The filmmaker Anthony Banua-Simon discusses his documentary Cane Fire, a historical and critical look at the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, with its depictions in Hollywood films and his own family story (playing at DOXA: Documentary Film Festival, 06-16 May 2021), with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

DOXA: The Documentary Film Festival begins today. And because they’re screening their entire program online, the films are available across the country. Cane Fire is a film by the director Anthony Banua-Simon. It explores the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i. Mr. Banua-Simon tells us that his family goes back four generations, beginning with his great-grandfather immigrating from the Philippines to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations. As he tells us his family’s story throughout the film, their heritage of labour activism, and community, the story of the island itself is revealed. Whether it’s through depictions in Hollywood films, or family photos, we see the exploitation of workers, the colonial displacement, as well as the environmental destruction that tourism or real estate might wreak. A central setting in the film through its glory days during Hollywood’s Golden Age, through today when it’s shuttered, is the Coco Palms Hotel, an iconic tourist destination, that is also one of the island’s most sacred places. It’s such a fascinating film, because it is actually rather fair in its approach to telling the story. I’ll ask Anthony about his film, about his own family’s story, and how he sees it turning out in the future, during the pandemic and past it. Anthony wasn’t born there, but he has roots there, which makes the film not only very fine history but an engaging personal story. Anthony Banua-Simon is a documentary filmmaker and editor. His work has screened at such venues as the Brooklyn Museum and MoMA PS1. His short film Third Shift, won best documentary at the Brooklyn Film Festival in 2014. He is a member of the Spectacle Theatre in Brooklyn. Visit www.anthonysimon.net for more information. And visit www.doxafestival.ca for tickets for the film. Cane Fire, and all the other films this year screen until May 16^th. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Anthony Banua-Simon; Mr. Banua-Simon, good morning.

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