From Variety · Naman Ramachandran · · 1m 30s
A 600-year voyage opens Hawai'i's film festival
HIFF46 opens with the world premiere of a Hawai'i made documentary about the sailor who navigated to Tahiti with no instruments.
In brief
HIFF46 opens with the world premiere of a Hawai'i made documentary about the sailor who navigated to Tahiti with no instruments. Nainoa Thompson revived Polynesian wayfinding, and the film follows him passing it to the next crew on a 2,400-mile voyage. Originally reported by Variety.
HIFF46 opens with a premiere
The Hawai'i International Film Festival launches its 46th edition with the world premiere of "The Navigator," directed by Jordan Manley. "Drifter" takes the centerpiece slot.
A film made in Hawai'i
"The Navigator" is a documentary shot in the islands, built around Nainoa Thompson, the sailor at the center of the modern Polynesian voyaging revival.
First in 600 years
Nearly half a century ago, Thompson became the first Native Hawaiian in six centuries to sail from Hawai'i to Tahiti without a compass, a chart, or any modern instrument.
“the first Native Hawaiian in 600 years to sail from Hawai'i to Tahiti using no modern instruments”
2,400 miles back
The film follows Thompson on the return voyage, a 2,400-mile crossing read from stars, swells, and birds rather than screens.
Teaching the next crew
He sails with a new generation of trainee wayfinders, so the knowledge lands in younger hands instead of staying with one legendary navigator.
Wisdom from Mau Piailug
The voyage draws on what master navigator Mau Piailug taught Thompson, a line of knowledge that nearly disappeared before he passed it on.
“drawing on wisdom instilled by master navigator Mau Piailug”
Back at the Hawai'i Theatre
The screening is HIFF's first opening night at the historic Hawai'i Theatre Center since the pandemic began, putting the festival back in its old house.
What matters most
Nainoa Thompson revived Polynesian wayfinding, and the film follows him passing it to the next crew on a 2,400-mile voyage.
