Sustainability Under the Stars Series

The evening will feature two films. The first, “Te Pito o Te Henua (The Navel of the World),” is a short documentary that takes viewers to the most remote inhabited island on Earth. Directed by Martin Kingman and Nils Cowan, the film explores the indigenous Rapa Nui community as it prepares for its most significant annual celebration. The documentary highlights the deep cultural connection the Rapa Nui people share with the land and sea, shedding light on their unique identity and traditions.

The second film, “Standing Above the Clouds,” is a documentary that follows Native Hawaiian mother-daughter activists working to protect Mauna Kea from desecration. Directed by Jalena Keane-Lee, the 2024 film tells the story of families coming together to oppose the construction of a large telescope on the sacred mountain. Through the lens of three Native Hawaiian families, the film examines themes of intergenerational healing and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Q&A immediately following the film with Pua Case and Hāwane Rios who are featured in Standing Above the Clouds