film (10)

Oiwi film festival‏

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Welcome to the monthly Theatre Newsletter for the Honolulu Academyof Arts.


In this Issue

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pointer.gif‘ÖIWI FILM FESTIVAL: FROM THEIR OWN EYES
pointer.gifThe beginning: Ka Maka Mua
pointer.gifThose who lead us in Hawai‘i: Nä Alaka‘i o Hawai‘i nei
pointer.gifCaring for our land: Ka Mälama ‘Ana I Ka ‘Äina
pointer.gifHawaiians' relationship to the sea: Ka pilina o ka po’e Hawai’i ikekai
pointer.gifSovereignty: Ka Ea Hawai’i
pointer.gif‘ÖIWI FILMMAKERS TALK STORY PANEL
pointer.gifShort Stories Nä Mo‘olelo Pökole
pointer.gifHula, Dance of Hawai‘i: Nä Hula O Hawai‘i
pointer.gifHonoring our ancestors: Ka ho‘ohanohano ‘ana i ko käkou mauküpuna
pointer.gifRAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL AT THE DORIS DUKE THEATRE
pointer.gifFRIENDS OF FILM FRIDAY: The Story of American FilmCriticism




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Dear Doris Duke Theatregoers,

The Honolulu Academy of Arts is honored to present the ‘OiwiFilmFestival: From Their Own Eyes. This is the firstfestivalof its kind at the Doris Duke Theatre. For six months, asmallcommittee of Honolulu Academy staff and dedicatedvolunteers,including Ann Marie Kirk, Eliana Bresolin, BeckieStocchetti, and Iworked to select a wide variety of films directed andproduced by 18indigenous Hawaiian filmmakers. The festival’s mission is toshowHawaii through the eyes and voices of indigenous Hawaiiansvia thepowerful storytelling medium of filmmaking.

Wegrouped thefilms together to highlight significant themes that recur inmany ofthe films we screened. The topics in the films explorepreservationof the land, culture, and language, and range in tone fromthedeeply powerful to humorous, and poignant. We hope you willjoin us for this historic occasion at our opening reception,whichwill include excellent Hawaiian food, live music, andblessings, incelebration of indigenous Hawaiian filmmakers and theirfilms.


This film festival would not have been possible without thesupport ofsome dear friends of the Honolulu Academy of Arts whounderstood andwere inspired by our endeavor to showcase a diversity ofvoices fromthe indigenous Hawaiian community. Mahalo nui loa to PrinceDavidKahalepouli Kawananakoa, Watters and Christy Martin, MichaelandLinda Horikawa, and the Dolores Furtado Martin Foundation.

Mahalo piha,

Gina Caruso
Curator of Film/Director
Doris Duke Theatre
HonoluluAcademy of Arts


‘ÖIWI FILM FESTIVAL: FROM THEIR OWNEYES

‘ÖIWI FILM FESTIVAL: FROM THEIR OWN EYES

‘ÖIWI FILM FESTIVAL: FROM THEIR OWNEYES
FILMS DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY INDIGENOUS HAWAIIANFILMMAKERS

May 1-26

In the first film festival of its kind at the DorisDuke Theatre, ‘Öiwi filmmakers—indigenous Hawaiian filmmakers—telltheir stories in their own voices and through their owneyes. Mahalonui loa to Prince David Kahalepouli Kawananakoa, Watters andChristyMartin, Michael and Linda Horikawa, and the Dolores FurtadoMartin Foundation.

Credit for artwork: Makawalu: EightEyes by Carl Pao


The beginning: Ka Maka Mua

The beginning: Ka Maka Mua

The beginning
Ka Maka Mua
Total length: 90 mins.
May 1 at 7:30p.m.

Opening Night Reception: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Desoto Brown, Hawaiian scholar, archivist, and Collections Manager at the BishopMuseum,will give a short introduction about the history of Hawaiianfilmmaking; Kumu Kaleo Paik will give a blessing; QueenieVenturaDowsett will dance hula; live Hawaiian music will beperformed byPa‘ahana, and Hawaiian food, wine and beer will be served.

All tickets for opening night are $25 and include Hawaiian Pupu's andmusic.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

E OLA I KEIA PO
Director:‘ÄinaPaikai
2009, 9 mins.
In Hawaiian with Englishsubtitles

Miki‘ala feels suffocated by his Hawaiian culture and language. He wants tobe morelike everyone else, more American.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
QUEENIE: The Spirit of a Dancer

Director:Maile Loo
2010, 10 mins.

Legendary hula dancer Queenie Ventura Dowsett shares her thoughts on the essenceof hula.Queenie speaks about how her kumu, which includes ‘IolaniLuahine,passed on the knowledge of what a dancer, and a dancer'sspirit,possesses.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
MALAMA HALOA–PROTECTING THE TARO

Directors: Puhipau, Joan Lander of NaMaka O Ka Aina
2010, 39 mins.

