Indigenous Cinema Alliance 2025 Fellows
PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN COMMUNICATIONS AND 4th WORLD MEDIA CELEBRATE ERIN LAU AND CASS GARDINER AS GLOBAL INDIGENOUS CINEMA FELLOWS
HONOLULU, HI (October 7, 2024) – Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) and 4th World announce the selection of Erin Lau and Cass Gardiner as 2025 Indigenous Cinema Alliance Fellows, as part of the Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA) Fellowship Program led by imagineNATIVE. Formerly known as the NATIVe Stand Fellowship, the ICA Fellowship Program honors Indigenous filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication to storytelling, and a commitment to representing Indigenous cultures on a global stage.
At this year’s 44th annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival, Standing Above Clouds, a powerful feature-length documentary for which Lau served as Executive Producer, will make its Hawai‘i debut. The film showcases the movement to protect Mauna Kea through the intergenerational stories of women from three Native Hawaiian families who defend the sacred mountain. It follows teacher and community organizer Pua Case and her two daughters—artist-activists Hāwane Rios and Kapulei Flores—who have been advocating against the telescope since 2010. PIC funded the short-film version of this feature, which premiered at HIFF39. Lau’s selection as an ICA Fellow further underscores her significant contributions to Indigenous cinema and her commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
“We are thrilled to support Erin on this incredible journey,” said Cheryl Hirasa, Executive Director of Pacific Islanders in Communications. “Her work not only amplifies Pacific Islander and Indigenous voices but also inspires the next generation of Pacific Islander filmmakers and cultivates a broader understanding and appreciation of the modern Pacific Islander experience.”
Native Hawaiian filmmaker Erin Lau has dedicated her life to creating stories exploring empathy, family, and identity. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the School of Cinematic Arts (formerly the Academy for Creative Media) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She received a full merit scholarship to Chapman University’s MFA in Film Production program. Her films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide, including HIFF42 where her short film INHERITANCE won the Oscar-Qualifying Best Hawaiʻi Short Award. She has participated in prestigious programs such as the Sundance Institute Native Lab, Tribeca Studios, Women in Film, and Film Independent’s Project Involve.
Cass Gardiner, an Anishinaabe Algonquin filmmaker, curator, and writer from Kebaowek First Nation, will also attend HIFF44. Gardiner’s short film, JANELLE NILES: INCONVENIENT, premiered at the 2023 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and is currently streaming on CBC Gem and Crave in Canada. Her critically acclaimed work, including THE EDIBLE INDIAN and JEWELS HUNT, has garnered international attention for its bold storytelling and focus on Indigenous perspectives.
“Supporting filmmakers like Erin and Cass underscores 4th World’s mission to amplify Indigenous stories across the globe,” said Tracy Rector, Founder of 4th World Media. “As fellows taking their projects to the European Film Market, their talent and vision will showcase the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures on an international scale.”
As part of the ICA Fellows program, both Lau and Gardiner will participate in specialized training sessions, networking events, and panels at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, Germany from February 13-19, 2025. The ICA celebrates a decade of championing Indigenous cinema through current members such as the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI), FILM.GL, Pacific Islanders in Communications, Winda Film Festival, and 4th World Media, with new partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. This year’s ICA Fellows program continues to build on the alliance’s commitment to promoting Indigenous voices, facilitating business opportunities for Indigenous professionals, and securing co-productions and sales channels for Indigenous films. For more information about the Indigenous Cinema Alliance, please visit indigenouscinema.org.
"Bringing Indigenous Cinema to an International Stage"
Erin Lau and Cass Gardiner interview with KITV Island News
ABOUT PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN COMMUNICATIONS (PIC):
Established in 1991, Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) is the only national public media organization that supports media content and its makers to work together to promote a deeper understanding of Pacific Islander history, culture, and contemporary issues that define our communities. As part of the National Multicultural Alliance, PIC addresses the need for media content that reflects America’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity by funding independently produced films and providing over 200 hours of innovative content by and about Pacific Islanders to American public television including its flagship series Pacific Heartbeat. PIC defines “Pacific Islander” as one whose ancestors were the indigenous people of Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Australia. For more information about Pacific Islanders in Communications, visit www.piccom.org and follow us on social media: facebook.com/piccom | Instagram: @picpacific
ABOUT 4th WORLD Media
4th World supports Indigenous filmmakers worldwide by providing multiple fellowship experiences including the award-winning 4th World Media Lab, resources, mentorship, training, and platforms to tell their stories. With a focus on uplifting and promoting Indigenous stories and culture, 4th World empowers filmmakers to share their narratives with global audiences, unapologetically.
ABOUT Indigenous Cinema Alliance
Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA) represents a coalition of international Indigenous partners, including film festivals, commissions, and institutes. Our mission is to promote Indigenous cinema globally, create culturally safe spaces for Indigenous professionals, and develop sales channels, and secure co-productions for Indigenous titles. www.indigenouscinema.org
ABOUT imagiNative
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the world’s largest Indigenous festival showcasing film, video, audio, and digital + interactive media made by Indigenous creators. The Festival presents compelling and distinctive works from Canada and around the globe, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous Nations and illustrating the vitality and dynamism of Indigenous arts, perspectives, and cultures in contemporary media. www.imagineNATIVE.org
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Categories: Fellowship