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Filmmaker Lee debuts new Lili’uokalani documentary

Jason Genegabus
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COURTESY STATE OF HAWAII

Queen Liliuokalani.

Hawaii-based filmmaker Edgy Lee is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Hawaii’s last monarch, Queen Lydia Kamaka’eha Lili’uokalani, with the debut of a new documentary, “Reflections of Our Queen.”

Sponsored by the Queen Lili’uokalani Trust and local nonprofit Hui Hanai, the 78-minute film provides a glimpse into the personal life of the queen through stories and memories shared by kupuna and their descendants. Shot on location at ‘Iolani Palace, the documentary is narrated by award-winning local musician and kumu hula Robert Cazimero, with celebrated Hawaiian entertainer Marlene Sai providing the voice of Queen Lili’uokalani.

“Through the film, we begin to understand the ‘kaona,’ or hidden meanings, behind her lyrics while her published and personal writing vitalize our appreciation of her spirit,” Hui Hanai president Stacy Naipo said in a statement. “Her story is one that continues to inspire Hawaiians and the broader community because her leadership and vision have created a legacy that endures today.”

Added Lee: “This project has been an amazing and inspirational process for our team and we are grateful for having the opportunity to provide insight into who the Queen was as a person and an artist.

“We hope that this perspective of our Queen illustrates the depth of her aloha and compassion, traits she embodied until her passing exactly one century ago.”

KHNL will air an uninterrupted broadcast of “Reflections of Our Queen” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 and Dec. 10. An additional broadcast on KGMB will be aired at a future date.

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