Sundance Indigenous Program Returns to Hawai‘i, Supporting Native Hawaiian Filmmakers
The Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program has made a noteworthy return to Hawai‘i, reconnecting with the islands to support the next generation of Native Hawaiian filmmakers. This initiative comes at a time when Hawai‘i’s film industry is flourishing, with an increasing desire among Native Hawaiians to share their stories on screen. In collaboration with Linda and Robert Nichols and Creative Industries Hawai‘i (CID), the program has launched a three-day intensive at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in O‘ahu. This intensive offers mentorship, support, and a grant to five Native Hawaiian filmmakers, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering indigenous storytelling.
Ianeta Le’i, the Indigenous Program Senior Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s return to Hawai‘i. Born and raised in Waialua, Le’i emphasized the significance of sharing the Sundance Indigenous Program’s community with emerging local filmmakers. “Our fellows are amazing and have such creative and innovative ideas and projects,” Le’i said, highlighting the program's goal of helping these filmmakers realize their visions and ultimately presenting their work to the Hawai‘i community.
The 2024 Native Hawaiian Intensive has selected five fellows, each bringing a unique project that explores different facets of Hawaiian culture and identity.
Kapena Liu, based in Mililani, O‘ahu, is working on "Olelo Kupuna," a nonfiction short film that delves into the history and current state of the traditional Hawaiian language. Liu, who debuted as a director in 2023 with "Blue Fish," draws inspiration from his family, community, and everyday life in modern Hawai‘i.
William “Billy” Roehl’s project, "Just A Rock," tells the story of a young nurse who, after losing a cherished possession, blames his misfortune on a cursed lava rock. Roehl, a marine biologist with deep ties to the ocean, reflects his connection to the sea and his family’s Hawaiian and Chinese heritage in his work.
Taylour Chang, currently the Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement at Bishop Museum, is developing an untitled film project that meditates on pre-contact ceremonial sites of O‘ahu. Chang’s previous roles include Curator of Film and Performance at the Honolulu Museum of Art and Director of Doris Duke Theatre.
Conrad Lihilihi is crafting "Island Fever," a film that imagines a Hawaiian tour guide’s struggle to reconnect with ancestral practices as a new pandemic looms. Lihilihi, an award-winning writer, director, and editor, is known for his exploration of culture and identity across various genres.
Lastly, Pumehana Cabral is creating "Becoming My Own Ahupuaʻa," an experimental short that presents an Indigi-queer perspective on self-care. The film portrays a queer Kanaka’s journey of reconnection with culture and home through a combination of movement, mixed media, and Native Hawaiian practices.
The Sundance Indigenous Program’s return to Hawai‘i underscores the importance of nurturing Native Hawaiian talent and amplifying indigenous voices in the film industry. By providing these filmmakers with the resources and support they need, the program is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Hawaiian cinema.
2024 Native Hawaiian Intensive Fellows and Projects:
- "Olelo Kupuna" / Kapena Liu / USA / Nonfiction Short
- "Just A Rock" / William “Billy” Roehl / USA / Fiction
- Untitled Pana O‘ahu Film Project / Taylour Chang / USA / Fiction
- "Island Fever" / Conrad Lihilihi / USA / Fiction
- "Becoming My Own Ahupuaʻa" / Pumehana Cabral / USA / Experimental Short