Hae Hawai'i
| Hae Hawaiʻi | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ty Sanga |
| Produced by | Gregory Doi Caleb Lucero Ty Sanga |
| Written by | Oliver Evangelista |
| Story by | Ty Sanga |
| Starring | Kekoa Kekumano Henry Ian Cusick Ioane Goodhue Moses Goods |
| Music by | Chris Ahn Aaron Kusterer |
| Cinematography | Gregory Doi |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English Hawaiian |
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Hae Hawaiʻi is a 2018 American short historical drama film directed by Ty Sanga. The screenplay was written by Oliver Evangelista, with the story by Ty Sanga. The film was produced by Gregory Doi, Caleb Lucero, and Ty Sanga.
Set after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, the film follows a young thief who is recruited to protect the Hawaiian flag, a symbol representing the unity, identity, and legacy of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The film received the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival and screened at numerous international and regional film festivals.
Synopsis
After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, a young thief is recruited to protect the unifying symbol of the kingdom: the Hawaiian flag.
Through his journey, he discovers the importance of cultural identity, loyalty, and preserving the history and legacy of Hawaiʻi during a period of political upheaval.
Plot
Following the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom, Hawaiian loyalists struggle to preserve symbols of their nation and culture.
The Hawaiian flag becomes a powerful representation of unity and resistance. A young thief is entrusted with protecting the flag, forcing him to confront questions of loyalty, responsibility, and the importance of preserving Hawaiian identity.
Cast
- Kekoa Kekumano as Micah Kumu
- Ioane Goodhue as The Sun
- Danielle Zalopany as The Stars
- Albert Ueligitone as The Rain
- Henry Ian Cusick
- Moses Goods as Pua'ala
- Michael Camp as Head Civilian Guard
- Theo Coumbis as Simmons
- Dezmond Gilla as Mr. Hennings
- Jeff Juett as Palace Guard #2
- Nick Masciangelo as Jail Guard
- Mariano Farrar as Sanford Dole
- Mark J. Bush as Man in the Hat
- Lawrence DiBlasio as Mr. Rice
- Malie Lyman as Granddaughter
- Mehanaokala Hind as Chanter
- Zen Lucero as Grandson
- David Chong as Palace Guard #1
- Patricia Murray as Quilter
- Koddie Beach as Civilian Guard
Production
Hae Hawaiʻi was directed by Ty Sanga.
Oliver Evangelista wrote the screenplay, with Ty Sanga credited with the story. The film was produced by Gregory Doi, Caleb Lucero, and Ty Sanga.
Gregory Doi served as cinematographer, while Kelsie Greene served as production designer.
The musical score was composed by Chris Ahn (credited as Christopher Ahn) and Aaron Kusterer.
The film was developed through the ʻŌhina Filmmakers Lab, a program supporting emerging Native Hawaiian filmmakers and locally produced stories.
Release
Hae Hawaiʻi was released in the United States on September 15, 2018.
Following its release, the film screened at a number of Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Asian American, and regional film festivals.
Awards and festivals
| Festival | Location | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiʻi International Film Festival | Honolulu, Hawaiʻi | Audience Award for Best Short Film |
| ʻŌhina Filmmakers Lab | Hawaiʻi | Lab Selection / Fellowship Program |
| ImagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival | Toronto, Canada | Official Selection |
| Seattle Asian American Film Festival | Seattle, Washington | Official Selection |
| Winda Film Festival | Australia | Official Selection |
| San Diego Asian Film Festival | San Diego, California | Official Selection |
| Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Official Selection |
| Boston Asian American Film Festival | Boston, Massachusetts | Official Selection |
| Māoriland Film Festival | Ōtaki, New Zealand | Official Selection |
At the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, Hae Hawaiʻi received the Audience Award for Best Short Film.
Reception
Hae Hawaiʻi received recognition for its portrayal of Hawaiian history, cultural identity, and the importance of preserving historical memory.
The film explores themes of sovereignty, loyalty, cultural preservation, and the continuing significance of Hawaiian symbols.
Legacy
Hae Hawaiʻi is part of a growing body of Native Hawaiian filmmaking focused on historical storytelling and cultural representation.
The film contributed to the visibility of contemporary Hawaiian filmmakers and brought a Hawaiian historical narrative to international festival audiences.
Notability
Hae Hawaiʻi is notable for:
- receiving the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival;
- being selected for multiple international film festivals;
- being developed through the ʻŌhina Filmmakers Lab;
- presenting a historical story centered on Hawaiian identity and cultural preservation;
- contributing to contemporary Native Hawaiian cinema.
References
- Ty Sanga official film page — production credits, synopsis, festival selections, and awards.
- Official Hae Hawaiʻi website — filmmaker statement and screening history.
- Hawaiʻi International Film Festival archives — award information.
- ʻŌhina Filmmakers Lab — filmmaker development information.
External links
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