HANALEI — The 2007 Hawaiian Ocean Film Festival will premiere nine short films tomorrow evening at Hanalei Bay, by filmmakers of all ages. Relating the vital connection to our oceans and stewardship of the water from pole to pole is
HANALEI — The 2007 Hawaiian Ocean Film Festival will premiere nine short films tomorrow evening at Hanalei Bay, by filmmakers of all ages. Relating the vital connection to our oceans and stewardship of the water from pole to pole is the central theme of the festival. This year’s official selections focus on marine resources and conservation, ocean recreation and cultural connections to the sea.
Begun in 1993 as a spin-off to a marine educators conference, Melinda Sandler, director of the festival, felt the film medium would be a successful bridge between the scientific community engrossed in ocean conservation issues and “lay people who could understand the topic if they could see it, not just hear about it,” writes Sandler. The festival grew into a statewide event, playing at the Honolulu Academy of the Arts, Hilo Palace Theater, and Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and on Kaua‘i.
The primary objective of the festival is to expose the audience to the pressing issues of the environment and unique perspective of cultural connections to the sea not often shown. “We hope to get them inspired to take action on what they learned, and support the individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting our environment,” said Sandler. “Through our project, we give the audience a common concern and language so they can communicate. So our greatest accomplishment is that surfers understand scientists, and scientists understand surfers.”
This year, one of the films premiering at the festival tells the inspiring story of Kaua‘i’s Bethany Hamilton. “Heart of a Soul Surfer” directed by Becky Baumgartner captures the uplifting story of Hamilton’s recovery from the shark attack and her persevering spirit as a young woman and an outstanding surfer. “After losing her arm to a shark attack, Hamilton found purpose and salvation in reigniting young peoples’ belief in God,” described Sandler.
One of the unique and successful aspects of Sandler’s efforts has been to include a high percentage of women filmmakers — this year a record 50 percent. “Initially our festival was a male-dominated, adrenaline- packed adventure domain,” said Sandler. “We statistically have one of the highest averages of female filmmakers internationally. In 2003, over 30 percent of the films that we presented were made by women.”
The majority of stories also represent minority voices in media — from Native American, Native Hawaiian, and the aboriginal women of Canada, the festival is proud to give opportunities to first-time and under-respresented groups. “In 2004 we began allowing student films in the festival and were proud to present a feature length student film called ‘E walu o Ke Kai,’ — To cherish the Seven Seas, produced by the organization Kai Makana, who went on to produce its own feature length film, which made the rounds in last year’s festival circuit.”
“Connecting students in coastal communities to express their love of the ocean, reflect on the cultural management techniques of the past, and to seek ways to protect and preserve the environment for the future” is the on-going goal in choosing presenters.
Part of that focus locally was getting more young people involved in filmmaking. Sandler said she was so impressed by what students were doing with Ho’ike equipment and guidance, “I explored what it would take to get the older equipment out of Lihu‘e and into the rural districts. This year I am hopeful that an adult level course in media will be based at Kaua‘i Community College, and that media centers will be developed in the outlying areas.”
One of the longer films to be shown tomorrow explores climate crisis and its possible effects in Hawai‘i. “Kaua‘i filmmaker Teresa Tico takes us on an expedition to Antarctica where the whales, seabirds, seals, and penguins reigned over the icy cold environment untouched by war, industry, and man. Exploring the glaciers and research stations with noted scientists, we learn that the effects of global warming are just the tip of the iceberg, when she returns to O‘ahu and learns what a one meter sea level rise will do to the islands. Her love of Hawai‘i is mirrored in the ice of Antarctica, as she raises our awareness and challenges us to become ambassadors and watchdogs of policy and planning,” states a recent press release on the film.
“One thing we are proud of,” said Sandler, “is that we found that some of the filmmakers that submitted films last year, submitted films again this year. Returning is one of our young film makers Will Winneguth, who submitted a short film about surfing on Kaua‘i. This year his film has moved beyond what we describe as ‘eye candy,’ (surf as a sport) to a very deep exploration of the spiritual meaning of surfing, and the cultural connection of the sport with Indonesia.”
“Giving Kaua‘i filmmakers the chance to see their work on the big screen, especially the outdoor screens, is how our local stories will evolve from the circle of the camp fire, to becoming a digitally dynamic community and a catalyst for creating media on our common concerns about the island. Even when the perspectives, stories, cultures, and borders are far different, when we understand the concerns that other people who love the ocean have worldwide, we can make change occur,” writes Sandler.
Locally, the goals of The Hawai‘i Ocean Film Festival are:
• To inspire youth to find their own voice, and tell their stories digitally.
• Connect youth and organizations to realize the value of digital activism.
• To raise awareness on the issues and common interests we share about the ocean.
• To provide and encourage quality, independent and student documentaries and entertainment.
• To support a caring, creative environment that fosters youth leadership and media artistry.
Opening night on the big screen
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hanalei Bay
Featuring: Hawai‘i Shorts and Features: Winning student film “Be Cool to Turtles” by Da Honus — Sea turtles rap about the trouble they are having with people. Eric Caju and Jules Nathan (5 minutes); “Heart of a Soul Surfer” — Becky Baumgartner captures the uplifting story of young Bethany Hamilton’s recovery from a shark attack. (30 min.); “Hawaiian Showers” — The symbiotic relationship between the creatures of the sea is shown in the cleaning stations where even the scary eels let tiny shrimp tickle them with a dental exam. (5 minutes); “In Rhythm” — Surfing Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Indo featuring, Bruce, Andy, Reef, Dustin, Steph, Robert, James and Billy by the North Shore’s Will Winneguth (20 min); “Joy Ride” The History of Hawai‘i’s Papio Boards and the masters who challenge Mavericks and the Pipeline. (7 minutes); “Encounter” Croatian underwater photographer Bruda Stude’s first short film on an encounter with dolphins at Polihale Beach. (3 minutes). International Selections: “A Fish Tale” — Rottenest Islanders in Western Australia are caught in the middle of the race for oil, and the voices from the deep crying out to be heard. (14 min.); “Going To Antarctica” — An expedition to learn about global warming reveals that Hawai‘i’s future is mirrored in the melting ice of Antarctica. (35 min.); “Dangerous Archipelago” — Sea kayaking the atolls in French Polynesia brings us black pearls, white tip sharks, and a culture on the brink of extinction. (27 min.)
Bring: Bech chairs and blankets, beverages available
Tickets: $5 adults; $2 kids; join surfrider and receive free admission.
More info: www.hawaiioceanfilmfestival.org or 652-3392.
