The little-known indigenous snails of Hawaiʻi also known as kahuli are a lesser known but iconic symbol of biodiversity loss on the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian snails also referred to as the “Jewels of the Forest” have been important components of local culture. The film delves into the themes of extinction, culture, identity, and ecology through the voices of native Hawaiians.
USA, 2023, 14 min., English with Bulgarian subtitles
Director: Muhammad Ali Ijaz
Scriptwriter: Muhammad Ali Ijaz
DOP: Ian Bressel
Production: Muhammad Ali Ijaz, Trey Sina Hisari
Director’s Biography
Muhammad Ali Ijaz has degree in filmmaking from the National College of Arts, Lahore. As an East West Center Fellow, he earned a MA in Communication from the University of Hawaii in 2023. Ali has been teaching documentary filmmaking at various universities in Pakistan, while also producing media projects for renowned organizations such as WWF, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, and Oxfam.