This is the Way We Rise is an exploration into the creative process, following Native Hawaiian slam poet Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio as her calling to protect sacred sites atop Maunakea, Hawai`i reinvigorates her art.

Director’s Statement: Ciara Lacy

This is the Way We Rise was always meant to be an exploration into the creative process of one of Hawai`i’s most promising Native talents, but when the protection of Maunakea ignited amongst our people, it became so much more. It was the awakening of Jamaica’s creativity alongside the awakening of our community, and this film now serves as a powerful record of not only one person’s journey toward actualization but also that of a people. As we say, K’kia`i mauana!, or defend and protect Maunakea—for our ancestors, for those alive today, and for future generations.