Section

Pacific Cinewaves

In our fortified commitment to amplify Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities, Pacific Cinewaves programming celebrates stories and storytellers emerging from the Kingdom of Hawai’i, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Cook Islands, Tahiti (French Polynesia), Guåhan (Guam), Samoa, and throughout the Pacific region.

Pacific Cinewaves

Along The Ugum River

Film Along The Ugum River Directed by Neil Tinkham On Guam, a Chamoru fisherman discovers a Japanese soldier straggler and must decide whether to turn him in…

Pacific Cinewaves

CHamoru A Lost Language

Film CHamoru A Lost Language Directed by Brian Muna Brian Muna discovers self-identity through CHamoru language revitalization efforts. 

Pacific Cinewaves

DEAR ALOHA

Film DEAR ALOHA Directed by CRIS ROMENTO Dear Aloha is a heartfelt story about the meaning of aloha through the lives of Diasporic Hawaiians in…

Pacific Cinewaves

First Horse

Film First Horse Directed by Awanui Simich-Pene In 1826 Aotearoa, a small girl in an isolated setting comes in first contact with two facets of…

Pacific Cinewaves

Healing Lahaina

Film Healing Lahaina Directed by Laurel Tamayo After losing their multigenerational home in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, a family recounts a year of healing following…

Pacific Cinewaves, Shorts Programs

HEALING WATER

Program HEALING WATER These two filmmakers explore the inextricable links betweens climate change and colonialism, how the exploitation of the Native…

Pacific Cinewaves

KÜĪ

Film KÜĪ Directed by Kahu Kaiha In the face of her mother's absence and her father's alcoholism, 12 year old girl, Küī, rises above…

Pacific Cinewaves, Shorts Programs

MĀHŪ: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter

Film MĀHŪ: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter Directed by Lisette Marie Flanary MĀHŪ: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter is a short documentary about an innovative theater production by master hula teacher, Kumu…

Pacific Cinewaves

Not A U.S. Citizen

Film Not A U.S. Citizen Directed by Gabby Alafagamalufilufi Faʻaiʻuaso, John Niko Pātū The film follows the perspectives of American Samoans, who navigate the complexities of being "non-citizen nationals" of the…

Pacific Cinewaves

Open Looks

Film Open Looks Directed by Mīria George To let go, she must play the game of her life.

Pacific Cinewaves, Shorts Programs

PACIFIC CINEWAVES: SITES OF MEMORY IN OCEANIA

Program PACIFIC CINEWAVES: SITES OF MEMORY IN OCEANIA For this year's LAAPFF’s Pacific Cinewaves program, we invite you on a journey to witness the cinematic narratives…

Documentary Features, Pacific Cinewaves

Standing Above the Clouds

Film Standing Above the Clouds Directed by Jalena Keane-Lee When the massive Thirty Meter Telescope is proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an uprising of kiaʻi…

Documentary Features, Pacific Cinewaves

Te Puna Ora (The Source of Life)

Film Te Puna Ora (The Source of Life) Directed by Virginie Tetoofa As privatization threatens the very fabric of Moorea Island, three Tahitian women embark on a sacred journey to…

Narrative Features, Pacific Cinewaves

Tinā

Film Tinā Directed by Miki Magasiva In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, sassy Samoan mother Mareta mentors her newly formed children's choir to…

Pacific Cinewaves

Vahaʻa | The Distance Between

Film Vahaʻa | The Distance Between Directed by Pingi Moli After his mother’s death, a boxer struggles with grief and a strained relationship with his father, who coaches…

Pacific Cinewaves

Waters of Puʻuloa

Film Waters of Puʻuloa Directed by Tiare Ribeaux Waters of Puʻuloa chronicles the transformation of the ʻEwa District on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and the area now known…