Taro grower Jerry Konanui works to propagate and save from extinction thenumerousvarieties of Hawaiian taro, a plant that is honored as theeldersibling of the first people of Hawai‘i. His mission is alsotoprotect taro, considered a perfect food, from the risks ofgeneticengineering. Jerry shares a lifetime of knowledge onidentifyingtaro varieties, cultivation and preparing poi.

KING KAMEHAMEHA: A LEGACY RENEWED
Director: Tuti Baker
2002, 27mins.

This film follows the journey of a worldly art conservator into the heart of NorthKohala,a rural community at the end of the road on the northern tipofHawai‘i Island. The art conservator works with communitymembers toconserve a 100-year-old painted bronze sculpture. This is aportraitof the vibrant people of Kohala and the art conservatorwhose lifewas profoundly changed by Kohala, its people, and thesculpture theyhold dear.

Photo credit: Malama Haloa-Protecting theTaro, courtesy of Puhipau and Joan Lander of Na Maka OKaAina


Those who lead us in Hawai‘i: Nä Alaka‘i oHawai‘i nei

Those who lead us in Hawai‘i: Nä Alaka‘i o Hawai‘i nei

Those who lead us in Hawai‘i
Nä Alaka‘i o Hawai‘inei

Total length: 65 mins.
May 2, 4 & 5 at 1p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Filmmakers present for post-screening Q&A onMay 2nd at 7:30pm

Tickets: $8 for general admission; $7 for students,seniors, military; $5 for museum members.

To purchase tickets online, clickhere.

KE KAUA ‘ANA
Directors:2005 Kamehameha Film Class
2005, 3 mins.

Ke Kaua ‘Ana depicts a Hawaiian warrior and his son being summoned to battle. Byremainingsteadfast in the face of adversity, the matriarch conveysherknowledge of her family’s duty to their community and thegods.

KEKOHI
Directors: Kaniela Joy, Ed Joy, Quddus Ajimine
2008, 30 mins.

A short film about the son of a warrior-king selected to be the royal court’smessagerunner during the early- to mid-17th century. In the eyes ofa youngman who sees himself as the best warrior in the province, hefeelsinsulted by the appointment. He soon learns the dangers, theprestige, and the accolades of being a royal messenger.

KING KAMEHAMEHA: A LEGACY RENEWED
Director: TutiBaker
2002, 27 mins.
(See The beginning–Ka MakaMua)

Photo credit: Kekohi, courtesy of KanielaJoy, Ed Joy, and Quddus Ajimine


Caring for our land: Ka Mälama ‘Ana I Ka‘Äina

Caring for our land: Ka Mälama ‘Ana I Ka ‘Äina

Caring for our land
Ka Mälama ‘Ana I Ka ‘Äina

Total length: 55 mins.
May 6, 7 & 9 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30p.m.

Filmmakers present for post-screening Q&A on May 7th at7:30pm

Ticket prices: $8 general public; $7students, seniors, military; $5 museum members.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
MALAMA HALOA–PROTECTING THE TARO

Directors:Puhipau, Joan Lander of Na Maka O Ka Aina
2010, 39mins.

(See The beginning–Ka Maka Mua)

HANAPËPË, KAUA‘I SALT-MAKING LEGEND AND TRADITIONS
Directors:Haunani Azeka Seward and James B. Lucas
2008, 15 mins.

Kauai Salt-Making Legend and Traditions begins with the mo‘olelo of Peleteaching Kalahow to harvest salt to preserve her catch of fish. The filmgoes onto document the process of salt-making today. The studentsandteachers of Ke Kula Ni‘ihau O Kekaha Public Charter SchoolinKekaha, Kaua‘i, were in front of and behind the camera forthisnarrative/ documentary film.

Photo credit: Hanapepe, Kaua'itSalt-making Legend and Traditions, courtesy of HaunaniAzekaSeward and James B. Lucas


Hawaiians' relationship to the sea: Kapilina o ka po’e Hawai’i i ke kai

ke kai" src="http://i6.cmail1.com/ei/r/67/66A/3A9/wiicy/IKAIKA10CoverPhoto181627.jpg" align="left" height="100" hspace="12" vspace="10" width="142"">

Hawaiians' relationship to the sea
Ka pilina o ka po’e Hawai’i i ke kai

Total length: 60 mins.
May 11-13 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30p.m.

Filmmakers present for post-screeningQ&A on May 12 at 7:30pm

Ticket prices: $8 general public; $7students, seniors, military; $5 museum members.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
MOKE ACTION

Director: ‘Äina Paikai
2009,6 mins.
In Pidgin with English subtitles
Two guys like scrap ‘cuz one broken slippah,but squash it ‘cuz they get scoldings from aunty.

