Honu Productions rock! Our students are so good they were commissioned to produce a feature documentary for the venerable Smithsonian.
HTA’s media students are so on the job. This award-winning Career-Based Learning program is helmed by the amazing Mrs. Morita. Students learn with the ‘Ōlelo Media Group, and help cover live events such as the opening day of the state legislature and HTA’s graduation ceremony.
Recently, they were commissioned to script, film, and edit a 40-minute documentary for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Wowza! The documentary showcases what Native Hawaiian youth are doing to protect their traditions. It looks at voyaging and wayfinding, hula as resistance, heiau (sacred space) restoration, and food sovereignty.
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There were lots of ups and downs, twists and turns but, overall, it was an amazing experience getting to work with our indigenous peers and document their work. Collaborating with Auntie Vicky (Takamine) and other professionals in their respective fields was also really special. It doesn’t feel real knowing that our names are on the Smithsonian Institution website. Getting to put this on our resumes is absolutely crazy! I’m forever grateful for the experience 🙂
Tamar W, Class of 2024
~ Editor and camera
