The Hawaiian Soul movie came about as an idea between two up-and-coming filmmakers around 2012. Both were inspired by George Jarrett Helm's legacy of aloha ʻāina through music and activism. George was a personal hero to both of them. By visually bringing his story to the screen, they hoped that his name and message, as a staunch Hawaiian hero, would continue to live on within broader Hawaiʻi communities; especially amongst the kūpuna of George's generation, and the youth who may not yet know his name. 

 

It wouldn't be until 2019 that friends ʻĀina Paikai (writer & director), and Kaliko Maʻiʻi (producer), would have the opportunity to create the film that they had dreamed of all those years ago. In October 2019, after working closely with the Helm ʻohana and months of pre-production, the cast and crew flew to Kalamaʻula, Molokaʻi to shoot the film. For those who were on set during that week, it was an emotional, exhausting, and magical experience. This behind-the-scenes short video, shot and edited by Evan Loney (BTS photographer), encapsulates some of the joy and emotion that they experienced during that week-long shoot.

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It is with much gratitude and deep aloha to the Helm ʻohana, the Molokaʻi community, the cast, the crew, and the kūpuna, seen and unseen, that we share part of this experience with you all.

ALOHA ʻĀINA

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