KAILIKOA: AN OLYMPIC JOURNEY
Producer: Dawn Kaniaupio
2008,29mins.

This documentary follows Hawai‘i Island’s Daniel Kailikoa Coakley on hisjourney tocompete in the Beijing Olympics as part of the Philippinesteam.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
IKAIKA SUP 10

Director: Jason Lau
2010,24 mins.

Hawaiian surfers Ikaika Kalama and Kainoa McGee say, “was SUP” (stand uppaddleboard)to pipeline. Well-known surfer and lifeguard Brian Keaulanawrites,“Ikaika exemplifies every meaning of the word ‘waterman.’ Noonepiece of equipment defines who he is—it’s just a tool orextensionof what he does.”

Photo credit: Ikaika SUP 10, courtesy ofJason Lau


Sovereignty: Ka Ea Hawai’i

Sovereignty: Ka Ea Hawai’i

Sovereignty
Ka Ea Hawai’i

Total length: 110 mins.
May 14 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m.
May 15 at 1 p.m., 4p.m.,7:30 p.m.
May 16 at 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Filmmakers present for post-screening Q&A on May 15th at7:30pm

Ticket prices: $8 general public; $7 students,seniors, military; $5 museum members.

To purchase tickets online, clickhere.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
RELEASE OURWATER

Director: Kelly Pauole
2010, 30 mins.

For the last 100 years, billions of gallons of water have been diverted fromEastMaui Stream to Upcountry and Central Maui. More than halfthepopulation of East Maui is indigenous Hawaiian. Release ourWaterinterviews people from the community about the water issue.The filmreveals that the displacement of East Maui’s native peoples,theloss of their culture, and an overall decline in the healthof theland and its people can be directly related to the waterdiversion.

NOHO HEWA: THE WRONGFUL OCCUPATION OF HAWAI’I
Director: Anne Keala Kelly
2008, 80mins.

In Hawaiian, “hewa” means “wrong” and “noho” means “to occupy.” Noho Hewa: TheWrongfulOccupation of Hawai‘i is a contemporary look at indigenousHawaiianpeople, politics and resistance in the face of theirsystematicerasure under U.S. laws, economy, militarism, and realestatespeculation. The film is told from the perspective ofHawaiians whomake critical links between these seemingly unrelatedindustries,and who clarify the legal and political relevance of theHawaiiansovereignty struggle in the context of indigenous rights andtheU.S. occupation of Hawai’i.

To read a review of Noho Hewa byHonolulu Star Bulletin critic Joleen Oshiro, clickhere.

Photo Credit: Noho Hewa, courtesy ofAnne Keala Kelly.


‘ÖIWI FILMMAKERS TALK STORY PANEL

‘ÖIWI FILMMAKERS TALK STORY PANEL
May 16 at 4 p.m.

The ‘Öiwi Filmmakers Talk Story panel will bring together diverse ‘Öiwifilmmakers whowill share their thoughts on topics ranging from theimportance ofindigenous Hawaiians having control of the stories that aretold oftheir culture, to the issues of creating business for theproductionof films by ‘Öiwi filmmakers. The Talk Story panel is alsoanopportunity for the community to engage in a question andanswersession with the filmmakers in the ‘Öiwi FilmFestival.

Filmmakers on the Talk Story panel include Keala Kelly, Kelly Pauole, AnnMarie,and others. Check our site for updates: www.honoluluacademy.org

Price: $5 for general public; $3 formembers; students with identification are free.


Short Stories Nä Mo‘olelo Pökole

Short Stories Nä Mo‘olelo Pökole

Short Stories
Nä Mo‘olelo Pökole

Total length: 85 mins.
May 18-20 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m, 7:30p.m.

Filmmakerspresent for post-screening Q&A on May 19th at7:30pm

Ticket prices: $8 general public; $7 students,seniors, military; $5 museum members.

To purchase tickets online, clickhere.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
MAUNALUA

Director: Lehman Henry
1959,12mins.

One of the first films known to be directed and produced by a Hawaiian, Maunalua isasnapshot in time. The film is a vintage look at the area’sKuapafishpond, the community, and ocean before Henry Kaiserturned itinto Hawai‘i Kai.

KEKOHI
Directors: Kaniela Joy, Ed Joy, Quddus Ajimine
2008, 30 mins.
(SeeThose who lead us in Hawai‘i - Nä Alaka‘i o Hawai‘i nei)

STONES
Director: Ty Sanga
2009, 20 mins.

Nihipali and Na‘iwi struggle to accept newcomers to the island. Ripe with grieffrom theloss of her son, Nihipali is caught between her desire tobefriend ayoung girl from the village and her husband’s insistencethat theymaintain their separation.

