KA PŌ

Synopsis

KA PŌ is a powerful exploration of one woman's triumph over addiction and domestic violence, with the guiding presence of Hawaiian gods prompting her to reconnect with her ancestral roots in the mysterious forest of Kauai, Hawaii. This soul-stirring film takes viewers on an emotional journey of self-discovery and transformation.

The film KA PŌ represents a confluence of native Hawaiian mythological folklore and modern societal issues. Under the directorial helm of Etienne Aurelius, Hawaiian-born internationally awarded feature film director and produced by Chelsea Winstanley, the only indigenous woman ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for Jojo Rabbit, is an intricate tapestry overlaying ancient Hawaiian deities and supernatural powers emanating from within with the tangible tragedy of domestic abuse. This potent mixture could well establish a new paradigm in indigenous filmmaking.

*CGI from Park Road Post Production in collaboration with WĒTĀ FX.

REVIEWS

"Seeing as this is Etienne Aurelius’ directorial debut, he rises up from the tropes of early filmmakers through his unique eye for storytelling. This film reminded me of the beauty of the medium and the stories that are possible. It’s about finding your roots and finding yourself, and those are voyages that are timeless. The cinematography, done by Aurelius himself, is absolutely striking. Aurelius’ voice as a filmmaker is one to listen to." - Rachel Beltowski, Hollywood Insider, Kapō’: An Exquisite Story About Nature and Perseverance from Brilliant Filmmaker Etienne Aurelius

"Filmmaker Etienne Aurelius, reminded us all of the power of the indigenous filmmaking voice. Aurelius’ film Ka Pō is a raw film that overcomes its limitations by exhibiting elements that make the indigenous perspective unique, with spectacularly cinematic locations, framing, and metaphor. Aurelius said that he shot it with a crew of five, with the majority of cast non-actors, and with the production spread out across a long production period interrupted by the COVID pandemic. Māori producer Chelsea Winstanley helped him craft it into the distinctive debut feature that it is.

The success of New Zealand and Australian indigenous filmmakers provide a shining light to those from other countries around the globe, which Aurelius paid tribute to in the Q&A following the showing of his film. But indigenous filmmakers from elsewhere are now making their own marks with their own films, and this is fantastic to see. I look forward in the future to seeing a film from Aurelius that has a decent budget, as I’m confident this Hawaiian filmmaker from Kauai is someone we’ll be hearing a lot more from." - Tui Ruwhiu, Executive Director, Māoriland, The Indigenous Voice

PRESENTERS

This film is being brought to the American Film Market in collaboration with the E.C.O.H. (Entertainment Collective Of Hawaii), the E.C.O.H.S. (Entertainment Collective Of Hawaii Studios), and Arthouse of Aurelius. For more information, please visit www.TheECOH.com

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