Leah Warshawski

“Finding Hillywood” is an inspirational film about the making of the Rwandan film industry and the power of film to change and heal individuals and communities. It tells the story of how a nation, still healing from the 1994 genocide, creates a film industry as both an outlet for the pain and a way to bring entertainment and a new industry to the population. Hillywood, which is named for Rwanda’s hilly terrain, is a traveling film festival that screens films made by, about, and for Rwandans. The festival goes from town to town, setting up public, outdoor screenings, on inflatable screens, to showcase Rwandan films.

Tulip, a tiny child born from a flower, explores a wondrous miniature word in this little story with a big message of acceptance at its Thumbelina-inspired heart.

On the remote Hawaiian island of Molokai during the Covid-19 pandemic, an ancient fishpond brings together the community, resulting in powerful lessons of resilience and sustainability for the next generation. The work of restoring Ali‘i Fishpond provides not only food, but sharing of profound Hawaiian wisdom. This inspiring film begs the question: What can you do in your community to share your knowledge with the generations that follow you? Filmed entirely on Molokai, FISHPOND: LOKO I‘A is a short documentary featuring globally recognized Kupuna Council members Uncle Mac Poepoe and Uncle Bobby Alcain.