Jason Scott Lee's journey toward a simpler lifestyle showcased in HIFF screening of "Toward Living Pono"

Honolulu Hawaii -- "Toward Living Pono with Jason Scott Lee," an hour-long documentary-in-progress featuring the homegrown film actor's journey back to the land, is set to screen at the 2008 Louis Vuitton Hawai'i International Film Festival Sunday October 12 at 1PM at the Regal Dole Cannery Theater.

"Everybody was thinking that if you live so far away from Hollywood, you'll ruin your career," Lee admits in the opening scenes of the film. "I said, 'Career is nothing without the happiness and the joy inside.' Even now, it's kind of hard to explain."

In consultation with PBS Hawai'i, the documentary explores Lee's turn away from stardom's fame and glamour toward a simpler, off-grid lifestyle on Hawai'i's Big Island. "Jason isn't just talking about going green, he really is doing it!" said San Francisco-based producer Rick Bacigalupi. "At a time when we're all thinking more about how we can live more responsibly on the planet in the future, Jason is finding answers in ancient traditional indigenous cultural practices centered on respect for the land."

The native Hawaiian concept of mälama 'äina is a central theme throughout the film, destined for national public television distribution. "Jason's journey, it turns out, doesn't just take place in Hawai'i, it's deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture," said Toward Living Pono associate producer Roland Joseph Torres. When completed, the documentary will introduce Hawaiian culture and issues to many in its wide audience for the first time.

Clips from the film are viewable online, where tax-deductible donations can be made to support the project through fiscal sponsor the International Documentary Association. Corporate underwriting opportunities are also available.




To purchase tickets for the October 12 screening at the Regal Dole Cannery Theater visit www.HIFF.org. Jason Scott Lee and the producers will participate in a Q&A session after the movie. Toward Living Pono will also be shown in Hilo as part of the E Malama Aina Festival, on Friday November 7th at the Palace Theater at 5:30PM.