Waikiki

2020, NR, US, Drama, 88 minutes
  Florida Premiere
  Juried Film

Director: Christopher Kahunahana
Producer: Connie M. Florez, Nicole Naone
Writer: Christopher Kahunahana
Cast: Danielle Zalopany, Peter Shindoka, Jason Quinn

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 surreal 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 a mixing of genre conventions, experimental storytelling and perspectives.