The Navigator, a new documentary chronicling Native Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson and the preservation of ancient Polynesian wayfinding traditions, has been named an Official Selection of the Hawaii International Film Festival.
The film will make its world premiere on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. at Hawaiʻi Theatre on Oʻahu, followed by screenings across the Hawaiian Islands through November 14.
In 1980, Thompson became the first Native Hawaiian in six centuries to navigate a voyaging canoe from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti without a compass or modern instruments. Nearly 50 years later, The Navigator follows Thompson as he undertakes the demanding 2,400-mile deep-sea crossing one final time.
Joined by a small crew of student navigators, Thompson relies on the stars, natural signs and teachings passed down from the late master navigator Mau Piailug. The voyage becomes not only a journey across the Pacific, but a mission to preserve ancestral knowledge for future generations.
Directed by Jordan Manley, The Navigator is produced by Kathy Thompson and Laura Yale. Executive producers include Yvon Chouinard, Harrison Ford, Laurene Powell Jobs, Bremen Schmeltz, Alex Lowther, Alex Simon and Mike Anders.
Following its October 21 premiere, the documentary will screen in Kapolei on November 3, Waimea on November 7, Molokaʻi on November 8, Lanaʻi on November 10, Hilo on November 12 and Maui on November 14.
