Maoriland Film Festival

Early this morning at 2 a.m. I received a photo from @hopoelehua followed by a message from my dear Maori nephew, @numanaturesgentleman both letting us know that Standing Above the Clouds had won the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Maoriland Film Festival in Õtaki, Aotearoa. Being here in Riverside and Long Beach, screening the film and setting up rhe next KŪKULU Exhibit at @pieam_arts we were stunned and overjoyed! You know who wins when the film wins? The mauna and every kia'i who has stood for Mauna Kea and all sacred places! We all win! Loa'a ka lei lanakila, he lei keakea noho maila I ka mauna! Mahalo nui e nā hoa welo like especially Ninakaye and those who hosted our hui mai Aotearoa mai and to @hawanemusic @hopoelehua @emacase @laulau_erin @ambiespino @mehanaokala and Kū'ena for representing the film, our families and the mauna! Ola!