Press Release 12/9/09

Othila Media Productions

HAWAII A VOICE FOR SOVEREIGNTY – HONOLULU PUBLIC PREMIERE SCREENING

Honoring Cast and Native Hawaiian People

Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 PM

University of Hawaii, Spalding Auditorium

Honolulu, HI

University of Hawaii Cinema Series, by Don Brown;

Sponsored in part by Hawaiian Studies, UH and Pasifika Foundation Hawaii

US 2009 84 minutes

RECEPTION at 7:00 PM

Second screening at 7:30 PM

This 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, Kamuela Rodrigues,Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu, Ulalena: The Music of Michel Cusson and Luc Boivin.

The film was recently awarded Best Documentary Feature Film and Best Environmental Film in the NY International and Independent Film Festival. It was won the Audience Award Best Hawai’i Film at the Maui Film Festival in June, after privately screening at the Capitol Building in Washington,DC in June.

Panel discussion facilitated by Jon Orsorio, following screening. Panel will include Prof. Haunani-Kay Trask and Bumpy Kanahele. Others TBA.

Entertainment by Skippy Ioane, political poet from Big Island.

Bauknight will take this opportunity to recognize those who worked towards a common goal of representing the voice of the Native Hawaiians and their culture, who are in the film from Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Molokai, Kauai, and those and worked behind the scenes for the goal of the film, such as cultural advisors Clifford Nae’ole, Leona Kalima and cultural and historical advisor, Al Harrington. The film has empowered the people of Hawaii to take a look at their own history and to do their own research to find out more information, according to Wilmont Kahaialii, from Maui.

$5 General Admission / $3 UH Free Parking on Sunday

Further information about the event: Don Brown (808) 223-0130

Film Trailer: www.catherinebaukight.com

email: cbauknight@othilamedia.com

Directions 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.