Description

Behind Hawaii’s lush tropical setting lurks a struggle for survival for Native Hawaiians. David and Hale are among the disproportionate number of Native Hawaiian convicts serving their sentences in a for-profit prison in Arizona. This unlikely setting is where they reconnect to their culture through music and dance. Their dedication to their heritage fosters camaraderie and instills a new sense of pride. Both inmates get a second chance at freedom, but have limited opportunities upon release. Hale is determined to turn his life around and rediscovers love when he reunites with an old flame. David reconnects with his family and finds use for his Hawaiian customs, but ends up on a path leading him back to bad habits.

This intimate portrait questions belonging for the indigenous population in a state that doesn’t welcome them. The harsh realities for Native Hawaiians is clearly demonstrated through the clashes between imprisonment, spiritualism and opportunity for David and Hale.

— Jason Nou

Expected attendees:

Cinematographer: Chapin Hall

Co-Presented by : Laney College Ethnic Studies, Asian Prisoners Support Committee

Credits

Executive Producers: Jessie Creel, Anderson M. Hinsch, Terry Leonard
Producer: Beau Bassett
Cinematographer: Chapin Hall
Editors: Sara Booth, Jeff Consiglio, Jason Zeldes
Cast: David Kahalewai, Genaro “Hale” Gualdarama, Eric “Kalani” Vance

Preceded By

1. 

   I Am Because You Are

   STEFAN C. SCHAEFER / Shorts / USA / 2017 / 20 mins

   Kaiea needs to find a way to preserve his grandfather’s memories before Alzheimer’s erodes them. His grandfather experienced the Maui of the past and saw the horrors of the Vietnam War, and it’s up to Kaiea to keep his grandfather’s legacy alive by sharing his story.

   Precedes: Out of State

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