Audiences can take an unexpected adventure in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park through the film, “At Her Feet,” at the Hilo Palace Theater this Friday.
When interisland travel opened briefly during the COVID-19 pandemic, writer and director Nadya Wynd took a trip to Hawaii Island to clear her head and get a change of scenery.
While visiting HVNP with very few people around, a story full of adventure, mystery and drama poured into Wynd’s head and reignited a creative energy she had to pursue.
“This story just flooded through me, and it felt like a gift, so I could refocus my energy on something creative,” Wynd said. “I’m thankful for that, and I’m proud of this movie. It packages timely messages through an adventurous, mysterious and dramatic plot.”
“At Her Feet” follows two archaeology students, Matt and Savannah, as they tour HVNP with their Hawaiian guide, Kilo. The day becomes perilous when an eruption starts and the lava’s path heads toward Kilo’s family’s burial cave full of cultural artifacts.
While facing imminent danger, Kilo, Matt and Savannah try to save the artifacts, leading them to encounter Ka‘iwa, a protector of Hawaiian culture who is unsure of the others’ motives.
“I’ve always enjoyed learning about other cultures and their histories, especially diving deeply into indigenous cultures to find the values and wisdom that endures,” Wynd said. “The people of Hawaii still carry the stories of those who came before them and the importance of a respectful, reciprocal relationship with nature. Even with how much that has been challenged.”
The film has strong environmental themes for Hawaii specifically and highlights cultural practices, such as ho‘oponopono, and the lifestyles of Native Hawaiians.
The character of Ka‘iwa also is indicative of the theme of forgiveness as he represents the relationship between indigenous populations and colonizers, according to Wynd, who has worked on numerous film, television and theater projects.
“All the resentment felt is understandable because the Hawaiians have lost so much. But resentment and hate often keeps people stuck, and to forgive is to let go,” Wynd said. “I hope the themes of forgiveness, unity and respect can inspire audiences to live in harmony with the Earth and each other.”
“At Her Feet” was filmed solely on Hawaii Island in HVNP and at Uncle Robert’s in Kalapana. The cast includes Sydney Agudong as Savannah, Noah Alexander Gerry as Matt, Wayne Vene Chun as Kilo and Branscombe Richmond as Ka‘iwa.
“We included a lot of crew members and one cast member from the Big Island, which was so nice, especially with navigating lava rock,” Wynd said. “We made sure to focus on the beautiful scenery and feature natural, ambient sounds throughout the film. The cinematography is stunning.”
The film will premiere at 7 p.m. on Friday the Hilo Palace Theater and will be followed by a Q and A session with Wynd, the cast and some of the crew. There also will be a second showing at the Keauhou Regal Theater in Kailua-Kona on Sunday.
The cast and crew will then spend the remainder of August on a theatrical tour on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and in California. Each showing will include a question-and-answer session.
“To me, this film is a cultural experience that can hopefully inspire people to move in a more positive direction for themselves and the planet,” Wynd said. “I think this film can give people a road map on how to go back to something we’ve lost.”
Tickets to the Palace Theater premiere on Friday are $10 for general admission and $9 for students, seniors and veterans. For more information, visit http://hilopalace.com.