Press Kit

“Shaka, A Story of Aloha”

“Shaka, A Story of Aloha” is a 70-minute feature-length documentary film scheduled for 6-months of focus test screenings through the end of December, 2023.

Says producer Steve Sue,” Our goal with the test screenings is to ensure both story accuracy and entertainment value. Viewers are invited to see the film free, then asked to complete a short exit survey to help drive sweetening of the film’s final cut.”

Following the test screening period, the film is expected to premiere at a Spring 2024 film festival then travel to other festivals and hopefully see some kind of commercial cinematic and/or streaming release.

The project has been in development since 2019 when first funding and cultural experts were provided by Kamehameha Schools. Since that time, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced multiple production closures, but the project has completed all major shots including an authentic Hukilau and a live Shaka Contest.

Through production, it became clear that there are multiple competing origin stories, In the end, there may be no definitive single story, and if so, multiple credible theories will be presented. Says Sue, “The titling of the film as ‘A Story…’ represents only our group’s best efforts, leaving room for others to tell their versions of the story. More importantly, our film seeks to provide a deep understanding of the origin, history and meanings of the Shaka in order to drive a goal of sharing aloha around the world.” For more, see Filmmaker’s Statement »

Produced by a Nonprofit

The film is produced by ID8, a Hawaii-based 501C3 nonprofit organization. Top-level producers/artists are unpaid and act only as volunteers who will never profit by participating in the production. These include Executive Producer Bryan Spicer (director/producer Hawaii-Five-O, Magnum PI), Grammy-nominated Music Director Henry Kapono and Exec Producer/Producer/Writer Steve Sue. Additional volunteers include Associate Producers Sean Morris, Jill Kuramoto, Ryan Ozawa, Rob Webb, Rebecca Teresia, Minette Lew-McCabe. Volunteer Cultural Advisors include Robert “Lono” Ikuwe, Manu Boyd and Hailama Farden.

Utilizing Hawai’i Talent

The production team (paid living wages) is built from local talent from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Academy of Creative Media Program.  These include native Hawaiian Director Alex Bocchieri, Cinematographer Kristle Backe, Co-Editor Shaun Oliqiano, Assistant Editor Sara Brekke and Coordinator Eve Ordinario. Dozens of additional locals served on the production team.

60+ Expert Interviews

Many ask “who’s in the film?” Credibility counts as does factual evidence. We’ve treated this project like a court case, presenting direct and expert testimony, while leaving out hearsay anecdotes. Over a 4-year period, we conducted 60+ interviews including Joel “Baldy” Apuakehau, Charles Bargas, Todd Bradley, Cy Bridges, Renee Cabrinha, Wally Camp, Jack Cione, Kathy Collins, Benjamin Dela Cruz, Frank Delima Jr., David Espinda, Joyce Fasi, Charles Fasi, Mike Foley, Victor Foniomoana, Gen. Kenneth Hara, Karl “Kini Popo” Hebenstreit, Fred Hemmings, Robert “Lono” Ikuwa, Mona Kahawaii, Henry Kapono, John “Keoni” Kauwe III, “Unko” George Kahumoku, Maria Latu, Brook Lee, Jeff Livingston, Vonn Logan, Kekela Miller, Riley Moffat, Jon Nouchi, Vernal Pratt, Harold Pukahi, Laverne Pukahi, Bob Sigall, Bryan Suzuki, Willa Tanabe, George Tanabe, Rev. Ryoso Toshima, Leroy Transfield, Paul Udell, Caroline Vargas, Michael Victorino, Isaiah Walker.

Part of a Nonprofit Movement

The film has spawned the “Project Shaka” Movement, an initiative to share aloha through the Shaka. Project Shaka includes the film as an educational tool, a free Shaka Sticker program, free school curriculum, and other Shaka awareness programs. See projectshaka.com »

Media Contact: Email Steve Sue »