VAC screening ‘Roots of ‘Ulu,’ episode of ‘New Environmentalists’

Filmmaker John Antonelli of the Mill Valley Film Group will screen “The Roots of ‘Ulu” and an episode of “The New Environmentalists” from 7-9 p.m. today at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani campus.

“The Roots of ‘Ulu” will transport the viewer from Kaha‘i and his mythical journey delivering ‘ulu (the Hawaiian word for breadfruit) from Tahiti to Hawaii, up through the present-day efforts of native practitioners and agriculture experts who have a vision of the ‘ulu tree playing a vital role in cultural preservation and food sustainability for Hawaii’s future. “The Roots of ‘Ulu” won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 2015 and was the Best Film — Island Culture at the Waimea Film Festival.

Actor Robert Redford narrates “The New Environmentalists,” the multiple Emmy Award-winning PBS series featuring inspiring portraits of passionate and dedicated activists who placed themselves in harm’s way to battle intimidating adversaries while building strong grassroots support. “The New Environmentalists” share a common goal – safeguarding the Earth’s natural resources from exploitation and pollution, while fighting for environmental justice in their communities.

A lively Q&A session and discussion with Antonelli will follow the screenings. The presentation is free but donations are always welcome. To see the trailer for “The Roots of ‘Ulu” and “The New Environmentalists” and for information about all of Antonelli’s films, visit www.mvfg.com.

The presentation is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire, enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.

The Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. For more information, call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.