Directed by Laurie Sumiye
Laurie Sumiye’s film is an enchanting, yet harrowing tale of the yellow finch of Palila v. Hawai‘i, a landmark case where nature took humanity to court to stave off extinction. A PARADISE LOST unfolds through the POV of the animated Palila called Anuenue who stood as the client in 1979 court trials. The legal battle leveraged the Endangered Species Act to protect māmane forests where 2,500 Palila competed with introduced sheep & goats. He explains how they won in court, but are still in jeopardy; in 2024, only 300 Palila remain. Today, a Native Hawaiian conservationist struggles to save them amidst escalating threats of climate change, wildfires, introduced predators, diseases, and governmental neglect.
ANOTHER WORLD
Directed by Tommy Ng Kai Chung
October 25, 2:00pm | October 26, 7:00pm — Consolidated Kahala
Between death and rebirth lies ANOTHER WORLD, a fantastical realm where souls await reincarnation. Gudo, a spirit guide, encounters Yuri, a young girl overwhelmed by rage, and must help her before she transforms into a monster. Adapted from Saijo Naka’s novel “Sennenki – Thousand-Year Journey of an Oni,” this fantastical animated feature is a spectacular showcase that unspools awe-inspiring visuals, created by the incredible young talent coming out of Hong Kong,
ARCO
Directed by Ugo Bienvenu
October 19, 1:30pm | October 25, 11:00am — Consolidated Kahala
In 2075, a 10-year-old girl, Iris, sees a mysterious boy wearing a rainbow jumpsuit falling from the sky. It’s Arco. He comes from a distant, idyllic future where time travel is possible. Iris takes him in and will do whatever it takes to help him return home. Natalie Portman leads the voice cast and produces this French animated magical sci-fi film rooted in Miyazaki and Shinkai.
LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS
Directed by Emma Hough Hobbs, Leela Varghese
October 20, 5:15pm — Consolidated Kahala / Noivenber 16, 5:00pm — Palace Theater
Introverted lesbian space princess Saira embarks on a mission to rescue her ex from evil incel aliens, enlisting the help of an enby popstar and a cantankerous boomer spaceship. Brimming with colors as bright as its gay in-jokes, and shades of offbeat animated romps like ADVENTURE TIME and SCOTT PILGRIM, LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS is a frenetic sci-fi-comedy musical that isn’t afraid to ‘lez’ it all out.
