Māsima: Pacific Islands Film Tour kicks off on Friday, May 20th, with an exciting lineup that highlights both acclaimed filmmakers and emerging voices from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
These films and documentaries are curated and sponsored by Utah Pacific Islands Knowledge 2 Action Resource, Utah Pacific Islands Film Series and Salt Lake Film Society, touching on incredible stories of connection, traditions, resistance and so much more. Māsima is part of our annual Cultural Tours, celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of Utah diverse communities.
Also on the program are four pre-recorded panels featuring Māsima 2022 filmmakers, in exciting conversations ranging from mental health, horror and animation, to Pacific Island women in film and Micronesian film. All panels moderated by The Island Wave Podcast co-host and producer, Kamaile Tripp-Harris.
FILMS AND SCHEDULE
Films are listed alphabetically by title. Chronological schedule here.
Breaking Bread
SATURDAY, MAY 21 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 1 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Pasifika Futures: A Discussion on Alternate Pacific Realities in Science Fiction, Horror, and Animation“ moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Tumeli Tuqota Jr (Soli Bula), and Misa Tupou (Kava Kultcha).
15 min | 2020 | US | Not Rated | English, Hawaiian | Short
Directed by Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu
A “Pacific Noir” using modern Samoan storytelling with traditional elements for a surprising, horror twist.
THE BLACK PEN
SUNDAY, MAY 22 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 2 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Pasifika Girlhood: A Discussion on the Narratives of Young Pacific Island Women in Film.” moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki (Dir. The Black Pen) and Jade Jackson (Dir. Raids).
13 min | 2017 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by ʻOfa Guttenbeil-Likiliki
Preparing to leave work for a family funeral, newly qualified counsellor Malaia receives a lesson in the realities of her new job when eleven-year-old Anaseini is brought to the refuge by a female police officer, and she is coerced into staying late to interview the terrified child.
Down on the Sidewalk in Waikiki
THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 4.
20 min | 2019 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Justyn Ah Chong
Preparing to leave work for a family funeral, newly qualified counsellor Malaia receives a lesson in the A soft-spoken Janitor, frustrated with cleaning up after an endless parade of tourists in Waikīkī, reflects on a traumatizing memory that stirs a voice from within. Down On the Sidewalk in Waikīkī is a narrative short film inspired by a collection of poetry published posthumously featuring the work of Hawaiian poet Wayne Kaumualii Westlake (1947-84).
E Lele Le Toloa
THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 4.
7 min | 2021 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Selu-Kian Faletoese, Bai Buliruarua
E Lele Le Toloa (The Toloa Bird Soars)” follows the journey of a young Samoan man by the name of Tui Meki. A portrait documentary that follows the life and heartfelt journey of a son of the Pacific, that migrated to Aotearoa in the pursuit of education and the promise of a greater life. Driven by a passion for industrial design and the blessings of his aiga, Tui unknowingly finds himself on a journey of self-discovery and identity. A journey where Tui is confronted with various hardships and lessons that will potentially shape him into the individual that he is today.
EVERY DAY IN KAIMUKI
81 min | 2022 | US | Not Rated | English | Feature
Directed by Alika Tengan
A young man is determined to give his life meaning outside of Kaimuki, the small Hawaiian town where he grew up, even if it means leaving everything he’s ever known and loved behind.
HAWAIIAN SOUL
THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 4.
20 min | 2020 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by ʻĀina Paikai
Against the backdrop of the 1970s native rights movement, George Helm, a young Hawaiian activist and musician must gain the support of kūpuna (community elders) from the island of Maui to aid in the fight of protecting the precious neighboring island of Kahoʻolawe from military bombing.
James & Isey
SUNDAY, MAY 22 AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 | 7 PM
90 min | 2021 | New Zealand | Not Rated | English | Feature
Directed by Florian Habicht
99-year-old Isey lives with her adult son James on their small farm in Kawakawa, New Zealand. They are descendants of Ngāti Manu – the Bird People. Isey is turning 100 in a week. In their unique relationship, James has devoted the last 20 years to looking after his mum. He is a tohunga (shaman) and brings the spirit world onboard to get her over 100. A joyous celebration of the sacred and everyday aroha (love).
Kåntan Hereru — A Blacksmith’s Song
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 3 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Micro-Cinema: A Discussion on Micronesian Film“ moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Galvin Deleon Guerrero (Dir. We Drank Our Tears) and Sean Lizama (Dir. Kåntan Hereru).
16 min | 2021 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Sean Lizama
In Guam, the only living Master Blacksmith shares the importance of his craft to daily life in the past and tries to find a places for it to continue in the modern landscape.
Kau Faito’o: Traditional Healers of Tonga
THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 4.
