ʻThe Roots of ‘Uluʻ and ʻThe New Environmentalistsʻ at Volcano Art Center

Image from “The Roots of ‘Ulu.” Courtesy of Volcano Art Center.

Volcano Art Center will host film screenings of “The Roots of ‘Ulu” and an episode of “The New Environmentalists” on Thursday, May 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the centerʻs Niaulani Campus. The films will be presented by filmmaker John Antonelli of the Mill Valley Film Group. 

“The Roots of ‘Ulu” takes viewers on a mythical, historic journey of ‘ulu (breadfruit) from Tahiti to Hawai‘i, leading up to present day efforts by native practitioners and agriculture experts to preserve the treeʻs role in culture and food sustainability. The film won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival in 2015, and was named the Best Film – Island Culture at the Waimea Film Festival.

“The New Environmentalists” is a multiple Emmy Award-winning PBS series narrated by Robert Redford featuring portraits of passionate and dedicated environmental activists. These activists–who often place themselves in harmʻs way–share a common goal of protecting Earth’s natural resources from exploitation and pollution, while fighting for environmental justice in their communities.

Antonelli will lead a lively Q&A session and discussion following the screenings. Admission is free and donations are welcomed and encouraged. View the trailers for “The Roots of ‘Ulu” and “The New Environmentalists” online at www.mvfg.com.

The film presentations are part of a once-a-month, Thursday night series at Volcano Art Center focused on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series intends to inspire and enhance the communityʻs appreciation of art and life, while forging new connections.

The Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. For more information, call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.