IMA alumnae Laurie Sumiye Filiak and Natasha Florentino will be presenting “RETURN OF THE NATIVE: HAWAII” at POV Hackathon this weekend in LA!
Director/Producer: Laurie Sumiye
Director of Photography: Natasha Florentino
Return of the Native: Hawaii from Laurie Sumiye on Vimeo.
Sunday, May 18
7:00pm-11:00pm – Public Screening & Reception
Hub LA, 830 Traction Ave. Suite 3A, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
To reserve tix, RSVP here: http://www.pbs.org/pov/hackathon/screenings.php
RETURN OF THE NATIVE: HAWAII is an immersive, interactive documentary for iPad about native Hawaiian forests on the Island of Hawaii rarely seen or visited. Only 8% Hawaii’s native endemic forests remain, and the locations featured are examples of recovered forests that are seeing the return of endangered native plants and animals. Users play the protagonist in the story as they journey across the island as they encounter different types of Hawaiian forests and landscapes; misty ohia rainforests, mature fern-covered valleys, colorful dry forests, rugged subalpine mountains, and primeval volcanic forests. They meet various real-life characters along the way and discover stories hidden within these forests as told by biologists, locals, and experts of natural, cultural, social histories. Users will also experience the sacredness of these forests, as they were considered by Hawaiians “wao akua” or realm of the gods. Hawaiian myths & legends will be enlivened by the presence of animated forest spirits, expressing the supernatural elements of Hawaiian forests.