Nation Within : The Story of America's Annexation of Hawaiʻi

Collection

Parent CollectionTom CoffmanCollection LevelSubcollectionCollection SummaryThis subcollection contains production materials for the documentary "Nation Within: The Story of America's Annexation of Hawaiʻi." The story of Hawaiʻi's annexation to the United States of America has always been told from the point of view of Western historians. After more than 100 years since the Hawaiian Islands' monarchy was dismantled and the American flag raised to claim this small, friendly nation, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Tom Coffman takes his turn. Based on his bestselling book by the same name, this film version visualizes the story of a political lie and an injustice that today has moved Hawaiians to seek restoration of their kingdom. In this compelling, stirring and new vision of the American overthrow, Coffman weaves into existing Western history uncovered historical facts as well as the point of view of Hawaiians and their storytellers. Hawaii's last queen, an opposition leader/newspaper man, and other voices from the past fill in the missing parts of this history. One 'voice' that spoke the loudest but has only been recently uncovered is the petition signed by almost all the Hawaiians of that day who sent their stated opposition to Washington D.C. Uncovered in the National Archives of the United States by a contemporary Hawaiian-language scholar, the petition stands as evidence of what Hawaiians really wanted, dispelling the myth that they supported the annexation. Co-produced with PBS Hawaiʻi, it has been shown widely across the country.

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Nation Within : The Story of America's Annexation of Hawaiʻi

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Nation Within : The Story of America's Annexation of Hawaiʻi

‘Ulu‘ulu Archive