‘Paniolo’ makes TV debut
Star-BulletinFilmmaker Edgy Lee's much-honored documentary "Paniolo O Hawaii - Cowboys of the Far West" will finally reach the public when it airs on television, at 8 p.m. tomorrow on FOX 2.
"Paniolo" was awarded the 1998 Chicago International Film Festival Silver Plaque For Documentary Director and a Certificate of Merit for Writing.
Paniolos (also called paniolas) are considered to be among the first cowboys in the United States - perhaps a sequel will be entitled "Cowboys - Paniolos of the Far East" - but have been largely overlooked in histories of this thoroughly American tradition.
Hawaii's cowboys are descendants not just of Hawaiians, but of British sailors, Scottish and Chinese merchants, Irish rovers, African slaves and California vaqueros.
The documentary also draws on the musical traditions of the paniolo, such as guitar stylings from Portugal and Spain, which led to the invention of the ukulele.
Publicity material for the film underlines Lee's agenda to upend the traditional history of the "cowboys and Indians" period of American history, pointing out that, in Hawaii, the cowboys WERE the natives.
Celebrity cameos include Will Rogers and Willie Nelson.
Following the FOX 2 airing, anchor Kirk Matthews will interview Lee, who was born in Hawaii. The show is sponsored by Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
Adding to the excitement, next weekend is a statewide "Paniola Festival," taking place 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at Kualoa Ranch. Events include trail rides and tours, entertainment, line dancing, food and rodeo activities.
The Paniola Festival is free. There will be a $2 charge for parking. Information: 527-5784.
