RECLAIM

RECLAIM tells the story of young Honor as he follows in the footsteps of his older brother Hanalei in learning the Hawaiian tradition of hula. The young brothers are proud of their role in reclaiming Hawaiian heritage, not just through dance but also the meaningful power of language and custom. Hanalei is selected to dance at Merrie Monarch, a prestigious competition considered the “Olympics of Hula.” Along with the rest of their family, Honor cheers Hanalei on as he takes the stage and plays his part in sustaining the practice of hula — one that has stayed resilient in the face of cultural erasure and colonization.

Credits
Writer: Justyn Ah Chong
Producer: Justyn Ah Chong, Anya Rous, Beth Miranda Botshon, Lisa Diamond
Executive Producer: Jess Devaney, Kay Wilson Stallings
Director of Photography: Abraham Williams
Editor: Rabab Haj Yahya
Composer: T.J. Keanu Tario
Sound Designer: Filipe Messeder

Plays in

ON DIFFERENT SHORES

Just like the ocean, it is our stories and similar lived experiences connect us. This program will be cinematic journey to cultural lessons in Hawai’i, to a legendary musician and activist in Seattle, and beyond.