THE LAVENDER QUEEN RAROTONGAN BUTTERFLY
Director: Tony SilvaandJames Roache
2009, 10 mins.

In this hilarious short comedy, Mary and Mary hunt for the elusive lavenderqueenRarotongan butterfly in the forest of Hawai‘i.

E OLA I KEIA PO
Director: ‘Äina Paikai
2009, 9 mins.

In Hawaiian with English subtitles

(See The beginning–Ka Maka Mua)

Photo Credit: E Ola I Keia Po, courtesyof ‘Äina Paikai


Hula, Dance of Hawai‘i: Nä Hula OHawai‘i

Hula, Dance of Hawai‘i: Nä Hula O Hawai‘i

Hula, Dance of Hawai‘i
Nä Hula O Hawai‘i

Total length: 80 mins.
May 21 & 22 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30p.m.

Filmmakers present for post-screening Q&A on May 22 at4pm

Ticket prices: $8 general public; $7 students,seniors, military; $5 museum members.

To purchase tickets online, clickhere.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
QUEENIE: TheSpirit of a Dancer

Director: Maile Loo
2010,10mins.
(See Thebeginning–Ka Maka Mua)

KEAO
Director: Emily Kaliko Spenser
2008, 10 mins.

Ancient and modern rituals of Hawaiian culture are challenged when a youngwomanreflects on their purpose in this piece about themisappropriationof tradition.

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME
Director: Eddie Kamae
2005, 60 mins.

Eddie Kamae chronicles the lives of three indigenous Hawaiian women Mary KawenaPukui,‘Iolani Luahine, and Edith Kanaka’ole who helped save aculture andlanguage that was in peril. The stories of these women aretoldthrough candid, heartfelt interviews with people who wereinfluencedby them.

Photo credit: Keepers of the Flame,courtesy of Eddie and Myrna Kamaesans-serif"">


Honoring our ancestors: Ka ho‘ohanohano‘ana i ko käkou mau küpuna

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Honoring our ancestors
Ka ho‘ohanohano ‘ana i ko käkou mauküpuna

Total length: 90 mins.
May 23, 25 & 26 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30p.m.

Filmmakers present for post-screeningQ&A on May 26 at 7:30pm

Ticket prices: $8 general public; $7 students,seniors, military; $5 museum members.

To purchase tickets online, clickhere.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TUTURUTH
Director: Ann Marie Kirk
Producer: Carlyn Tani
1996, 29 mins.

This is the story of 90-year-old Ruth Makaila Kaholoa‘a, a force of nature fromWaipioValley on Hawai‘i island. This film vividly captures thespirit andstrength of this beautiful Hawaiian woman.

HAWAI‘I PREMIERE
HOMEALANI

Director: Ann Marie Kirk
2010,60 mins.

Homealani is the story of Oliver Homealani Kupau, the grandfather of the filmmakerAnnMarie Kirk. Born the year her grandfather died, thefilmmaker takesus on a journey of discovering who he was as an indigenousHawaiianman, everyone whose life he has touched, and the legacy heleft forthem.

To read a review of Homealani byHonolulu Advertiser columnist Lee Cataluna, clickhere.

Photo credit: Homealani, courtesy Ann MarieKirk.


RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL AT THE DORIS DUKETHEATRE

RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL AT THE DORIS DUKE THEATRE

21st ANNUAL RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL
May 27-30

The Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation presents the 21stannualRainbow Film Festival in memory of Adam Baran.Thefestival holds its Gayla gala event May 30 6-10p.m. in the Academy Art Center at Linekona garden.

For the full schedule, visit www.hglcf.orgor call 808/675.8428.


FRIENDS OF FILM FRIDAY: The Story ofAmerican Film Criticism

FRIENDS OF FILM FRIDAY: The Story of American Film Criticism

FRIENDS OF FILM FRIDAY
FOR THE LOVE OFMOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM

Directors:Gerald Peary and Amy Geller
USA, 2009, 80 mins.

•May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Filmmakers Gerald Peary and AmyGeller

• 6pm pre-screening reception includes a complimentary glass of wine. Food willbeavailable for purchase from Da Spot.

Ticket prices are $15 general public; $12 museum members; $8 for studentswith ID.
To purchase tickets online, clickhere.

