E Ola Ka ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi celebrates the efforts of a people determined to save the Hawaiian language from the brink of extinction.
In 1896, the American-backed Republic of Hawai‘i banned Hawaiian as the language of instruction in the schools. As island children were systematically punished for speaking Hawaiian, the number of native speakers dropped precipitously over the following century. Since the early 1980’s, however, the effort to revive the language has grown. Today there are numerous Hawaiian language schools throughout the islands.
This video presentation tells the story of how a small group of scholars and native speakers struggled to bring back the language that their ancestors were forced to give up. E Ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi celebrates the efforts of a people determined to save their native tongue from the brink of extinction.
Featuring
Larry Kimura, Ilei Beniamina, Kauanoe Kamana, Namaka Rawlins, Pila Wilson, Hokulani Cleeland, Joseph Mahiai, Elizabeth Kauahipaula, Opuulani Albino, Lolena Nicholas, Alohalani Housman, Bonnie Kahapea, Lilinoe Wong, Kahookele Crabbe, Nailima Gaison, Keonaona, Elama Kanahele, Kekoa Roback, Kiope Raymond.
NĀ MAKA O KA ʻĀINA
We are Joan Lander and Puhipau (1937-2016) of Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina (“The Eyes of the Land”), an independent video production team that, since 1981, has focused on the land and people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific.
We exist to document and give voice and face to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian culture, history, language, art, music, environment and the politics of independence and sovereignty. Our over 100 documentary and educational programs have been seen on PBS, Hawai‘i public and commercial television stations, public access cable channels, and broadcast/cable networks in Canada, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Japan, Mexico and Europe.
Our award-winning productions have been used by teachers and scholars in classrooms in Hawai‘i and throughout the world, and our iconic footage of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement has been featured in numerous documentaries by other producers.
