Q AND A WITH THE DIRECTORS OF ALOHA FROM LAVALAND

The documentary premiers tomorrow, April 7th!

FIRST – SUZENNE (sic) SERADWYN

Why did you want to make this flm?
SS: When our producer approached me about signing on to the project, it was an immediate
yes.

I arrived to the island not long before the
lava began fowing, and quickly learned that
Puna is unlike any place I’ve ever been.
People here have diferent values because of the
natural elements at play, and the rich cultural
history surrounding those elements.

There is a very important message to share about what
happens when you allow yourself to trust these
elements, and I wanted to see that the story was
told with reverence, honor, love and respect.
Why was it important that this story be told by
local community members?
SS: This is our community. Each person on our
production team shares a deep love and
connection to this land and a profound respect
for the island natives and their culture. Because
of this deep respect, the project felt divinely
guided from the start. We felt that we could not
only tell this story, but do it justice.
CO-DIRECTOR PHILLIPS PAYSON

What was the most challenging thing that arose
during production?
PP: We were at the mercy of the lava fow. We
didn’t know what was going to happen next,
which direction the fow was going, or how it was
going to end. We had to be ready for anything.

Why is it important for those outside Hawaii to see
this flm?
PP: This flm is important for anyone living in a
state of change, whether it be due to external
elements or an internal shift. Part of what this flm
explores is how one’s attitude toward change can
make all the diference.

It’s unique to direct, shoot, and edit a flm. Did
anything about the fnished product surprise you?
PP: We really wanted to capture the modern
Hawaiian, as that’s not a voice often seen on
screen. I’m pleasantly surprised by how proud the
native Hawaiian community is of the fnished flm,
and I’m proud we were able to represent them
authentically.

Why did you want to make this flm?
SS: When our producer approached me about
signing on to the project, it was an immediate
yes. I arrived to the island not long before the
lava began fowing, and quickly learned that
Puna is unlike any place I’ve ever been.

People here have diferent values because of the
natural elements at play, and the rich cultural
history surrounding those elements. There is a
very important message to share about what
happens when you allow yourself to trust these
elements, and I wanted to see that the story was
told with reverence, honor, love and respect.

Why was it important that this story be told by
local community members?
SS: This is our community. Each person on our
production team shares a deep love and
connection to this land and a profound respect
for the island natives and their culture. Because
of this deep respect, the project felt divinely
guided from the start. We felt that we could not
only tell this story, but do it justice.