For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism is thefirstdocumentary to dramatize the rich saga of American moviereviewing.Directed by Boston Phoenix critic Gerald Peary, FortheLove of Movies offers an insider’s view of the critics’profession, with commentary from such lauded reviewers asRogerEbert (Chicago Sun-Times), A.O. Scott (New YorkTimes), Lisa Schwarzbaum (Entertainment Weekly),andKenneth Turan (Los Angeles Times ). We also hearfromyoung, articulate, internet voices, including Harry Knowles (aintitcool.com) andKarinaLongworth (spout.com).Their storiesare entertaining, humorous, and personal. Those who hearthem maygain new respect for the profession of film criticism. Fromthe rawbeginnings of criticism before The Birth of a Nation totheincendiary Pauline Kael-Andrew Sarris debates of the 1960sand 70sto the battle today between youthful onliners and the printestablishment, this documentary tells all. With narration byPatricia Clarkson.

www.honoluluacademy.org/" target="_blank">Honolulu Academy of Arts
900 South BeretaniaStreet
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808)532-8700

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Kanaka Maoli Honored In New Zealand

MANA WAIROA AWARD RECOGNISED INDIGENOUS STRUGGLE OF HAWAIIAN PEOPLEPress Release: Nuhaka, Wairoa District, Aotearoa New Zealand, TuesdayJune 8th 2010THE WAIROA MAORI FILM FESTIVAL honoured the native people of Hawai'iyesterday with the awarding of a new award category at the event. TheMANA WAIROA AWARD is a new category that recognises films thatcontribute to the advancement of the human rights of indigenouspeoples all around the world. The Award is to tautoko (support) andmotivate the recipient community in its efforts to advance their goalsof realising the potentialities inherent in their values and beliefsystems that spring from their unique whenua (land), moana (sea) andranginui (sky) context on Planet Earth.The inaugural MANA WAIROA AWARD was presented to HAWAII A VOICE FORSOVEREIGNTY by Catherine Bauknight and the Native Hawaiian people. TheAward was presented over LIVE SKYPE VIDEO from the newly anointedDIGITAL MARAE at Kahungunu Marae, Nuhaka.Festival Director Leo Koziol (who is of Rakaipaaka tribal descent) andFestival Chairperson Huia Koziol (who is a Trustee of the marae) spokeby video with Director Catherine Bauknight, and also via live phoneconnection with representatives from the Hawaiian indigenous movementwho are profiled in the film. Also present at this special event --and participating in the SKYPE VIDEO -- were kaumatua and Trustees ofthe marae, guest Maori film makers present at the festival, andmembers of the general public who had just had the privilege ofwatching the New Zealand premiere of the film.One of the goals of "Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" by filmmakerCatherine Bauknight and the Native Hawaiian people, is to enlightenthe world of the truth of Hawai'i Nei. It was one year ago June 4th,that the film was released at a private screening at the CapitolBuilding in Washington, DC. On June 21st 2009 it had its publicpremiere at the Maui Film Festival, and was awarded the AudienceAward, Best Hawai'i Film. "Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" has alsoscreened at venues in Hawaii, NY City, Canada, Los Angeles, and SantaCruz, CA. These screenings have contributed to achieving theimportant goal of enlightening the world about the truth of Hawai'iNei.The links below and the stories that follow contain some of thesignificant developments since the release of the film.Trailer of Film/Pasadena Cultural Event/Panel Discussionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRJ-WO51xn4KPFK radio interviewhttp://www.ukespot.com/Spokesperson Kiowa Gordonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tEwTtktm_U&feature=relatedHawaii Public Radiohttp://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/hpr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4093&Itemid=99999999LA Talk Radiohttp://www.latalkradio.com/images/Grand-051310.mp3The MANA WAIROA AWARD was launched at the fifth annual Wairoa MaoriFilm Festival (website address is www.manawairoa.com) just prior tothe Poroporoaki after which film makers from across the countryreturned home. It is hoped to hold screenings of HAWAII A VOICE FORSOVEREIGNTY at other locations around the country, including Murupara,Auckland, Levin, Masterton and Wellington.Authorised by: Te Roopu Whakaata Maori I Te Wairoa Inc.
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Press ReleaseHAWAII A VOICE FOR SOVEREIGNTY - HONOLULU PUBLIC PREMIERE SCREENINGHonoring Cast and Native Hawaiian PeopleSunday, December 13 at 5:00 PMUniversity of Hawaii, Spalding AuditoriumHonolulu, HIUniversity of Hawaii Cinema Series, by Don Brown;Sponsored in part by Hawaiian Studies, UHUS 2009 84 minutesRECEPTION at 7:00 PMThis documentary film, directed by photojournalist Catherine Bauknight, explores the culture of the Native Hawaiians and their connection to the land. At the forefront of the film are social, economic, and ecological issues that have developed in Hawaii since the takeover by the U.S. in 1893, revealed in the voice and participation of the grassroots indigenous people and scholars such as author, Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask and Professor Kaleikoa Ka'eo, Senator Kalani English, Bumpy Kanahele, and Clifford Nae'ole, Ramsay Taum, Kahu Hanalei Colleado, and Guy Aina The goal of the documentary is to raise awareness of the issues faced by the Native Hawaiians that threaten their ancient and environmentally sustainable culture. Key contributors to the film and understanding of the Hawaiian culture through music and chants are Charles Ka'upu, Cyril Pahinui, George Kahumoku, Ke'eaumoku Kapu, Lono, Richard Ho'opi'i, Skippy Ioane, Willie K, and Makana. Panel discussion facilitated by Jon Orsorio, following screening. Panel will include Prof. Haunani-Kay Trask. Others TBA.$5 General Admission / $3 UH Free Parking on SundayFurther information about the event: Don Brown (808)223-0130Film Trailer: www.catherinebaukight.comDirections to Spalding Auditorium:Proceed north on University Ave. two stoplights past Dole St. (Maile Way). Make a right onto the campus. 400 yards past the guard gate, park in the lot on the right at the corner of Maile Way and Farrington Rd. Walk through passage way to the front of the building. Auditorium is on the first floor.
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"HAWAI`I A VOICE FOR SOVEREIGNTY" WINS FILM & VIDEO AWARDS

