Big Island resident Jason Scott Lee has quite a presence in this year's Hawaii International Film Festival as the star of the festival's trailer and the hero of Rick Bacigalupi's documentary film for public television about living off the grid 4,000 feet up the slopes of Mauna Loa.

One of Lee's refreshing traits (there are many) is his ability to perform in Hollywood, yet detach from the I-want-more lifestyle and seamlessly return to his roots in Hawaii. Labeled in the video as a “;natural farmer/actor”; (notice which one he chose to list first), Lee raises taro, chickens and vegetables, and catches all of his water. His ascetic existence excludes electricity; a solar panel and single generator supply all his power needs.

Simplifying one's life means “;knowing what the road back to nature is, and sometimes that's hard to explain to people,”; he says. “;A career is nothing without the joy and happiness inside. ... People often ask me why I'm dropping out. But from my perception, I'm dropping in.”;

With his hair often tied up in a Sumo-style top knot, Lee engages in the physical labor of cultivating and harvesting taro (and making poi), or frugally catching one fish to feed everybody on the farm for several days. Local entertainment or theater rehearsals fill the evenings.

Charming in its simplicity, “;Living Pono”; effectively conveys a message that is more inspirational than instructive. The hourlong piece includes input from several of Lee's friends and neighbors, some of whom remind viewers that this kind of lifestyle isn't for everyone. Jo Buckley, a friend and fellow farm worker, chuckles at the unexpected benefits that such an austere existence provides. “;You need to take a bucket bath to appreciate life more,”; she notes. All seem to share Lee's deep regard for honoring the Hawaiian culture and the land, two concepts that remain inextricably linked.

Living with so little isn't easy. But it's a lifestyle that seeks no personal or financial reward and ends up benefiting everyone. “;It just takes this,”; says Lee, pointing to his hands, “;a little bit of this,”; he adds, gesturing to his head, “;and a whole lot of this,”; he finishes, laying his hand over his heart.