‘Ulu, or breadfruit, grows on trees that last for decades and require relatively little in the way of water or nutrients—compared to crops like rice or potatoes that have much less nutritional value. One tree planted in a backyard can contribute significantly to a family’s sustenance for generations. The climate in much of Hawaii suits the plants well and, in fact, breadfruit is seen by agricultural experts as a viable solution to food shortages throughout the Global South including Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa and most of Asia.
The ROOTS OF ‘ULU will transport the viewer from the mythological origins of ‘ulu, to the Polynesian voyaging canoes that brought ‘ulu from Tahiti to Hawaii, up through the present day efforts of native practitioners and agricultural experts who have a convergent vision of the ‘ulu tree playing an important role in cultural preservation and food sustainability for Hawaii's future.
These and other issues are organically woven into the documentary as the principal characters in the film express their concerns about some of the challenges facing native Hawaiians and address the revitalization of ‘ulu as one of the possible solutions.
This film will play as a double feature with SONS OF HALAWA.
