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Title: "Native Pacific Islander Cinema and the Ethics of Cinematic Sovereignty."  

Abstract: Since their annexation by the United States government in 1898, the Hawaiian islands have been

a site of contestation over Native culture and sovereignty. Beginning in the 1970s, Kanaka Maoli

launched demonstrations and interventions to protect Native land and culture. More recently,

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have turned to the medium of cinema to assert a distinct

Kanaka Maoli identity and preserve their culture. Here I examine the work of Vilsoni Hereniko,

Erin Lau, and Ciara Lacy, who are making films in the service of Native sovereignty. With this

political goal in mind, I trace three guiding principles that structure their work: valuing the

culture, honoring the people, and celebrating the land.

Jennifer Gauthier is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Randolph College. This event is sponsored by the Native American Resource Center, Native Studies, Anthropology, American Studies, and Asian and Pacific Islander American Studies (APIA).

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