Private Project

A Line To Draw

In a poignant journey of self-discovery and environmental activism, "A Line to Draw" captures Kahana's efforts to reconnect with his Hawaiian roots by rescuing a coral reef from a dangerous rogue fishing net, mirroring his personal struggle to reclaim his cultural identity after years away in the city.

  • River Rainbow O'Mahoney Hagg
    Director
  • River Rainbow O'Mahoney Hagg
    Writer
  • Kahana Pukahi
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 6, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k, DLSR 29.97
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Hawaii Community Collage
Director Biography - River Rainbow O'Mahoney Hagg

River Rainbow O'Mahoney Hagg, raised in Hilo, Hawaii, embodies a story of profound change and resilience. In 2016, while serving as a combat medic with the Kurdish Militia (YPG) in Syria, River sustained injuries that resulted in a disability, profoundly altering his life's trajectory. His experiences during the conflict are vividly detailed in his book, "Where is Ser (The Brave Lion)," which offers an intimate look at the battle against ISIS and the broader humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Upon returning to Hawaii, River began a new chapter focused on healing and personal growth. He enrolled at Hawaii Community College to pursue a Liberal Arts degree, dedicating himself to community service and advocacy for veterans and disability rights. His commitment to these causes goes beyond his academic pursuits; he is an active public speaker and has contributed to documentary projects like "The Volunteers," which highlights the humanitarian challenges in Syria.

River Rainbow O'Mahoney Hagg’s life and work are a testament to resilience and service, earning him recognition as a distinguished figure both within his local community and on a wider stage.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"A Line to Draw" traces the poignant journey of Kahana Pukahi, a man rekindling his connection with his Hawaiian heritage. The film opens on a symbolic note—a turtle trapped in a fishing net off Honolii Beach Park, mirroring Kahana's own cultural entanglement.

This documentary weaves Kahana's personal narrative with the physical action of him addressing an environmental hazard—a net endangering the reef that sustains his ancestral waters. As Kahana cuts through the net that binds the reef, he shares his reflections on identity, belonging, and the alienation he felt even in his homeland. The story juxtaposes his underwater struggles to free the reef with his broader quest for cultural and personal liberation.

Featuring stunning underwater sequences and rich aerial shots of the island, the film explores the profound connections between the island's ecosystem and its cultural life through Kahana's eyes. His voiceover guides us through his transformative decision to abandon a corporate career on the mainland to embrace a life that honors his heritage on the Big Island. The climax of the documentary is both literal and symbolic as Kahana frees a turtle from the net, marking his own emancipation.

The conclusion unfolds back on the beach, where Kahana and a friend salvage the net, now a metaphor for recovery and reuse, aligned with the Hawaiian values of Malama (care) and Ohana (family). The final scenes underscore Kahana's renewed commitment to his roots and responsibilities, crafting a net of continuity with his past and his community's future.

"A Line to Draw" is more than a story of environmental heroism; it is a heartfelt invitation to viewers to contemplate their own roots and roles within the natural world.