Hawaii Short Film Showcase | Maui Film Festival

film schedule

MONDAY | SEPTEMBER 2 | 4:00 PM | HAWAII SHORT FILM SHOWCASE

87 min. | culture hula storytelling music | hawaii

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Hawaii as we present a collective of short films celebrating the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture. From breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions to vibrant life enriching communities. From traditional hula to enchanting wildlife and captivating stories that celebrate the beauty and spirit of Hawaii. These 11 short films offer a compelling and intimate look into the beauty and spirit of Hawaii. Join us as today's most talented Hawaiian filmmakers invite you to discover the inspiring stories, history, and people that make Hawaii a truly remarkable place.

HULA IS HAWAII | 20 MIN

In a dance of generations, 'Hula is Hawaii' unveils the mystical journey of an ancient art form passed down through time. Delve into the hidden world where each graceful movement tells a story, and as the hula evolves, it weaves an ethereal connection between the land and its people.

"UNSTOPPABLE" ANGELA LEE | 2 MIN

For Angela Lee, martial arts has been her entire life. Becoming the youngest female world champion in ONE Fight Championship at only 19 years old, she garnered a successful and decorated career in the sport for over 7 years. But when tragedy strikes, how does one maintain their fighting spirit they've known their whole lives?

WHO'S THAT GIRL | 7 MIN

In a vibrant 1950's high school setting in Hawaii, the Sadie Hawkins dance is fast approaching, and tensions are high as the leader of the jocks, known as "The Mynah Birds," and the leader of the greasers, dubbed "The Red Light Runners," vie for the attention of the charismatic leader of the popular girls, "The Puas."

HUI MO'OLELO | 6 MIN

Through Hui Mo‘olelo (“gathering of stories”), a cohort of Maui storytellers is trained through a series of free, community workshops. Upon completion, participants are paired with an intergenerational partner to generate a site-specific story that is audio-recorded.

KALA | 19 MIN

On the remote Hawaiian Island of Molokai, two estranged brothers reluctantly set out to catch a kala fish at the request of their dying father, allowing them to express long-held feelings in an attempt to heal the deep hurt that substance abuse has brought to their family.

PU'U KUKUI THE HILL OF ENLIGHTEMENT | 11 MIN

Puʻu Kukui is the name of the summit of Mauna Kahalawai, otherwise commonly referred to as the "West Maui Mountains" on the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Maui. One of the last hidden gems of Hawaiʻi is nearly 10,000 acres, and thereʻs a team of just 8 humans working to ensure it stays that way.

OCEAN GUARDIANS | 10 MIN

Visionary creates grassroots social enterprise to prevent whale extinction. Now the organization races against time to battle new threats using research, education and conservation methods to help sustain a delicate balance between humans and marine life.

WATER BODIES | 10 MIN

Two women explore the spiritual significance of water in their hometown, Waimea, Hawaiʻi, through the story of Manaua, the sacred guardian of water.

LAYERS DAN WORDEN | 2 MIN

Dan "Adventure Man" Worden, is a human of many titles. Waterman, cliff diver, competitive swimmer, coach, filmmaker, and photographer to name a few. He lives his life at the edge of his comfort zones, committing himself to excellence and a slight bit of obsessive perfection.

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