Holding Fast The Dream captures the African American experience in Hawai‘i; the achievements and successes, the history and challenges, and the development of a strong and vibrant community.
These are stories untold and ignored by history, but essential to understanding the richness and scope of Hawai‘i's diverse peoples.
Production now is underway for an anticipated release in 2009.
Your support is needed to make sure this important project can be completed! Please visit our Support page and help bring this little-known story to an island-wide audience.
The Latest:
Winter Institute for Black Studies
Holding Fast The Dream was featured at the Third Biennial Winter Institute for Black Studies in January 2009.
The conference included scholars from around the nation examining the theme, The “Alternative” African Diaspora–a topic appropriate for the film’s focus on little-known Black communities that have emerged and thrived.
A 22-minute sample work of the film was presented, and was received enthusiastically from conference attendees. We’re grateful to Dr. Elisa Joy White, conference organizer, for the opportunity to bring Holding Fast The Dream to an important audience.
Filed in: EventsWhy This Film: Barack Obama Explains
Senator Barack Obama kicked off his stay in Hawai‘i on August 8 with a public event at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park in Honolulu. In his remarks, he explained what Hawai‘i has given to him as he campaigns for President–an explanation that aptly describes the reason why we’re producing Holding Fast The Dream.
Filed in: Themes/SubjectsProduction Nears Completion
Principal photography on Holding Fast The Dream is nearly complete, after a two-day shoot on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawai‘i in June.
Among the subjects: Honolulu Symphony violinist Fumiko Wellington, and jazz icon Azure McCall, who are pictured above. They are part of the the film’s treatment of African Americans in arts and culture in Hawai‘i–participation which extends back more than 150 years to the formation of the Royal Hawaiian Band.
Ms. McCall was featured in performance at the Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa; she recently wrapped up a four-year gig at the Malolo Lounge in the Hilton Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Thanks to both Ms. Wellington and Ms. McCall, and to Hamakua entrepreneur Gwendolyn Hill, for their cooperation and assistance with the film and our latest production shoot!
(Now comes the difficult and expensive task of putting the film together. Your support is greatly appreciated; make a secure online donation here.)
Filed in: News, Themes/Subjects