Kawika Alfiche, Kumu Hula of Halau O Keikiali'i and Director of Kaululehua HCC, states, "This festival provides a voice to the Hawaiian community on the mainland and, through each film and conference event, presents a unique opportunity for Hawaiians to tell their stories, and share their language, culture, and history with everyone."
"This is important because Hawaiians rarely see themselves on screen, and to see that is very empowering and it instills pride in themselves for their heritage," says Kumu Hula Kau'i Peralto.

This year, in conjunction with the annual film festival, Kaululehua HCC is proud to host a three-day long cultural experience like no other here in the Bay Area. Beginning on Friday, September 26 at 8:00pm, the Cultural Center presents Hula 2500 Miles From, a presentation on how hula in the Bay Area has survived in the Bay Area so far from Hawai`i. The Cultural Conference culminates on Sunday, September 28 at 4pm an exciting presentation on Hula. An introspective look into different types of Hula, Oli & Mele (traditional chant & songs), Protocol, Lei Styles and Lole (hula attire) including hula demonstrations and story telling.

The Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center was established in 2000 with the mission of preserving and perpetuating all things Hawaiian. The mission of World Arts West is to honor and celebrate culturally diverse dance forms through presentation, education and support of artists and their traditions. PICA’s mission is to develop and perpetuate through education, the histories, cultures, traditional and contemporary folk arts of the Pacific Islanders, mainly through their annual Aloha Festival.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Resource Center Fund.

For more information about the festival or the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center, you can call 650.588.1091.