Documentary backdrop image for Rock Bottom Riser (2021)

Documentary backdrop image for Rock Bottom Riser (2021)

202170 minPGdocumentary

1.0/ 10(1 rating)• TMDB

Colonialism Indigenous Histories

Rock Bottom Riser

202170 minPGdocumentary

1.0/ 10(1 rating)• TMDB

Ancient Polynesian navigators used starlight to travel across the vast Pacific Ocean, a practice contrasted by modern plans for a telescope on Mauna Kea.

Colonialism Indigenous Histories

Genres

Director

Synopsis

Ancient Polynesian navigators used starlight to travel across the vast Pacific Ocean, a practice contrasted by modern plans for a telescope on Mauna Kea.

People

Fern Silva

Fern Silvadirector

Fern Silva

Fern Silvawriter

Nainoa Thompsoncast

Moses Goods

Moses Goodscast

Rubellite Johnsoncast

Synopsis

Mauna Kea, a site of deep spiritual significance, stands at the center of a conflict between ancient traditions and modern science. Rock Bottom Riser features ancient Polynesian navigators who relied on starlight to cross the Pacific Ocean. The film contrasts their methods with contemporary astronomers' plans to build the world's largest telescope on the mountain. As lava flows threaten the island, the documentary addresses the impacts of settler colonialism and the arrival of Christian missionaries, while contemplating humanity's search for life beyond Earth.

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