Experiencing Interruptions?

Songs of Love from Hawaii

"Songs of Love," a 62-minute musical anthology, weaves three unique stories within Hawaii's Korean diaspora, intertwining diverse storytelling with beautiful musical performances. Each story contributes to a rich narrative, offering profound insights into immigrant experiences.

(00:00) Part 1 : "Their Footsteps" explores 120 years of Korean immigrant history, delving into their aspirations through archival images and descendants like Mayor Harry Kim and Chief Justice Ronald Moon.

(12:30) Part 2: "My Halmeoni's Brass Bowl" tells Lim Ok Soon's heartwarming story, a picture bride who navigated a foreign land, accompanied by music by Grammy Award-winning violist Richard Yonjae O'Neill.

(36:26) Part 3: In "For Our Cherished Ancestors", Chee-Yun, Ignace 'Iggy' Jang, and Keola Beamer offer powerful renditions of songs like 'Aloha Oe' against Kalaupapa's remote landscapes. This tribute highlights resilience and the community's significance.

  • JINYOUNG LEE
    Director
    Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State
  • JINYOUNG LEE
    Writer
    Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State
  • JINYOUNG LEE
    Producer
  • YEAJEE LEE
    Producer
  • T. S. Bam
    Producer
  • Richard Yongjae O'Neill
    Key Cast
  • Chee-Yun
    Key Cast
  • Ignace "Iggy" Jang
    Key Cast
  • Keola Beamer
    Key Cast
  • Gary Pak
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    하와이 연가
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Feature
  • Genres:
    Animation
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 2 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 31, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4K Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.9:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • 43rd Hawaii International Film Festival
    Honolulu
    United States
    October 19, 2023
    World Premiere
Distribution Information
  • Now Production Films
    Distributor
    Country: Korea, Republic of
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - JINYOUNG LEE

An award-winning journalist-turned-filmmaker, Jinyoung Lee earned her Journalism and Multimedia degree from Ewha Womans University in Seoul. Since her 2005 move to Hawaii, she seamlessly shifted from journalism to cinema, founding Now Production Films in 2012. Her debut, "The Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State" (2021), earned global acclaim at the 41st Hawaii International Film Festival. Her latest project, "Songs of Love" (2024), combines historic photos with world-renowned musicians' performances. Recognized by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and acclaimed film festivals, Jinyoung's creativity leaves a lasting impression on global cinema. She also contributes as a dedicated cellist and board member of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My team and I have been very thankful and overwhelmed by the response to our recent documentary series “Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow.” As the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to Hawaii is approaching, I want to continue exploring this rich history of Koreans in Hawaii with a different perspective- through music. The stories about the Korean immigrant history, their sacrifices and achievements, will be celebrated through pictures and graphics with music by world renowned artists playing within the natural beauty of Hawaii. It is because we believe music can speak louder and communicate deeper often than words, and can reach a wider range of people. We also hope this documentary brings people questions about how we got here, what was done for us to be here, and what we can do to give back to future generations. Our intention with this film is by creating awareness of our heritage, we not only strengthen and celebrate our history and culture, but we foster kinship and can recover and rebuild our communities. We greatly appreciate your interest in our project.