiians...in whatever form and way. There are various factions of the sovereignty movement that are featured as well. Many interviews were conducted and are on film.
The screening in 2007 at the Maui Film festival was ony a trailer version of perhaps 6 - 10 minutes. She returned to Maui about a year ago with the full length version and was privately screened (for participants on the film and various kupuna) to provide some time for evaluation and critique. After hearing their opinions, she returned to the drawing board. Again, since then...I have not seen this version that played in DC. She was accompanied by Kahu Hanalei Colleado of whom I trust did a great job of explaining the film and content to the audience. Kahu (when last speaking with him) is not an advocate of the Akaka bill. Neither am I. We are however, advocates of getting the story out.
We hope that she at least creates a stir up in Amelika and brings some support to na kanaka maoli o Hawaii nei.
We all hope that maoli will undergo their own films and send it out to the world. Every time our story is told, it represents another stroke of the paddle going forward. Once again, much mahalo for your insight and quest for accuracy. It is an extremely important factor within the film that must be addressed...lest the "naysayers" up in the mainland will try to tear it apart and blast "the Hawaiians" as being unfactual, unorganized and certainly unknowledgeable.
Let's hope that the present film content has addressed all of the errors and changes needed to state our case in the best way possible.
Hollywood should have money to philanthropiss about, no? A unified front would speak volumes. Although, if everybody jumps on board because of the new found funding, the foundation sucks. It would be nice if all the stars are aligning for all the right reasons and at all the right times.
I know this film and the film maker well. I helped her as she "grew" into the awareness of the quest for sovereignty.
1. She has shown the film very sparingly on the mainland to try and attract some financial support as she has taken on this task through her own funding. She has no intention of making profits...only reimbursements.
2. She will of course show the film in Hawaii nei when she feels that it is worthy for na kanaka maoli to view. She is very "gun shy" of offending our people but very distraught at our circumstances and wants to make a difference.
3. participants in the film come from a wide variety of maoli educators, kumu, kupuna and activists statewide.
4. My personal evaluation of her releasing the film in DC is to provide a quick "one-two-left-right combination" to the new cabinet prior to votes concerning the Akaka Bill.
I hope she makes her point well. I wish I could be there to support the film and was invited to preface it. However...funds do not permit me to fly. Invited to attend are our congressmen, Nancy Pelosi, Clintons, media and various other power brokers..
i agree that it would be nice if we could see it so the community here could have an opportunity to participate in the discourse this film enters into. and mahalo e pomai, anakele, ululani for the info and links.
Aloha kaua e Krista, Have you purchased the new book, Hawaii-The FAKE State, a nation in captivity yet? Please call me if you want to purchase a copy of this first of a series of resource books that is coming out this summer. I live in Pearl City. My number is 808.489.7065. I highly recommend everyone who lives and resides in Hawaii Nei to get a copy of this book ASAP!!! Mahalo Nui! Kaleo
"The documentary goal is to raise awareness of the issues faced by the Native Hawaiians, which threatens their ancient and environmentally sustainable culture."
Thank you for this discussion. I have spoken with Caherine and she was pleased with the response from the "audience" in DC. Kahu Hanalei Colleado of Maui accompanied her on the trip. I will find out in more deatail what transpired.
Catherine means well. I was very sceptical at first thinking "why should a haole produce a film about Hawaiian Soveriegnty...and if so...would she be able to relay the message to the viewers?" 4 years in the making...and there are still revisions to be made. However, I do believe that she is on the correct path to expose our predicament. I had to reflect upon a quote that a kupuna once told me. "It will take a Hawaiian to kick a Hawaiian's ass...and it will take a haole to kick a haole's ass!" He explained that a Hawaiian will often quickly reject what a haole has to say in regards to our plight. However, a Hawaiian will listen more intently if there is another Hawaiian expressing their viewpoint. The same can be said for the haole. Catherine is THAT haole and she wants the rest of her people to understand. They will more than likely be more attentive when coming from "one of their own.:" Please note that this is not about racism or class distinction. One could say that it is more about public relations and how messagers are spread. At the end of the day...we get much more exposure and hopefully, support and ideas from the outside...looking in. Who knows where this could go? It it turns out bad, we are still in the same position. We have not much more to lose and whatever it takes to get the word out there...so be it.
Let's all hope for the best. I will speak with her about the possible dates and locations of Hawaii viewings.
Until then...be well, be safe, be happy.
e ola ia oe...long life to you,
Replies
I would hedge a guess and say that this film was shown to garner support for the Akaka Bill - HR 2314 which is now in the Natural resources Committee as we speak. The you tube trailer ends with " After years of struggle Daniel Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian senator continues to rally for the Akaka Bill to be passed by Congress." then in her interview she shows a little bit more of that clip which ends with ..."which supports the federal recognition of Hawaiians".
I also viewed an interview done with the filmaker Catherine Bauknight (www.catherinebauknight.com click on interview) as she explains the history of Hawaiian land "ownership", which she does not even mention the Great Mahele, and says Hawai`i became a territory in 1893. In the interview she was asked how many Native Hawaiians are left, to which she says her "guestimate would be 7000."
I have questions as to her research skills and her intentions in making this film.. I really have my concerns regarding this film.
