Coconut Conservation Film Draws Community Response at Hawaiʻi Festival

The public reaction to the documentary 'Niu Forever' has prompted a final screening at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. The film is currently part of the 2026 Hawaiʻi International Film Festival and focuses on the historical and future significance of the coconut tree in the archipelago.

Indrajit Gunasekara co-produced the film and serves as vice president of the Koali Niu Coconut Gene Bank on Maui. His work in conservation is rooted in his native Sri Lanka and the local Hawaiian tradition that views the coconut as a source of sustenance. The film opens with the phrase 'kupu ka niu, kupu ke kānaka,' which translates to when the coconut grows, humanity flourishes.

Gunasekara described the coconut tree as providing value through three specific pillars: nutrition, culture, and ecology. He noted that the tree gives generously and asked audiences to consider how generously they receive those gifts. The production process involved documenting four years of his conservation efforts, though he stated that the film only captures a small portion of that labor.

After initial public screenings, Gunasekara observed a strong community response that he had not anticipated. He recalled being surprised by how deeply the work resonated with local identity. He described the impact as touching the hearts of people while reinforcing the identity of the trees and the culture itself.

The project was featured on The Conversation, a program that airs weekdays at 11 a.m. The final showing of 'Niu Forever' is scheduled for November 4. The film explores the relationship between the native population and the coconut tree, emphasizing the mutual dependence between human flourishing and the health of the plant.