This collection of three short films encourage us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. In the first film, KUMU NIU, learn about a grassroots movement to restore the niu, or coconut, as a stable food crop in Hawai'i. In the second two films, KĀHULI and AFTER THE ENDLING, learn about the significant roles Hawai‘i’s native snail species play in its ecosystem and Native Hawaiian culture, yet they face increasing threats and are rapidly disappearing. These films explore this largely unknown and complex world, and show us that even the smallest species are worth saving. 

KUMU NIU

By:  Alex Cantatore and the National Association of State Foresters

The island of O'ahu is covered with coconut palms, but for fear of liability the vast majority of these sacred trees have been stripped of coconuts. The grassroots movement "Niu Now" is on a mission to restore the niu, or coconut, as a fundamental food crop in Hawai'i and spread the Indigenous wisdom of aloha 'āina: loving land and serving people. 

KĀHULI

By: Chris A. Johns

Hawai‘i’s native snail species, which at once numbered greater than has all of North America combined, and play significant roles in ecosystem functioning and Hawaiian culture, face an emergent threat and are rapidly disappearing. In KĀHULI, cultural and scientific experts guide us through what stands to be lost if Hawai‘i’s snails go extinct.

AFTER THE ENDLING

By:  Daniel A. Kelin II

AFTER THE ENDLING takes us on an experiential journey through the world of shadow puppetry. Deep within the forests of Hawai'i, a Hawaiian tree snail, pūpū kani oe (“shell that sounds long”) maintains a harmonious relationship with their environment, caring for the flora as the flora feeds them. But then invasive creatures sail in, disrupting the tiny island creatures’ trusting lifestyle.