Standing Above the Clouds

When the massive Thirty Meter Telescope is proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an uprising of kia’i (protectors) in Hawai’i and around the world dedicate their lives to protecting the sacred mountain from destruction. The film follows teacher and community organiser Pua Case and her two daughters—artist-activists Hāwane Rios and Kapulei Flores—who have been called to stop the telescope since 2010. Their lives quickly become consumed with frontline actions and court proceedings and immersed in ceremonies and cultural practices. As they face opposition and arrests, they are joined by a community that has dedicated its lives to protecting Mauna Kea.