Standing Above the Clouds: Screening & Discussion

Presented by the Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU. Co-sponsored by the Center for Collaborative Indigenous Research with Communities and Lands, Nā `Ōiwi NYC, NYU Native American & Indigenous Students Group, NYU Center for the Study of Gender & Sexuality, and NYU Center for Media, Culture & History.

Through the intergenerational stories of women from three Native Hawaiian families, Standing Above the Clouds traces the decades-long movement to protect Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaiʻi. The documentary film follows teacher and community organizer Kumu Pua Case and her two daughters — artist-activists Hāwane Rios and Kapulei Flores — as they stand for the sacred mountain. 

As they face opposition and arrests, they are joined by a community of kiaʻi (protectors) who have dedicated their lives to preventing the desecration of Mauna Kea. Case reflects, “We are no different than Native people everywhere around the world standing for their mountaintops, for their waters, for their land bases, their oceans and their life ways.” Winner of the Bill Nemtin Award for Best Social Impact Documentary (HotDocs International Film Festival), Standing Above the Clouds is an intimate journey through the women’s lives both on and off the mountain, and explores the physical and emotional toll of sustaining a grassroots movement. 

The A/P/A Institute at NYU is thrilled to welcome back the film’s director, producer, and cinematographer Jalena Keane-Lee and artist Hāwane Rios for this special screening and discussion, moderated by Professor Lou Cornum (NYU Department of Social & Cultural Analysis).

NYU campus access guidelines: This is an in-person event, open to the public. Registration is required.

Accessibility note: This venue is accessible via elevator. If you have any access needs, please email apa.rsvp@nyu.edu.