Hawaii Film Festival Opens With Navigator Premiere and Kaho'olawe Tribute
Marking 50 years of the island's restoration movement, the festival features new films and concerts from local and international artists.
By Simon Bennett ·
The Hawaii International Film Festival opened on Thursday with the world premiere of "The Navigator," a documentary about the Hōkūleʻa. The screening served as the kickoff event for the festival's schedule.
The festival is also honoring the 50th anniversary of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʥohana movement. Musician Kimiʻe Miner and representative Kaipu Keala discussed the group's legacy during a recent interview. They are part of an eight-artist project that includes a new album and a cultural journey to the island.
The film "Sacred Island: Living the Dream," directed by Mark Carpenter and Corbin Gregory, is part of the festival lineup. The documentary explores the ongoing work to protect the sacred island of Kahoʻolawe.
Reggae artist Gramps Morgan performed at Blue Note Hawaii on November 5. He discussed his Grammy-nominated album "Positive Vibration" and his work mentoring local artists like J Boog and Fiji. Morgan described the blending of country and reggae styles as creating "blurred lines." His concert preceded the main festival events.
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment marked its 35th anniversary during the festival. Executive director Michelle Sugihara highlighted the career of local writer Bryson Chun, who worked on "Moana 2" and "Doogie Kamealoha, M.D." Sugihara noted that short film winners at the festival qualify for Oscar consideration. This rule provides a direct path for local filmmakers to enter the Academy's selection process.
