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Synopsis: In Hawaii 1971, a disabled Vietnam vet rediscovers the warrior within to protect his family, defend their land, and clear his father’s name. (Mystery/Drama – 95 min)
Starring: Moronai Kanekoa, Sonya Balmores, Kristina Anapau, Stefan Schaefer, Augie T, Marlene Sai, Branscombe Richmond, Mel Cabang, Vene Chun, Kainoa Horcajo, Steven Dascoulias, JD Tanuvasa, Tsune Watanabe, Kahu Lyons Naone, Hoku Pavao, Ryan Ursua, and Kealani Warner.
Written/Directed by: Brian Kohne
Produced by: Stefan Schaefer
Director of Photography: Dan Hersey
Editor: Adi Ell-Ad
MPAA Rating: PG-13
As the first locally-originated motion picture in a decade to screen statewide in the theater chains, KULEANA enjoyed an unprecedented seven-week, thirteen-theater run in Hawaii and Guam and also screened in over 40 cities across the U.S. in 2018, grossing over $200K. The mystery/drama set on Maui in 1971 released to Blu Ray/DVD, and to Video on Demand as “KULEANA – MAUI” on October 20, 2019.
KULEANA-MAUI stars an all-Hawaii cast and won Best of Fest at the Guam Film Festival, and Audience Choice at the Santa Cruz Film Festival, the Maui Film Festival, and the San Antonio Film Festivals in 2017. Audiences have patiently waited for its release to Blu Ray/DVD and Video on Demand. The Hawaii Film Critics Society selection as Best Hawaiian Feature in 2018, the movie tells the story of a disabled Vietnam vet who rediscovers the Hawaiian warrior within to protect his family, defend their land and clear his father’s name. Critic Terry Hunter of Hawaii News Now reports “KULEANA is a fine film that will resonate with audiences anywhere, but if you live in Hawaii and love these islands, don’t miss it.”
KULEANA-MAUI features an original score and music by Willie K and Johnny Wilson, plus hit songs of the era from Joni Mitchell, Sons of Hawaii, Procol Harum, Sunday Manoa, the Platters, Climax, and many more.
Synopsis: Maui, Hawaii. William (Willie K) is a successful employment agent whose career is jeopardized when, over the course of one week, he repeatedly fails to find work for Merton (Eric Gilliom), the most unemployable man on the island. Williamʼs problems are compounded tenfold by his longtime girlfriend, Laura (Carolyn Omine), who wants desperately to be married and chooses this particular week to achieve her goal at all costs. At weekʼs end, William finds himself jobless, homeless, carless, girlfriendless… but more resolved than ever to make the tough choices needed to find lasting joy, love and fulfilment.
Starring: Willie K, Eric Gilliom, Carolyn Omine, Augie T, Jake Shimabukuro, Kathy Collins, Henry Kapono, Amy Hanaiali'i, Kealoha, Mick Fleetwood, and many more!
Produced by: Stefan Schaefer
Written/Directed by: Brian Kohne
Awards:
"Best Hawaiian Feature" and "Audience Choice" at the '11 Big Island Film Festival
"Best Comedy" at the '11 Detroit Windsor Film Festival
"Best Comedy" at the '11 Ventura Film Festival
"Jury Award" at the '11 Las Vegas Film Festival
"Best Film Nominee" at the '11 Marbella Film Festival
"Best Score" at the '13 Kingston Film Festival