Catherine Bauknight's feature documentary film, "Hawai`i A Voice For Sovereignty", has been awarded the Best Documentary Feature Film and Best Environmental Film awards at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.


"I'm incredibly happy to have received recognition from such a prestigious film festival in New York.", Bauknight says. "These awards are certainly of importance to the film, but more importantly, to the Hawaiian people. They have put a lot of their heart and soul into this documentary to get their message out to the world for sovereign rights in their homeland.

"To have a venue such as New York appreciate the importance of the Hawaiian culture, their relationship to the land, and their concern for the environment, is outstanding.

"The world is becoming aware of the Native Hawaiians and the importance of their magnificent culture! Aloha Ke Akua," she stated.


Earlier this year, at the Maui Flm Festival, Bauknight's film was presented with The Audience Award - Best Hawai`i Film.


Next be screening will be Nov. 4, 2009 at the American Film Market in Los Angeles for worldwide distribution.
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WHEN - Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 PMWHERE - University of Hawai`i, Spalding AuditoriumRECEPTION - 7:00 PMSecond screening - 7:30 PMThis documentary film, directed by photojournalist Catherine Bauknight, explores the culture of the Native Hawaiians and their connection to the land.At the forefront of the film are social, economic, and ecological issues that have developed in Hawai`i since the takeover by the US
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Catherine Bauknight Filmmaker of "Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" will be interviewed on KKCR, Kauai Public Radio's "Na Leo Hawaiian Issues Program", hosted by Mahelani, Saturday, October 24th at 1:30PM, and Sunday, October 25th at 4PM. The interviews can be heard live on the internet at www.kkcr.org. On Kauai the interviews can be heard on radio 90.9 FM on the northshore, 91.9 FM in the Kapa'a area, and 92.7 in the Anahola and Molo'a areas."Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" will be screened on Sunday, October 25th at 6 PM at the Waimea Theater. The film explores the people, culture, and history of Hawai'i since the US overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. Further information about the film is available at www.catherinebauknight.com."Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" received the Audience Award - Best Hawaii Film, at this year's Maui Film Festival.
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"Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" Makes It's NYC Priemere At The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival."Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" will be screened on Fri. October 23, 2009 at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival in New York City. It will be screened at 2:00PM. ***** at the Village East Cinema 189 Second Ave New York, NY 10003. NYIIFVF is a competitive event that screens the latest indie films from all around the globe. 2.00PM. Film Tickets are priced at $12 in advance at www.nyfilmvideo.com. Or $15 at the door."Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty" is the first of its kind documentary about the native Hawaiians plight to preserve their culture, their connection to the land, and their spirituality, This epic documentary contains rare interviews from 2005-2009, with Native Hawaiians including Professor Haunani-Kay Trask, Senator J. Kalani English, Grammy nominee and award-winning Willie K, and grass roots voices of the people throughout the islands. Included also is an interview with, NY Times bestselling author Gregg Braden, of Fractal Time: The Secret of 2012 and a New World Age, who explains in the film, "The key to our future lies in the wisdom of our past".The film has already earned some prestigious nominations including Best Feature Documentary and Best Environmental Documentary at the festival. The film received the Audience Award - Best Hawai'i Film at the Maui Film Festival earlier this year.Filmmaker Catherine Bauknight’s exploration of cultural identities has its origins within her photojournalist background. A professional photographer for over two decades, Bauknight’s work has been featured in such distinguished publications as The New York Times, cover of Time Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek Magazine, USA Today, Rolling Stone, and People Magazine. She was one of five internationalphotographers who risked their lives to cover the Tiananmen Square massacre. She has always been drawn to document the culture of people. Shesays it’s the identity of the people and the heart of communication within cultures and with other cultures that are the core to resolving the many issues we now face.“I think “Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty” should be required viewing for every school child in Hawaii and every tourist should see it on the plane” exclaims writer Paul Janes Brown of the Maui Weekly . Actor Kris Kristofferson has this to say: "Catherine Bauknight has beautifully captured a timeless moment in the unending struggle of the Hawaiian people to restore their Sovereign Nation. "Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty" is a thought-provoking documentary that respectfully canvasses their journey, hopes and dreams.".For further information about Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty , please go to www.catherinebauknight.com or contact Catherine Bauknight email atcbauknight@othilamedia.com,
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Truth, Integrity, and Film!

