'Mana I Ka Leo: The Power of the Voice'
Mana I Ka Leo: Power of the Voice is a film that examines oli, the Hawaiian tradition of chant through the eyes of 3 contemporary practitioners who have dedicated much of their lives to preserving and perpetuating the voices and words of their kupuna (ancestors).
It takes the audience on a visual journey through some of the most majestic locations in Hawaii as you become mesmerized by the power of the words. You donÂ’t need to know what they mean; you will feel the chanters emotion and be moved by it.
Featuring Hokulani Holt from the island Maui where she spends the end of her day in Makena conversing with the setting sun.
Dr. Kamana`opono Crabbe from the island of O`ahu who shares how oli has helped him understand the Hawaiian worldview prior to western influence and why itÂ’s important that he continues to pass on this knowledge today.
Be moved by the drama and depth of knowledge from young Kaumakaiwa Kanaka`ole as he describes his obligation to follow the fire. His generational commitment to maintain and preserve the knowledge he has in oli (chant) ensures the ancestral memories are secure in the next generation.
Finally you will be inspired by the young voices who carry on these traditions, for in those voices are the words and insight of their kupuna (ancestors).
The narrator challenges us to think about the wisdom contained in these oli. How can it help our contemporary world with the numerous environmental challenges we face? Did the ancients have answers to questions we are now facing?
Filmed in stunning high definition at sacred spots to our practitioners the film gives the audience a rare indepth glimpse at this sacred tradition.