New documentary ‘Shaka, A Story of Aloha’ seeks input
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The Maui News
The filming of "Shaka, A Story of Aloha," a feature length documentary on the origin and meaning of the Shaka gesture, will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
The film, which is produced by Hawaii nonprofit ID8, is due for release in the summer of 2023 and explores multiple versions of how the Shaka gesture came about, how it progressed to global use, the Shaka word origin and how it has been used to share the aloha spirit, according to a news release.
Producers are looking for folks who may have a story to share about the Shaka, specifically kupuna or their family members that served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. Research indicates that a possible origin of the gesture dates back to Nisei soldiers during World War II.
"We are also looking for anyone that knew Lippy Espinda as he reportedly grew up here on Maui," the news release said. "Also of interest is anyone that has knowledge of any tug-of-war competitions that took place at sugar plantations in Hawaii."
The film is made possible by director Alex Bocchieri ("Go For Broke" movie); Grammy-nominated music director Henry Kapono, cultural advisor Robert "Lono" Ikuwa; associate producers Sean Morris, Jill Kuramoto, Ryan Kawailani Ozawa, Avian Ku, Minette Lew-Mccabe, and Rob Webb; director of photography Kristle Backe; executive producer Bryan Spicer ("Hawaii 5-0" and "Magnum P.I."), and creator/producer/writer Steve Sue.
After filming, there will be a free community "pau hana" party at Nalu's South Shore Grill in Kihei.
Contact Rob Webb with a contributing story at 808-359-8269 or email MauiRobWebb@gmail.com.
To watch the "Shaka, A Story of Aloha" trailer, visit https://youtu.be/VBtAF59InIM.
For more information, visit https://shakafilm.com/ or https://projectshaka.com/.