Those Who Came Before: Kamae Documentary Airs July 28

By Wendy Osher

Eddie Kamae, photo courtesy PBS Hawaii.

Local filmmakers Eddie and Myrna Kamae turn the camera on themselves in the new documentary, Those Who Came Before.  The film tells the story of Eddie’s quest to find the sources of Hawaiian musical traditions in order to preserve and pass along the knowledge to future generations.

The documentary makes its broadcast premiere on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 8:30 p.m., with an encore at 11 p.m. on PBS Hawai’i.

The storyteller becomes the subject in this television premiere that explores Kamae’s 50-year pursuit for traditions in Hawaiian music.

A musical composer and performer himself, Kamae’s journey led him to some of the most respected gatekeepers of the Hawaiian Renaissance. Highlights along the way include Hawaiian language scholar, poet and songwriter Mary Kawena Pukui; poet, musician and songwriter Sam Li‘a; and Pilahi Paki, whose letter-by-letter definition of ALOHA was referenced as a significant influence for Kamae.

PBS Hawaii will also air an interview with the Kamaes on Long Story Short with Leslie Wilcox, Tuesday, July 26 at 7:30 pm.