HWST 107 (Barbett): Videos

Historical overview of a successful pre-school Hawaiian language immersion program which started out on Kauai and has branched out to the other islands

Native birds and their feathers are the subject of this program hosted by John Dominis Holt. Hawaiʻi’s endangered and extinct birds are featured both in wildlife footage and in the artwork of Ipo Nihipali. Dennis Kanaʻe Keawe makes a feather cape and Mary Lou Kekuewa demonstrates the construction of Kahili. Sarah Kawailima sews a lei hulu. And Mililani Allenʻs halau dances a hula which tells the story of the ʻoʻo bird, which is captured for its beautiful yellow feathers and then set free.

In the swirling volcanic steam and misty rain forest of Kilauea volcano's east rift zone on the island of Hawai'i, two forces meet head on. Geothermal development interests, seeking to clear the rain forest for drilling operations, are opposed by native Hawaiians seeking to stop the desecration of the fire goddess, Pele.

In Papua New Guinea, there is an ancient tradition of sharkcalling, wherein a select few possess the magic to trap and kill sharks with their bare hands. This film captures the reality that when the last sharkcaller dies, this ritual will die with him.