Drama, 1h 20m

When a Native Hawaiian hula dancer escaping her abusive boyfriend crashes her beat-up van into a mysterious homeless man, she finds herself flung into a surrealistic journey of self-exploration and enlightenment. Director Christopher Kahunahana’s eagerly awaited feature debut breaks down the enduring, stereotypical image of paradise we have of Waikiki to reveal a vulnerable and authentic portrait of indigeneity. Leaving behind the touristic image of paradise and island culture, WAIKIKI tackles the often-unspeakable generational trauma of postcolonial cultures through mixing of genre conventions, experimental storytelling, and perspectives.

Writer & Director: Christopher Kahunahana
Director of Photography: Ryan Miyamoto
Sound Design: Ben Wilkins
Editors: Blackhorse Lowe, Kate Hackett, Nick Stone
Score: Woody Pak
Starring: Danielle Zalopany, Peter Shinkoda, Jason Quinn