1. Aloha From Lavaland
Explores what it really means to live in such an unpredictable paradise, and what the incident can teach the rest of the world about community, sustainability, harmony, and aloha.
2. Aina: That Which Feeds Us
The film highlights a way to address some of the most pressing environmental and health crises facing the island of Kauai - and of island Earth.
3. Waikiki: in the Wake of Dreams
This film chronicles Waikiki's history from Polynesian mythology to the present day where it is one of the world's leading urban resorts.
4. Paniolo O Hawai'i: Cowboys of the Far West
This award winning feature documentary film redefines our childhood notions of cowboys and indians and the Great American West. In this beautifully crafted movie, Cowboys are the Indians. Hawaii’s Paniolo preceded the American Cowboy but their story remains virtually unheralded in frontier history. The film is a tribute to the men and women who learned much of their riding, roping, and saddle making from the great vaqueros of Alta California.
5. Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority
In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink became the first woman of color in the United States Congress. Seven years later, she ran for the US presidency and was the driving force behind Title IX, the landmark legislation that transformed women’s opportunities in higher education and athletics.
6. Charles Reed Bishop: Hawaii's first banker
The documentary, titled "Hawaii's First Banker", tells the story of a man of integrity, commitment and caring. The core values he established long ago still guide us today.
7. Julia Robinson and Hilbert's Tenth Problem
Julia Robinson and Hilbert's Tenth Problem features a heroine driven by the quest to solve one of the central problems of modern mathematics. She rises above formidable obstacles to assume a leading role in her field. Julia Robinson was the first woman elected to the mathematical section of the National Academy of Sciences, and the first woman to become president of the American Mathematical Society. While tracing Robinson's contribution to the solution of Hilbert's tenth problem, the film illuminates how her work led to an unusual friendship between Russian and American colleagues at the height of the Cold War.
8. Spirit of Tibet: Journey to Enlightenment, the Life and World of Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche
An intimate glimpse into the life and world of one of Tibet's most revered teachers: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche . A writer, poet and meditation master, Khyentse Rinpoche was an inspiration to all who encountered him. His many students throughout the world included the Dalai Lama. This unique portrait tells Khyentse Rinpoche's story from birth to death... -- from his escape following China's invasion of Tibet to his determination to preserve and transmit Buddhist teachings. Along with rare photographs of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, this film features interviews with the Dalai Lama. Director Matthieu Ricard -- French photographer, Buddhist monk and bestselling author -- travelled with Khyentse Rinpoche for over 14 years.
It has an average vote of 8 on TMDB.
9. Summer in the Lotus Ground
A beautiful documentary film set around Dzogchen monastery in Tibet. It focuses on Kjabje Dzogchen Pema Kalsang Rinpoche, who has been instrumental in the rebuilding and re-establishing of the great monastic seat of Dzogchen monastery in Tibet. In 1998 Rinpoche began the construction of the Lotus Ground Retreat Centre in the secluded meadow of Dzogchen Pema Tung. Having completed the stunning Temple of Great Perfection in 2003, he established the Pema Tung annual teachings and empowerments of the secret heart essence of Dzogpa Chenpo for great numbers of fortunate students. High on the Tibetan plateau, in the hidden valley of Rudam, Kham , is the Buddhist monastery of Tibet. It is home o one of the world's most profound and secret spiritual traditions.
It has an average vote of 10 on TMDB.
10. Journey Into Buddhism: Vajra Sky Over Tibet
This documentary is the third part of The Yatra Trilogy created by John Bush. Vajra is the Sanskrit word signifying the thunderbolt of illumination, and yatra is the word for pilgrimage or spiritual journey. This film offers a cinematic pilgrimage to central Tibet, bearing witness to the indomitable faith of its endangered Buddhist community and the imminent threat to its very survival.
11. Japan in Feast (Japan I Fest)
An actuality film showing a Buddhist festival in Kyoto. The procession includes Buddhist monks, geishas, and others dressed coordinately to the Japanese tradition.
It has an average vote of 6.5 on TMDB.
12. Nagasawa Masami x Mizukawa Asami: Hawaii Onna Jitensha Futari Tabi (長澤まさみ×水川あさみ ハワイ 女自転車ふたり旅)
Lovely NHK TV show featuring friends Masami Nagasawa and Asami Mizukawa travelling by bicycle through Hawaii. Beautiful nature views of the island on this cute program aired back in 2009. Masami does not look nature friendly at all, cleaning and carefully examining vegetables and fruit before having a bite. But she looks very cute with long hair. Asami looks like someone I would like to be friends with, she is fun and loud and not as afraid of trying new things as Masami. Hawaii seen like this looks like paradise, especially the sunshine from the top of the mountain.
13. Ku hai mueng ruay (กูให้มึงรวย)
Story of the merits of the revered abbot Luang Pho Khoon.
14. Over Hawaii
Go to the Big Island and hover above erupting craters at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, watch flowing orange lava ooze across charred rock and steam billow from the Pu'u 'O'o Vent. Glide over Maui's Haleakala National Park and discover the diversity of Hawaiian landscapes. Island hop to Lanai for spectacular beaches. Visit Pearl Harbor from above and the memorial sites before exploring the rest of Oahu. Narrated by Tom Skerritt
15. Aside From That
How do we live, knowing we are going to die? In search of answers, we probed the minds of atheists, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, physicians, philosophers, authors, academics, a legendary stand-up comic, and scores of random pedestrians.
16. Immortal Stupa
Documentary on the Great Stupa at Sanchi, built by the Emperor Ashoka, and adorned with some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world.
17. Hidden Hawaii: National Parks Collection
Embark on a month-long expedition to explore stunning coral reefs, shallow water environments, and rare species in America's newest marine sanctuary, Papahanamokuakea Marine National Monument.
18. Seeds of Hope
A look at food security in the Hawaiian islands
It has an average vote of 8 on TMDB.
19. Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau
Director Sam George chronicles the remarkable life and times of the late Eddie Aikau, the legendary Hawaiian big wave surfer, pioneering lifeguard and ultimately doomed crew member of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea.
It has an average vote of 6.3 on TMDB.
20. Weltreise mit Buddha (Weltreise mit Buddha)
The Odd Monk is a personal journey through modern day Buddhism. German first time Filmmaker Jesco Puluj travels around the world, meeting a variety of monks and nuns to discover the essence of Buddhism.
It has an average vote of 5 on TMDB.
