"An Uncommon Kindness," the story of Father Damien, is in its final stages of production with thanks to local and mainland funding. Damien documentary
nears completionThe documentary, the first U.S. television biography about the Belgian priest, is being jointly produced by Hawaii filmmaker Stephanie Castillo -- creator of the 1992 Emmy-award winning PBS documentary "Simple Courage" -- and Hollywood producers Walter Josten and Jeffrey Geoffray of Blue Rider Pictures.
Castillo's 'Olena Productions company began the film last September when she teamed with the project co-producer and co-writer Daniel Marra of Honolulu to find funds and begin writing the script.
Josten and Geoffray decided to help fund post-production costs as well as other assistance, and take on the program's commercial distribution for the next 20 years. The documentary is expected to be ready for distribution late this year.
In the film, Damien's story is told through the point of view of those sent to Kalaupapa. The main storyteller is Kalaupapa resident Richard Marks, who has escorted tourists and visitors around the area for more than 20 years on his Damien Tours. Other Kalaupapa residents featured include Makia Malo, and former Damien Tours guide, the late Hyman Fujinaga. Other actors include Terence Knapp, Damien biographer Gavan Daws, and Kalaupapa cultural historian Anwei Skinsnes Law.
Castillo and Marra contacted several "Simple Courage" donors to request cash assistance in exchange for a deal in which sponsors would receive film credit and a generous number of copies of the program which they can use as gifts or giveaways.
Reported by Star-Bulletin staff