After the Endling takes us on an experiential journey through the world of shadow puppetry. Deep within the forests of Hawai ‘i, Hawaiian tree snails, pūpū kani oe (“shell that sounds long”) maintain a harmonious relationship with their environment, but invasive creatures sail in, disrupting the tiny island creatures’ trusting lifestyle. George is born into this threatened reality, and upon his parents’ death, George becomes an endling, the very last of his species. For more than ten lonely years, George struggles to survive, waiting for a mate. On New Year’s Day 2019, as the world around him celebrated a new beginning, Lonely George’s wait ended as his species came to an end, begging the question, “How will we carry on the story of Lonely George?"
after the endling
Shadow Puppet Film, 2022
Sancia
Documentary, 2022
Sancia Miala Shiba Nash is a filmmaker from Kīhei, Maui. Through time-based media, she works collaboratively to amplify intersectional stories of place. Her practice is guided by oral histories, archives, and acts of translation. Currently she is helping to catalog Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina’s moving image collection, as a project of Puʻuhonua Society. In 2020, Sancia cofounded kekahi wahi, a grassroots film initiative dedicated to documenting transformations across Hawaiʻi.
MaunaKea:
Sacred Mountain, sacred conduct
Film, 2020
Directed by Meleanna Meyer and Tom Coffman. A documentary short offering tribute to the kiaʻi (guardians) of Maunakea, who have stood to protect the sacred mountain and prevent further desecration of natural and cultural resources
Hoʻokuʻikahi
Documentary, 1998
Ho'oku'ikahi: To Unify as One documents the commemorative events that took place at Pu'ukohola heiau, Kawaihae, Hawai'i on the 200th anniversary of the consecration of Kamehameha the First's temple of state. The preparations for and the ceremonial events in 1991 show the ongoing cultural practices of Hawaiians. The intention of the documentary is to honor the Hawaiian's ancestors, support the Hawaiian native language and traditional values of Kanaka Maoli and to encourage deep respect and care for the land and natural resources of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also a means of nurturing a commitment to wellness of mind, body and spirit. The film highlights the efforts to develop vital links between Polynesian peoples of the Pacific.
Onipaʻa
Documentary, 1996
Directed by Meleanna Meyer and Kawika Kalama. This documentary, produced by Kalama Productions, chronicles the 100-year observance of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The film captures five days of events, including plays, concerts, readings, and speeches that brought together over 20,000 people. Many prominent voices were documented in this moving testament to resilience and remembrance
Puamana
Documentary, 1991
This gentle portrait of Auntie Irmgard Farden Aluli, one of Hawaiʻi’s best loved composers, focuses on Hawaiian women’s contributions to family structure, art, music and dance.