Polynesian dance speaks to the past, present and future. For nearly 50,000 years, dances and songs have been an expression of Pacific Islanders' origins, their journeys, their struggles--their very existence. These are their "dance stories"--their Dances of Life. 

Today, Pacific Islanders are struggling to maintain their identity and traditions. Dance is central to these efforts. For centuries, dance has remained one of the most powerful vehicles for transmitting culture.  

Tells the epic saga of the rivalry between Pelehonuamea, goddess of the volcano, and her youngest and favorite sister Hi'iaka. The one-hour performance weaves together archetypal themes of creation, love and betrayal into a sweeping dramatic performance. For the first time, a rare legacy of chants and dances, as passed down through generations, is presented by the Kumu Hula and performers of Halau o Kekuhi, in a stunning and exciting adaptation for Dance in America.  

One Voice tells the story of the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest through the eyes of the student song directors. Every year in Hawai'i, 2,000 high school students compete in the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, where young leaders direct their peers in singing Hawaiian music in four-part harmony. The Contest is a unique cultural celebration that has become a major local event, broadcast live on TV, played on the radio and streamed on the Internet.  

Every tattoo tells a story. The Samoan culture calls it tatau. The Maori people call it moko or puhoro. The Hawaiians refer to it as kakau or uhi. And many others know it as tattoo. Many people do not understand the significance this art form holds in cultures across the globe. For some people, the mark of the tattoo symbolizes their true essence, who they are and where they come from. For others, the tattoo is a symbol of rebirth, a symbol of beauty, and a mark of traditions, values, beliefs and philosophies.

Skin Stories is an anthology of stories and stunning images gathered from the hot spots of Pacific tattoo: from the steaming landscape of Rotorua in New Zealand to the vibrant gathering of the first international tattoo convention in Apia, Samoa; from the terraced, lush taro fields of Maui to the golden beaches of O'ahu and California.

Then There Were None tells a personal story of the effects of colonization on the Hawaiian people.

To millions of travelers the world over, Hawai'i is an alluring picture postcard paradise. But to its Native Hawaiian people, nothing could be further from the truth. Their compelling story, of a race displaced and now on the verge of extinction, is brilliantly told in this award-winning documentary created by the great-granddaughter of Hawaiian high chiefs and English seafarers.

1. Care for the Legacy of Indigenous Media. Preserving and re-purposing media in Indian Country helps us honor our elders by hearing and sharing their stories so that they will be available for future generations.

2. Invest In Our Future. Utilize media to inspire a positive generational
shift in Native youth, to encourage them to make wise choices and inspire
them to learn, honor and celebrate their Tribal identity.

3. Build Opportunities for Filmmakers. There are few opportunities for
Indigenous filmmakers to network, learn from each other and develop skills.
Bringing Indigenous storytellers together on-line or in-person will build a
supportive community and build new partnerships.

4. Create an Indigenous Media Fund. With nearly 40 years of experience
in supporting the production of high quality programming for Public
Broadcasting, we are poised to expand our scope of support to attract
investment in a wide variety of projects.

Vision Maker Media Receives Major Funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

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