Congratulations Barbarian Princess! Although the Star of the film, Q'orianka Kilchner, has too much integrity to even say the name of the film; and despite the misrepresentation of Hawaiian history within the film, and the anger you've created amongst the Hawaiians and all people who cherish truth, you will likely receive an award from the Honolulu International Film Festival this year. Congrats!But forever the award this year will be tarnished by the fact that the film that conveys truth, honesty, and integrity, was omitted from HIFF despite being presented the Audience Award - Best Hawaii Film at this year's Maui Film Festival. Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty, Catherine Bauknight's award winning documentary film was rejected by HIFF. Why? Most likely because the Hawaii International Film Festival did not want an independent, documentary film winning an prestigious award over a local production company. Certainly can't blame HIFF. Their goal is to promote local film production, aka money, commercialism. This has long been how the Hawaiians and their beautiful aina have been treated and abused. Commercial value and military strategicness always trumps integrity and truth!When asked to comment filmmaker Catherine Bauknight said:"The power to speak the truth is our gift as humans. That is the greatness and power of the film, Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty. In the film the Hawaiians speak the truth about the pain they've experienced, the present renaissance of their culture, and their plans for a sustainable future. The fact that Q'orianka Kilchner will not even speak the name of the film tells us she is a woman of integrity who values truth. Her heart is pono. We have our path and our journey is set. The road is paved of truth and justice for all all who realize that these qualities can not be measured in gold."So, how might the Hawaiians respond? No doubt in a classic Hawaiian fashion. They will look to the film whose name we should not speak, know that it portrays the Hawaiians as lazy, undeserving, helpless beings; and they will no doubt accept it with the dignity of the incredible people they are. AND, they will forever know the truth. They will continue their quest for freedom, independence and sovereignty, as their magnificent Queen, Her Majesty Queen Liliu'okalani, has taught them: though peace and civility, with compassion, sympathy, and understanding for those lesser minds amongst us who value palapala more than truth, honesty and justice. Trading the Kanaka Maoli for palapala and an award that pales in comparison to truth and integrity is your kuleana. Your actions will only strenghten their resolve...as the God loving, intelligent, civilized people they are!While I can say Malama pono to Q'orianka Kilchner, to the makers of that other film I will say,Aloha Ke Akua.|
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Aloha,To follow is the synopsis of Beyond Wailea, a feature film based on a true story from Maui that now is under consideration by a major Hollywood Producer. Your comments will help make this film a reality.This film is important not only to Hawai'i but also to the world. Your Queen's response to the US invasion of The Kingdom of Hawai'i is the epitome of true leadership, compassion, and humanity. The film suggests that she be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.A very prominent ha'ole actor will be reviewing the story later today. If anyone can assist getting this synopsis to other prominent people in the entertainment industry that would be greatly appreciated. I am not asking for a commitment, simply their interest. The Producer has told me interest from prominent actors in/from Hawai'i Nei will add to his enthusiasm for this project.Malama Kakou - We best care for ourselves by caring for one another.We are the people we have been waiting for!Malama popno,Aloha Ke Akua,j.Genre: Hawai'ian/Legal DramaLogline: A 19th Century Naval Chaplain, who resisted the US takeover of Hawai'i, is reincarnated as a contemporary attorney who is confronted with the same dark energies that originally overthrew the Kingdom of Hawai'i, as he fights against unscrupulous developers to preserve a Hawai'ian family's ownership of land .Beyond WaileaBased On A True Story From The Island Of Maui.By J. D'Alba814.270.1977jpulehu@hotmail.comKnowing of the plight of the Hawaiian culture and the impeding challenge her people are facing with the continued loss of their land that is vital to their existence, a elderly Hawaiian Kapuna summons her family's amakua, the shark, to compel the return of a nineteenth century American Naval Chaplain to aid her people. The naval Chaplain, who has been reincarnated as a contemporary attorney in the midst of a blossoming legal career, finds his life turned upside down when his fiancée finds him in a compromising interlude with his secretary. In his emotionally distraught state he seeks comfort in a French Canadian paramour only to find his plans thwarted by a winter blizzard that strikes Montreal. At the airport he learns that Montreal is inaccessible and the announcement of the final boarding call of a flight to Maui instills in him a sense of déjà vu that compels him to the island of Maui.Upon landing in Maui he checks into a posh hotel in Wailea, Maui's most upscale resort area when he expresses a desire to the hotel concierge for a memorable experience of the island. The concierge arranges a hang gliding expedition for him from the summit of Haleakala volcano and along the scenically spectacular north shore of Maui's coast. His awareness of this island's incredible beauty