Island films showcased
in New York

"33rd Annual Ukulele Festival": Kenneth K. Martinez Burgmaier explores the annual ukulele festival at Waikiki's Kapiolani Bandstand. The instrument's history is featured along with performances by Ohta-San, Ernie Cruz, Raiatea Helm, Ledward Ka'apana, Hapa, Bill Tapia, and more than 800 keiki led by Roy Sakuma.

"An Island Invaded": This film by Jim Bannan and Esther Figueroa recounts the 1941 Japanese invasion of Guam through firsthand accounts.

"Behaviours of the Backpacker": A Maori proverb says we spend our lives walking backward because we can see the past but not the future, that's why we trip. Sandor Lau walked from Auckland to Cape Reinga, New Zealand, to film this black-comedy documentary about backpackers from around the globe, all walking backward to find their way home.

"Blue Horizon": Jack McCoy's film follows two surfing paths: the competitive world of Kauai's Andy Irons, and the laid-back style of Australian freesurfer Dave Rasta Rastovich.

"The Coconut Technique": Dave Banquil captures Hawaiian surfing's essence through several Hawaiian surfers.

"Compassionate Exile": This documentary follows four people who inhabited the leprosarium at Makogai, Fiji.

"Dances of Life": Keisha Castle-Hughes ("Whale Rider"), narrates this exploration of the 50,000 year-old dance traditions of the Pacific Islands.

"Hotere": This documentary is about a complex, reclusive man, Ralph Hotere, considered by many as Aotearoa's (New Zealand's) greatest living artist.

"Iz -- The Man Behind The Music": When musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole died, Hawaii wept, but the magic of his sweet voice continues to touch hearts of people everywhere. Directed by Phil Arnone and produced by Rick Blangiardi.

"Kamea": A young Hawaiian surfer girl falls in love with a boy obsessed with surf legend Duke Kahanamoku. When her attempts at romance fail, her own mystical connection with Duke emerges, helping her gain a greater sense of self-worth. Jennifer Akana-Sturla directs.

"Mauna Kea: Temple Under Siege": Although the volcano last erupted about 4,000 years ago, it is still a hot subject today as a symbol of the Hawaiian struggle for survival.

"Music with the Island Touch": Kenneth K. Martinez Burgmaier's documentary captures the essence of slack-key master John Keawe.

"Natives in New York: Seeking Justice at the United Nations": In spring 2003, Hawaiian students traveled to the United Nations to testify on issues relating to indigenous peoples.

"Polynesian Power: Islanders in Pro Football": The closing night film directed by Jeremy Spear and Robert Pennington, and produced by ESPN, 2Team Entertainment, is narrated by The Rock, profiling two celebrated Samoan athletes, Pisa Tinoisamoa and Isaac Sopoaga.

"Red Turtle Rising": The legend of the ancient Hawaiian turtle goddess Kauila is woven with the real saga of one of the world's most endangered reptiles, Hawaii's Hawksbill turtle.

"To You Sweetheart, Aloha": Mercedes Coats' and S. Leo Chiang's documentary follows Bill Tapia, a charismatic musician and storyteller who seeks the fountain of youth.