Two opposing forces clash over geothermal drilling in Hawai’i, as native Hawaiians fight to protect the sacred fire goddess, Pele.
Synopsis
Two opposing forces clash over geothermal drilling in Hawai’i, as native Hawaiians fight to protect the sacred fire goddess, Pele.
People
View all →Synopsis
Kilauea volcano's east rift zone serves as the backdrop for a conflict between geothermal development interests and native Hawaiians. The developers aim to clear the rain forest for drilling, while Hawaiians seek to protect the sacred land of Pele, the fire goddess central to their spiritual beliefs. Pele embodies the eruption, heat, and steam of the volcano, with her family represented by local flora and fauna. When the issue escalates to the courts, Hawaiians confront the lack of legal recognition for nature-based religions in the United States.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See the clash over Kilauea's sacred land.
- Meet the native Hawaiians fighting for Pele.
- Find out how U.S. law treats indigenous beliefs.
Did You Know
- Kilauea volcano's east rift zone is a site of geothermal development.
- Pele is considered a living deity in Hawaiian spiritual belief.
- The documentary was released in 1989 and runs for 31 minutes.
- Nature-based religions are not respected by U.S. law.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pele in Hawaiian culture?
Pele is a living deity fundamental to Hawaiian spiritual belief, representing eruption, heat, lava, and steam.
What conflict is depicted in Pele's Appeal?
The conflict involves geothermal development interests seeking to clear the rain forest for drilling operations, opposed by native Hawaiians who want to protect the land sacred to Pele.
How does U.S. law treat nature-based religions?
Nature-based religions, such as those practiced by native Hawaiians, are not respected by U.S. law, as seen in their court battles over land use.
What are people saying?
Play More Like This
Browse more like this
Related Films
Is this your film?
If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.
Comments