compels him to explore Maui's north shore. As he is photographing the coastline a rogue wave sweeps him into the ocean sending him into a panic to survive. During this struggle he experiences inexplicable thoughts of his past life as the Chaplain, as the Chaplain is bound and gagged on a naval freighter. During his near drowning he is approached by the shark who, unbeknownst to the attorney, thrusts him onto the safety of the reef only after the shark bequeaths upon his neck the revered Hawaiian malie lei. The attorney's struggle against near downing, his encounter with the shark, and his being thrust from the water is witnessed by a Hawaiian elder and his grandson who come to his aid and assist him back to health in the company of their ohana (family). The attorney finds himself living in their incredible valley and becomes enamored not only with these beautiful people, their culture, and their way of life, but also with the elder Hawaiian's niece, Moana, with whom he begins a wondrous love affair. Their affair only heightens his appreciation of the beautiful essence of the Hawaiian culture, their social graces, spiritualism, love, gratitude, knowledge, unique philosophical perspectives, and their essential, inextricable bond with the land.During breakfast one morning Moana reads that an Auntie, deceased decades earlier, is being sued in an action to quiet title to land of which neither Moana nor anyone else in the ohana has any knowledge. The attorney investigates the basis of this legal action, intercedes on behalf of the family, and learns of the tragic history of Hawaii and how the United States of America illegally acquired the once sovereign Kingdom of Hawai'i. He is lost however to explain the connection between the land that is the subject of the lawsuit and the family that has rescued him until he meets the matriarch of the family, Tutu Helen, who unequivocally informs him: "Smythe stole the land!" Knowing the veracity of Tutu Helen's statement he is left with the daunting task of proving this fact in a court of law only to learn firsthand of the unjust treatment of Hawaiians in the American system of justice, and the incredible lengths the powers that be will go to suppress anyone who attempts to help them rectify this injustice. This challenge presents the attorney with utter, hopeless frustration until he is mystically returned to nineteenth century Hawaii that is in the midst of being overthrown by a conspiracy initiated by the American government with the aid of the US naval and marine forces. There, as the naval Chaplain, he witnesses the planned efforts to acquire this paradise from its rightful owners only to find himself bound and gagged on a ship, being keelhauled for his refusal to aid in the unscrupulous conspiracy to overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii, and steal the land.With the knowledge he gains from reliving his prior life experience he again is back in court only to find he is without concrete evidence to sustain what he knows to be true. Tutu Helen then directs him to the graves of her ancestors that are situated on property now 'owned' by the aging officer of Hawaii's largest corporate entity, a Hawaiian Sugar Company, and whose son, knowing of this outside Attorney's efforts to expose the century old fraud that enabled his father's corporation to rise to its status as Hawaii's premiere corporate entity, is determined to stop the attorney by any means.Despite the grave threat to their lives, the Attorney and his lover, Moana, sneak unto the lands of the corporation's leader where they discover the bodily remains of Moana's ancestors exposed on the eroding cliff along the ocean. Removing a tooth from the skull of one the ancestors, the attorney uses it to prove the family's ownership of the land. The Judge is dumbfounded by the Catch-22 he now finds himself in. His dilemma, either refuse to accept the inescapable conclusion that this land is indeed still rightfully owned by this Hawaiian family, and allow these lands to remain held by the sugar company and permit the developers to acquire the land which they seek to quiet title to, or deny the developers lawsuit and return all the land, some two thousand plus acres, to the heirs of the nineteenth century Hawaiians from which it was fraudulently acquired.In the end Tutu Helen appears near death as the attorney tells her of the Judges decision. The Judge refused to jeopardize his career by perpetuating a fraud that has existed for over a century and he not only denied the attempt by the developers to take the parcels of land they seek but also he returned the two thousand acres of land to this Hawaiian family. The attorney is overcome with distress, as Tutu Helen seems to gasp her last breath of life after learning of the decision. Surrounded by members of her ohana whose emotions over her loss are evident, Tutu Helen stuns them all as she opens her eyes and proclaims. "They said I was dead, but I still live."The final scene of the movie depicts the mansion once owned by the head of the Sugar Company being bulldozed to the ground and dozens of Hawaiians working to restore the land by planting trees, flowers, and gardens where the mansion once stood.As this scene concludes the movie fades along with the hauntingly beautiful voice of Hawaiian legendary musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole:Cry for the gods,Cry for the people.Cry for the land that was taken away.And then yet you'll find.Hawai'i.Ua mau Ke Ea Oka Aina Ika Pono O Hawai'i.(The life of the land of Hawaii is preserved in righteousness.)
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