 | ||
 |
About preservefilm.hawaii.edu Hawaii and the Pacific region have been favorite subjects for documentary filmmakers. One of the earliest films was made in Hawaii in 1906 (by Robert K. Bonine for Thomas Edison). It has been preserved by Library of Congress and is a popular resource for a glimpse into “daily life” in Hawaii in the early days as a United States Territory. However, the majority of film and video made in Hawaii in the 20th century has been lost, or is in danger of being lost. The organic nature of film and video makes it susceptible to deterioration in an environment with high humidity and warm temperatures year round. MORE... |
|
 | ||
Few early filmmakers lived in Hawaii or the Pacific Region. Most of the early films were made by visiting filmmakers for tourism promotion, for newsreels or as educational documentaries. Knowing more about filmmakers provides context for their work as well as possible clues to locate moving images.
Lost Films
Due to the lack of preservation resources in Hawaii numerous film and video collections have been lost due to deterioration, or they were thrown away because a studio needed space, or they were stored inadequate environments (e.g. under the bed).
In many cases nothing is known about a film except for a newspaper citation.
Search Database
Welcome to the preservefilm.hawaii.edu database. This searchable database provides basic information on documentary film and video titles about Hawaii and the Pacific region. Most of these films have not been restored and are not available. Knowing what moving images have been created will aid collaborative efforts to save these historical resources for posterity.
GO TO SEARCH PAGE | ||
|
Film Clip: "We Leave San Francisco for Honolulu"
The featured film clip is a Ford Motor Company film production titled "We Leave San Francisco for Honolulu." Seven minutes in length, it features scenes from the early territorial period in Hawaii including hula dancing and taro preparation.
"We Leave for San Francisco for Honolulu" is just one an example of Hawaii's film history. This film has already been saved; the original film is in the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. However many films remain at risk or are currently lost. If you would like to help save this history, click here: |
|
 | ||
UHM Library Preservation Dept. © 2003