Director: Ruben Carrillo
2010, U.S.A., 26 min.
Mana I Ka Leo examines oli, the Hawaiian tradition of chant. Filmed at sacred practitioner locations, the documentary features three contemporary chanters who have dedicated much of their lives to preserving and perpetuating the voices and words of their kupuna (honored elders):
• Hokulai Holt, from Maui, spends the end of her day in Makena conversing with the setting sun;
• Dr. Kamana ‘opono Crabbe, from O’ahu, shares how oli has helped him understand the Hawaiian worldview prior to western influence and why it is important to pass on this knowledge;
• young Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, who describes his obligation and commitment to maintaining the knowledge, thereby ensuring that ancestral memories are preserved for the future generations.
