Shaka: A Story of Aloha
| Shaka: A Story of Aloha | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Alexander Bocchieri |
| Written by | Steve Sue |
| Produced by | Steve Sue |
| Starring |
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Production company | ID8 |
Release date |
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Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Shaka: A Story of Aloha is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Alexander Bocchieri and produced/written by Steve Sue. The film explores the origins and meanings of the shaka gesture and traces its contemporary use in Hawaiʻi and beyond.[1][2]
Synopsis
The documentary follows Sue's investigation into competing accounts of the shaka's origin, using interviews with historians, cultural practitioners and community members. It compares multiple theories and examines how the gesture spread through surfing, media and public life.[3][4]
Production
In August 2022, a community hukilau in Lāʻie was staged and filmed for the documentary with support from local organizations and volunteers.[5]
Release
The world premiere took place at the Visual Communications (LA Asian Pacific) Film Festival in Los Angeles on May 2, 2024.[6][7][8] It later screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival in October–November 2024.[9]
Reception
At the 44th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, Shaka: A Story of Aloha won the Audience Award for Documentary Feature.[10] Local coverage also reported strong audience response during the festival.[11][12]
References
- ^ "Documentary about the origins of the shaka to debut at LA film festival". Hawaiʻi Public Radio. April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA". Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA". Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Documentary about the origins of the shaka to debut at LA film festival". Hawaiʻi Public Radio. April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Lambert, LeeAnn; Nichole Whiteley (August 23, 2022). "Shaka documentary team films Grand Hukilau held in Laie". Ke Alakaʻi (BYU–Hawaii). Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Documentary about the origins of the shaka to debut at LA film festival". Hawaiʻi Public Radio. April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Shaka documentary to debut at film festival in Los Angeles". Kauaʻi Now. April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Hawaii-produced film to debut at VC Film Fest". The Maui News. April 17, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Documentary all about the shaka will premiere at HIFF". Hawaiʻi Public Radio. September 9, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "HIFF44 Audience Award Winners Announcement". Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. November 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "'Da shaka' documentary loved by audiences at Hawaiʻi International Film Festival". Big Island Now. November 29, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "A win for da shaka at Hawaiʻi International Film Festival". Kauaʻi Now. November 29, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2025.