How come it was never screened on O`ahu, in Hawaiian communities like Molokai, and Hawaiian Homes venues other than Maui/Hana Film Festival. E kala mai, but I have a real problem with bad research and not doing your homework. If she is going to interview and promote her film, she better know Hawaiian history. I learned well from Uncle Harry Mitchell, who always said,do your homework or you will look hupo.
I haven't seen the film but I would like to know if any Kanaka Maoli nationalists were interviewed for the film, or their viewpoints presented. So, this is just my take on the timeliness of this screening, when it actually premiered in 2007.with entry into the Maui Film Festival. There are Kanaka Maoli filmakers who (will) tell their own mo`olelo .
Mahalo for your questions and critique. You have all valid points. I hope I can clear some of them up. The interview was done when she first began filming. She was soooo energized by learning of our plight that she plunged full bore into trying to tell the story. As you could easily tell, she was not yet prepared, but itching to get something in motion. Since that interview, we have talked and I have tried to slow her down and get her canoe pointed in the right direction. I have not yet seen her final piece but am hoping that she indeed has made the necessary changes.
I must say that her intention is NOT to sway anyone to or from the Akaka bill. Her mention of the bill at the end of the film is to show a sense of movement by Hawaiians...in whatever form and way. There are various factions of the sovereignty movement that are featured as well. Many interviews were conducted and are on film.
The screening in 2007 at the Maui Film festival was ony a trailer version of perhaps 6 - 10 minutes. She returned to Maui about a year ago with the full length version and was privately screened (for participants on the film and various kupuna) to provide some time for evaluation and critique. After hearing their opinions, she returned to the drawing board. Again, since then...I have not seen this version that played in DC. She was accompanied by Kahu Hanalei Colleado of whom I trust did a great job of explaining the film and content to the audience. Kahu (when last speaking with him) is not an advocate of the Akaka bill. Neither am I. We are however, advocates of getting the story out.
We hope that she at least creates a stir up in Amelika and brings some support to na kanaka maoli o Hawaii nei.
We all hope that maoli will undergo their own films and send it out to the world. Every time our story is told, it represents another stroke of the paddle going forward. Once again, much mahalo for your insight and quest for accuracy. It is an extremely important factor within the film that must be addressed...lest the "naysayers" up in the mainland will try to tear it apart and blast "the Hawaiians" as being unfactual, unorganized and certainly unknowledgeable.
Let's hope that the present film content has addressed all of the errors and changes needed to state our case in the best way possible.
Mahalo...mahalo...mahalo.
e ola ia oe.
Nae'ole
"Land Titles....Clouded." Thanks for the posting. Kaohi
I know this film and the film maker well. I helped her as she "grew" into the awareness of the quest for sovereignty.
1. She has shown the film very sparingly on the mainland to try and attract some financial support as she has taken on this task through her own funding. She has no intention of making profits...only reimbursements.
2. She will of course show the film in Hawaii nei when she feels that it is worthy for na kanaka maoli to view. She is very "gun shy" of offending our people but very distraught at our circumstances and wants to make a difference.
3. participants in the film come from a wide variety of maoli educators, kumu, kupuna and activists statewide.
4. My personal evaluation of her releasing the film in DC is to provide a quick "one-two-left-right combination" to the new cabinet prior to votes concerning the Akaka Bill.
I hope she makes her point well. I wish I could be there to support the film and was invited to preface it. However...funds do not permit me to fly. Invited to attend are our congressmen, Nancy Pelosi, Clintons, media and various other power brokers..
Mahalo for your questions.
Nae'ole
There is a long video clip of it here: http://www.catherinebauknight.com
"The documentary goal is to raise awareness of the issues faced by the Native Hawaiians, which threatens their ancient and environmentally sustainable culture."
Her press release here: http://www.catherinebauknight.com/MauiPRFoloRelease.pdf
It would be nice if we could see it.
Thank you for this discussion. I have spoken with Caherine and she was pleased with the response from the "audience" in DC. Kahu Hanalei Colleado of Maui accompanied her on the trip. I will find out in more deatail what transpired.
Catherine means well. I was very sceptical at first thinking "why should a haole produce a film about Hawaiian Soveriegnty...and if so...would she be able to relay the message to the viewers?" 4 years in the making...and there are still revisions to be made. However, I do believe that she is on the correct path to expose our predicament. I had to reflect upon a quote that a kupuna once told me. "It will take a Hawaiian to kick a Hawaiian's ass...and it will take a haole to kick a haole's ass!" He explained that a Hawaiian will often quickly reject what a haole has to say in regards to our plight. However, a Hawaiian will listen more intently if there is another Hawaiian expressing their viewpoint. The same can be said for the haole. Catherine is THAT haole and she wants the rest of her people to understand. They will more than likely be more attentive when coming from "one of their own.:" Please note that this is not about racism or class distinction. One could say that it is more about public relations and how messagers are spread. At the end of the day...we get much more exposure and hopefully, support and ideas from the outside...looking in. Who knows where this could go? It it turns out bad, we are still in the same position. We have not much more to lose and whatever it takes to get the word out there...so be it.
Let's all hope for the best. I will speak with her about the possible dates and locations of Hawaii viewings.
Until then...be well, be safe, be happy.
e ola ia oe...long life to you,
Nae'ole