‘The Wind & the Reckoning’: Aloha Dominates the Film Festival Circuit

In September 2022, a historical drama predominantly spoken in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, was all the talk at the Boston Film Festival (BFF). The Wind & the Reckoning, directed by David L. Cunningham, draws inspiration from the Leper War on Kauaʻi. It took home eight awards from BFF alone, including Best Film, as well as two awards at the San Diego Film Festival, and Best Made in Hawai‘i Feature in the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival.

The Wind & the Reckoning follows the story of paniolo Kaluaikoʻolau (Jason Scott Lee), his wife, Piʻilani (Lindsay Marie Anuhea Watson), and their son, Kaleimanu (Kahiau Perreira). Set shortly after the West overthrows Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, Koʻolau and Kalei are wrought with leprosy.

Following the overthrow, the Republic of Hawaiʻi exerted control over the Islands by issuing a bounty on any Hawaiians suspected of having leprosy. Eventually, bounty hunters who arrive to collect Koʻolau and Kalei. To keep the family together, the family vanished into the Kalalau Valley.

In the film, Koʻolau warns Kalei to be careful of whom he directs his hatred, that misdirecting his anger is a dangerous step towards becoming those he hates: someone living without ha, without breath or spirit. Despite the looming cannonade, Koʻolau speaks of aloha. Additionally, one of the women carries music with her, a sobering and tangible reminder of hope.

The Wind & the Reckoning brewed for nearly two decades. Piʻilani’s account of the Koʻolau Rebellion, Ka Moʻolelo ʻoiaʻiʻo o Kaluaikoʻolau (“The True Story of Kaluaikoʻolau”) was translated for the first time in 2001. Shortly after, Screenwriter John Fusco pitched the story to David Cunningham. This was Cunningham’s first time hearing about this little-known piece of history, despite growing up in Hawai’i. Unfortunately, production was postponed several times, and eventually shelved, until 2020. Finally, in a serendipitous turn of events, filming began in late-2020 on a remote ranch in Kohala. This is the third movie Cunningham directed filmed or set in Hawaiʻi, including Beyond Paradise.

The film confronts stolen sovereignty, a foreign plague, and indigenous joy and grief in the aftermath of injustice. The Wind & the Reckoning understands the true Hawaiian spirit — to love one’s family, to love one’s culture, and to love one another.

Koʻolau, who “stands against the wind,” became a symbol of perseverance for Native Hawaiians. “There is a season for every season.” Piʻilani’s voice reminds the audience, herself, and her family that there is a time for joy, for grief, and for resilience.

The Wind & the Reckoning is doing a limited run at select Hawaiʻi Island theaters until December 8: Regal Makalapua (Kailua-Kona) and Regal Prince Kuhio (Hilo). Showings are also available on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Maui. Supporting The Wind & the Reckoning in theaters opens future opportunities for streaming, DVD, and showings in the U.S.

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