Documentary Updates

Niihau Shell Hands

 

Update: While still in production we have been delayed due to budget issues. We are still moving forward, while also looking for additional sponsors and supporters. 

Follow along with our projected filming schedule to see where we are in production. This film is currently in production with shooting planned for 2023, 2024 & 2025.

***This page updates as we progress in our project. All dates are estimates and depend on budget, permissions and crew availability. 

 

Spring/Summer 2026

Release a digital edition on this website & Youtube and produce DVD/Blu-ray run to gift to museums and institutes. Premier film on O'ahu at HoMA or premier outdoors. Los Angeles premier also possible pending demand. Start submitting to indie film festivals to promote the art to a wider audience. Create complimentary print articles and submit to Hawaiian travel and jewelry industry publications.

 

2025 & 2026

Start editing the film including adding narration, subtitles and audio tracks in English, Hawaiian & Japanese. Have a 60 minute and a 1 hour 30 minute extended cut. 

 

Late 2025

Pending funding, film on Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Interview artisans, gallery owners and historians. If we are not fully funded by then pause the project until we are ready. 

 

Mid to Late 2025

Film on O'ahu and plan main filming on Kaua'i. Secure permits, travel, interview subject and finalize logistics. 

 

Early 2025

Film short segment on shell divers on Maui. Budget permitting film on Moloka'i & Lana'i. Plan trip to O'ahu to film museums, oceanographic institutes and political activists. 

 

Spring 2025

Plan filming trip to Maui and possible Lana'i and Moloka'i budget permitting. Due to the devastating fires on Maui we will not be filming on the western portion of the island until they have time to heal and we will not be burdening the people of the island at this time. Please consider donating to the Maui Strong Fund which helps those effected by the wildfires in Lahaina & the rest of the island. 

 

All of 2024

Work on securing additional funding to shoot the remaining portions of the film. Reach out to sponsors, supporters and donors. Work on the shell and lei archive to support the project and gather additional research materials, interview subjects and research. 

 

Fall 2023 -Complete

Film the North Shore of O'ahu and highlight the surf culture and how it ties into shell jewelry and the artistry of the islands. Examine puka shell and how it became popular over the years. Film at Kai's class in Honolulu and showcase the vibrant group of students wanting to learn how to make their own lei in the traditional style. 

 

Spring 2023 - Complete

Starting date in mid April 2023 on the Big Island at the Merrie Monarch Festival craft fair. 

 

Early 2023 - Complete

Continue working on grant funding, crew, insurance, permissions and equipment requirements. Plan the first filming trip to Hilo.

 

November 2022 - Complete

Final and comprehensive scouting, research and digital content trip. Travel to O'ahu & Kaua'i visiting any sites relavent to Ni'ihau shell jewelry.

 

October 2022 - Complete

Finalize historical research phase and gather any remaining contacts on O'ahu, Maui & Kaua'i including museums, cultural institutes, local shops and individual artisans. 

  

August 2022 -Complete

Launch Kickstarter campaign to fund the documentary and support the development and hosting of the website.

 

June 2022 - Complete

Build the website and social media channels creating relevant content to grow the project and start connecting with interested parties.

 

May 2022 - Complete

Trip to Oahu for location scouting, research, promotional videography, social media images and professional photoshoot with model.

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