GRACE
A narrative short based on true events
Honolulu, 1959: Over a family dinner, two queer women hide their love for each other as one resists her impending marriage and the other her countryʻs admission to the US.
synopsis
On a summer evening shortly after Hawai’i’s official statehood is announced, two queer women attend a dinner at one of their family’s homes. Ruth, a spirited school teacher and Grace, the pastor’s daughter, hide their love for each other while Ruth’s prim sister tries to set her up with yet another man from church.
Ruth doesnʻt want to be married; Grace doesnʻt want to be American. The two women spend a stolen moment together, considering a life in which they don’t have to hide or pretend, even if it’s only imagined.
about
GRACE is a love story set in Honolulu, 1959, the year Hawai’i became the 50th state. Based on a true story, the film follows Ruth, writer Elizabeth Rian’s grand aunt, and her relationship with Grace.
A half-Japanese, half-Hawaiian history teacher at Hale’iwa Elementary, Grace is outspoken in her love and respect for Hawai’i Nei. Her story is one of pride and holding fast to her identity as a queer Kanaka wahine.
Love of a person, love of a nation. The film explores themes of suppressed love and the enduring spirit of Native Hawaiian resistance to colonial occupation.
Inspired by the late Queen Liliʻuokalani, who used the motto “‘Onipa’a” (to remain steadfast) in her final address to her people after the 1893 illegal overthrow of the Kingdom, Grace embodies the unwavering spirit of those who continue to fiercely love their homeland.
"Now my people, hear these words of mine that I say to you in our dark hour, Hold yourselves up high and be proud. For each and every one of you has much to be proud of, in yourselves and in your people. Hold fast to that pride and love you have for your heritage and your country. Yes, your country! For your nation— 'Onipa'a. Stand firm."
— Queen Lili'uokalani
history of resistance
It is a common misconception that there was no resistance to American statehood by the people of Hawaii in 1959. While the U.S. government presented statehood as a long-awaited and widely celebrated event, many Hawaiians grieved this further blow to their Kingdom, already illegally occupied since 1893.
A significant portion of the voting population consisted of Americans from the continent who were already registered voters, including military personnel and their families.
Following the Kūʻē Petitions, which documented the widespread opposition to the overthrow and annexation, there were numerous Hawaiians who resisted statehood – both openly and in secret. They signed petitions, marched in the streets, and participated in other forms of protest, echoing the resistance to the overthrow itself.
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GRACE is currently in preproduction with production scheduled for November 2024.