27 min | 2001 | Tonga | Not Rated | Tongan | Short
Directed by ‘Amelia Sauliloa & Afā ‘Aikona
This is a documentary which not only shows the ancient traditional art form of healing, but also tries to capture the essence of being a traditional healer in an ever-changing environment. Traditional healers are shown collecting, preparing and administering herbal remedies that they have passed down from one generation to the next.
Kava Kultcha
SATURDAY, MAY 21 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 1 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Pasifika Futures: A Discussion on Alternate Pacific Realities in Science Fiction, Horror, and Animation“ moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Tumeli Tuqota Jr (Soli Bula), and Misa Tupou (Kava Kultcha).
10 min | 2003 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Misa Tupou
Set in a futuristic world dominated by an enforcement agency intent on eliminating cultural diversity.
Ke Kahea: An Invitation Into Sacred Space
THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 4.
18 min | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Justyn Ah Chong
After receiving a kahea (calling) from ancestral lineages on Maui to create kapa for unearthed iwi kūpuna (skeletal remains), cultural practitioner Aʻiaʻi Bello extended the kahea to her circle of women in the community. Those that stepped forth and answered the call were propelled on a transformative journey, and as they learned to transform the wauke plant into beautiful kapa, they found themselves changed in the process as well.
Last Hawaiian Sugar
SUNDAY, MAY 22 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 2 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Pasifika Girlhood: A Discussion on the Narratives of Young Pacific Island Women in Film.” moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki (Dir. The Black Pen) and Jade Jackson (Dir. Raids).
22 min | 2021 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Deja Cresencia Bernhardt
12-year-old Nua makes peace with the mixed emotions she has about the land she lives on when she learns the sugar plantation she calls home will be closed forever.
Pili Ka Mo’o
THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 4.
14 min | 2022 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Justyn Ah Chong
The Fukumitsu ‘Ohana (family) of Hakipu’u are Native Hawaiin taro farmers. When a nearby corporation digs up their familial burial ground, they are drawn into a logistically and emotionally complex quest to preserve their ancestral land.
RAIDS
SUNDAY, MAY 22 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 2 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Pasifika Girlhood: A Discussion on the Narratives of Young Pacific Island Women in Film.” moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki (Dir. The Black Pen) and Jade Jackson (Dir. Raids).
9 min | 2022 | New Zealand | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Jade Jackson
An intimate look into a police raid on a Pacific Island family. Told through the eyes of a young girl Losa and her father Lupematasila. Story based on the treatment of Pacific Island families during the New Zealand Dawn Raids of the 70’s.
Soli Bula
SATURDAY, MAY 21 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 1 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Pasifika Futures: A Discussion on Alternate Pacific Realities in Science Fiction, Horror, and Animation“ moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Tumeli Tuqota Jr (Soli Bula), and Misa Tupou (Kava Kultcha).
7 min | 2022 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Tumeli Tuqota Jr
In an alternate reality Fiji where tradition and culture was never eroded by colonialism, a new Drua (ship) is about to be put to sea and will demand a steep toll for the final stage of its launch.
WAIKIKI
FRIDAY, MAY 20 AND MONDAY, MAY 23 | 7 PM
Will screen followed by a pre-recorded panel with Kamaile Tripp-Harris and director Christopher Kahunahana.
77 min | 2020 | US | Not Rated | English, Hawaiian | Feature
Directed by Christopher Kahunahana
In this cinematic allegory of love and loss, a hula dancer fights for survival and her sanity in the shadows of Waikiki for an unflinching glimpse into paradise where there remains hope through human connection and re-connection to ʻaina (nature).
We Drank Our Tears: The Stories of Visitacion, Henry, and Dave
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 | 5 PM
Will screen as part of Shorts Program 3 followed by a pre-recorded panel “Micro-Cinema: A Discussion on Micronesian Film” moderated by Kamaile Tripp-Harris and featuring panelists: Galvin Deleon Guerrero (Dir. We Drank Our Tears) and Sean Lizama (Dir. Kåntan Hereru).
27 min | 2018 | US | Not Rated | English | Short
Directed by Galvin Deleon Guerrero
In 1944, some of the final battles of World War II were waged on the Pacific islands of Saipan and Tinian. 933 indigenous Chamorro and Refaluwasch civilians did not survive the battles.
WINNING GIRL
SATURDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM
68 min | 2014 | US | Not Rated | English | Feature
Directed by Kimberlee Bassford
“Winning Girl” follows the four-year journey of Native Hawaiian-Samoan teenage judo and wrestling phenom Teshya Alo as she vies for world championship gold in both sports. Galvin Deleon Guerrero (Dir. We Drank Our Tears) and Sean Lizama (Dir. Kåntan Hereru)Alika Tengan
