Seattle Asian American Film Festival 2021

Looking Past Paradise: Shorts From Hawai'i

Expired March 15, 2021 6:59 AM
Already unlocked? for access
7 films in package
MOLOKAʻI BOUND
A wayward young man, recently released from prison, struggles to reconnect with his son and Hawaiian heritage.
THIS IS THE WAY WE RISE
An exploration into the creative process follows Native Hawaiian slam poet Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio as her calling to protect sacred sites atop Maunakea, Hawai`i reinvigorates her art.
THE MOON AND THE NIGHT
A Native Hawaiian teenage girl must confront her father after he enters her beloved pet in a dog fight. A coming-of-age tale of a young woman who must make the difficult realization that to save her family, she must stand on her own.
HAWAIIAN SOUL
The story of George Helm, a talented Hawaiian musician and leader in the 1970's native rights movement, who used his voice to inspire a revolution of consciousness.
KAPAEMAHU
Kapaemahu reveals the healing power of four mysterious stones on Waikiki Beach – and the legendary transgender spirits within them.
Closed captions available
STANDING ABOVE THE CLOUDS
A story of inter-generational women activists, who call themselves Ku Kia'i Mauna, or guardians of the mountain.
Looking Past Paradise: Shorts From Hawai'i Q&A
Moderated by Kalei'okalani Matsui with ʻĀina Paikai (director, Hawaiian Soul), Ciara Lacy (director, This is the Way We Rise), Erin Lau (director, The Moon and the Night), and Jalena Keane-Lee (director, Standing Above the Clouds).
This virtual screening is eligible for audience awards! Unlock it to cast your vote.
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: United States of America.

LOOKING PAST PARADISE is a showcase that allows us the privilege of seeing how the filmmaking community in Hawai’i has leveraged increased accessibility from digital democratization. From the movement to protect Mauna Kea to a brief reunion between a formerly incarcerated father and his son, these films shatter the veneer of tourism and reveal the truths that affect the Nation of Hawai’i.


Co-presented by U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle and Hawaiian International Film Festival

Hawaiian Soul is the story of George Helm, a talented Hawaiian musician and leader in the 1970's native rights movement, who used his voice to inspire a revolution of consciousness. This short-film shares moments of George's journey into music and activism from childhood to his adult life, right up to the precipice of his leap into protecting Kahoʻolawe, an island used for target bombing practice by the US Navy that eventually put a stop to. This is an origin story of our Hawaiian hero. (Content Warning: State Violence)

  • Year
    2020
  • Runtime
    19 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    PNW Premiere
  • Director
    ʻĀina Paikai
  • Cast
    Kolea Fukumitsu
Copy link
Add to calendar