Shorts Block 3: A New Narrative

IN EXILE
Marshall Islands | 11 minutes | Nathan Fitch

A film that explores the US nuclear legacy in the Pacific through the lens of members of the Marshallese community in Arkansas.

DEAR ALOHA
USA | 15 minutes | Cris Romento

Displaced Native Hawaiians reveal how aloha sustains them amidst distance, loss, and longing. Meanwhile, back in Hawaiʻi, locals grapple with the history of colonization that has Hawaiians disappearing from their homeland.

SON OF SAMOA
SAMOA | 10 minutes | Laman Time

Son of Samoa takes you through the journey of Tatau. Where Laman discusses his disconnection from family, community and wavering relationship with himself.

BUTTERFLY/BATAPLAI
USA | 8 minutes | Veialu Aila-Unsworth

Raya loves makeup but her family does not. She’s torn between her secret dream of being a makeup artist and her family’s strict religious beliefs. In a nightmare, she receives a profound message from her Papua New Guinean ancestor who encourages her to look at her Indigenous culture for answers.

TEINE

Aotearoa | 12 minutes | Giselle Ilaoa

A poignant story of a dutiful eldest daughter within a Samoan household and her internal struggle of the weight of her responsibilities and expectations from her family, as well as, trying to maintain a grasp on her own aspirations in life.

HULI

USA | 12 minutes | Daniel Croix

After a boxer relocates from New York to Hawai’i, a friendship with his coach expands his awareness of ancestral connection, purpose, and power. Created on the island of O’ahu Hawai’i.