Standing Above the Clouds highlights the movement to protect Mauna Kea through the intergenerational stories of women in three Native Hawaiian families as they stand for the sacred mountain. The film follows teacher and community organizer Pua Case and her two daughters – artist-activists Hāwane Pios and Kapulei Flores – who have been called to stop the telescope since 2010. Their lives quickly become consumed with front line actions and court proceedings, while immersed in ceremonies and cultural practices. As they face opposition and arrests, they are joined by a community who have dedicated their lives to protecting Mauna Kea. The film is an intimate journey through the women’s lives both on and off the mountain, and explores the physical and emotional toll of sustaining a grassroots movement. After nine months of living on the mountain and establishing a front line camp, Standing Above the Clouds shows their journey to heal once they return to their homes in March 2020. In the face of challenges and tragedy, the mountain gifts each woman with hope and strength and the understanding that victory lies in standing in unity for sacred places and that healing occurs through the sisterhood they have created along the way.

Standing Above the Clouds

When the massive Thirty Meter Telescope is proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an uprising of kiaʻi (protectors) in Hawaiʻi and around the world dedicate their lives to protecting the sacred mountain from destruction. Through the lens of mothers and daughters in three Native Hawaiian families, Standing Above the Clouds explores intergenerational healing and the impacts of safeguarding cultural traditions.

Q&A with Pua Case & Jalena Keane Lee

Canada

Standing Above the Clouds & Standing in the Clouds Q&A with Pua Case & Jalena Keane Lee

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The 20th annual ReFrame Film Festival features 63 incredible social justice and environmental docs from around the world, Jan 25-Feb 4, 2024

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