REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI’I: ANN MARIE KIRK

Ann Marie Nālani Kirk is an award-winning filmmaker from Maunalua, Oʻahu. Her recent films include: Kai Piha: Nā Loko Iʻa about traditional Hawaiian fishponds, Kai Piha: Kaʻahele Ma Waikiki about the history of traditional Hawaiian surfing in Waikiki and other films include The Hawaiian Room about the legendary Hawaiian dancers and entertainers who Hawaiian Room in the Lexington Hotel, Homealani about her grandfather Oliver H. Kupau, and Happy Birthday, Tūtū Ruth about kupuna Ruth Kaholoaʻa from Waipiʻo, Hawaiʻi. Ann Marie is also the creator of maunalua.net, a cultural website sharing the moʻolelo of Maunalua, Oʻahu. This short is part of REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI‘I (RWH) Series Season 4. The Emmy-winning series documents talented and pioneering women filmmakers who tell uniquely Hawai‘i stories through a camera lens. Season 4 features Leanne K. Ferrer as the first executive producer in our series. Through funding and support of local and Pacific Islander filmmakers, Leanne Ferrer and the organization she led, Pacific Islanders in Communications, have had a massive influence in building the Hawai‘i indie film industry. Likewise, seasoned filmmakers Stephanie Castillo (Sandaan: 100 years of Filipinos in America), Ann Marie Kirk (Homealani), and Jana Kealoha Park (My Partner, E Malama Pono Willy Boy) show a depth and breadth of experience in both documentary and narrative films. The series also highlights the work of two of our brightest rising stars in our local film industry, camerawoman/editor Shaneika Aguilar and camerawoman/editor Sancia Miala Shiba Nash, who are reimagining and evolving the way we tell stories with their unique visual styles.