Sons Are Not Earthbound
Honolulu, Hawaii | Film Short
Drama, Nature
At a Hawaiian grief camp, a boy sets out to trap his late mother’s spirit animal—the endangered ‘i‘iwi—believing it will bring him closer to her. Guided by Kumu 'Ānela, he learns that true connection isn’t about capturing, but releasing. Together, they find solace in nature, memory, and letting go.
Sons Are Not Earthbound
Honolulu, Hawaii | Film Short
Drama, Nature

1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,826 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
78 supporters | followers
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At a Hawaiian grief camp, a boy sets out to trap his late mother’s spirit animal—the endangered ‘i‘iwi—believing it will bring him closer to her. Guided by Kumu 'Ānela, he learns that true connection isn’t about capturing, but releasing. Together, they find solace in nature, memory, and letting go.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
*All donations are tax deductible! Thanks to our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions!
NATIVE HAWAIIAN CAST AND LOCAL CREW
Our principal cast is fully Native Hawaiian, with local extras and crew, ensuring that the heart of this film is deeply rooted in the culture it represents. In a film about loss and renewal, it was important to me to have Native Hawaiian children -- the heartbeat of our cultural renaissance --- at the forefront. My brother, Landon, and his friends will be acting in this film! Most of whom are a part of the Kamehameha Children's Chorus.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
As a filmmaker, I am deeply moved by the process of grief and remembrance. Love and loss are inseparable, and within the depths of grief lies the potential for renewal—it births new life, deeper understanding, and enduring love. Grief is the pulse of the human experience: a journey that’s never linear, but one we all walk, knowing that somehow, we must emerge on the other side. There is something profound in the lengths we go to hold onto what we fear losing most-- those desperate lengths are what I find most beautiful about the human condition. Therein, too, lies the plight of a Hawaiian filmmaker. What do we hold onto? What do we preserve? How do we move forward and honor the past?
EXPLORING GRIEF
This story reflects both the loss of a loved one and the loss of place. I am returning home to Hawai‘i to capture its landscape on film, preserving not just a place but a feeling, a culture, and a memory.
"In the months spent writing this film, I’ve had to navigate my own process of grief. As I’ve moved through each stage, the story has evolved, too, and I’ve come to one realization: this film is about the beauty and strength found in letting go, in embracing the freedom of renewal. Of remembering and moving forward."
Hawai‘i has long known loss—of culture, language, and land—and through this film, I aim to breathe new life into its people and preserve what we cherish. This film is more than just a story—it’s a movement of preservation, embodying the heart and soul of my work as a filmmaker. It will be for, by, and about Hawai‘i. In telling a story of loss, I approach it with a profound love and reverence for a place that is, and always will be, the very core of who I am.
LOCATION
We’ll be filming at Camp Pālehua, a place that holds a deep significance for me. I first visited the camp at 12 years old with Punahou School and later returned as a counselor in high school. Now, bringing my homecoming film to life in this cherished place feels like a true full-circle moment! We'd like to thank Camp Pālehua and the Pālehua Conservation Initiative for their generosity!
VISUAL AND TONAL INSPIRATIONS
Boy (2010), Wings of Desire (1987), Petite Maman (2021), Perfect Days (2024), La Chimera (2024)
Each film is reflective in its own way, reconciling the slog of grief with the demanding yet beautiful trek forward. BOY was one of my biggest inspirations—Pacific Islanders speaking in their own ways while navigating universal struggles. Hawai‘i has so many more stories beyond its historical and commercialized contexts. The rest of the films resonate tonally and emotionally!
WHERE THIS MONEY IS GOING
This is my largest film to date, and I am committed to ensuring every dollar raised serves the story and supports the incredible crew behind it. 20% of the budget will go toward securing locations, 15% for flights, and 15% for food. It’s especially important to me to bring Hawai‘i-raised crew members—myself included—back home to shoot this film. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Make a tax deductible donation today, thanks to our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions!
THE TEAM
Quinn Bojorquez - Gaffer
Quinn Bojorquez is known for Faces of PTSD (2022), Seven Minutes Left and Who's That Girl? (2024).
David Crans - 1st AC
David Crans is known for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Triple Frontier (2019) and Kong: Skull Island (2017).
Grace Hall - Script Supervisor
Grace Hall is known for NCIS: HAWAII, Alma's Second Act, Island Warriors Kickball, and Little Miss Cornbread
Lily Zimmerman - Graphic Designer
Parsons School of Design ('25), Mid-Pacific ('21)
Gabriela Pizarro - Graphic Designer
Kalaheo High School ('24)
Leion Van Osdol - Pitch Video DP
Native Hawaiian filmmaker, NYU Film and Television ('24), Mid-Pacific ('20)
Leion currently works at Saturday Night Live.
Jisella Saito - Art Director
Punahou (ʻ21), UC Santa Barbara (ʻ24)
Mahalo Nui Loa!
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT!
- Follow us on Instagram @sonsarenotearthbound.film, where we will be posting updates and more information about our film!
- Join the cause and help fund this homecoming film!
- Spread the word!
- If you are interested in a partnership or donating food, please email [email protected]! Feel free to reach out if you have any resources you think would be helpful, or if you have any questions!
- We are open to making Reels and content in exchange for food donations! You will receive a Sponsor credit!
Mahalo nui loa for believing in this journey -
Sons Are Not Earthbound Crew
Let’s bring this story home!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Props!
Costs $500
Sleeping bags, camping gear, art supplies (Crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, scissors) etc.
Camp Pālehua and Mahaholokai Cabin
Costs $2,300
This number will cover our location expenses!
Camera and Lenses
Costs $800
For camera accessories and lenses!
Grip and Electric Equipment
Costs $1,300
Since we will be flying from New York, we will have to rent our equipment from Hawai'i Media Inc.
Costumes
Costs $250
We're making custom Pālehua Grief Camp t-shirts for our cast and crew and will be thrifting unique Hawai'i pieces.
Food!
Costs $1,300
With child actors (and their parents) and a crew of 15, we have a lot of mouths to feed! Please help us get healthy, delicious on-set meals!
Flights!
Costs $850
We are flying 4 crew members out (Including the Director)! We need some help covering those costs to bring this film home!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
Quinn Bojorquez - Gaffer
Quinn Bojorquez is known for Faces of PTSD (2022), Seven Minutes Left and Who's That Girl? (2024).
David Crans - 1st AC
David Crans is known for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Triple Frontier (2019) and Kong: Skull Island (2017).
Grace Hall - Script Supervisor
Grace Hall is known for NCIS: HAWAII, Alma's Second Act, Island Warriors Kickball, and Little Miss Cornbread
Lily Zimmerman - Graphic Designer
Parsons School of Design ('25), Mid-Pacific ('21)
Gabriela Pizarro - Graphic Designer
Kalaheo High School ('24)
Leion Van Osdol - Pitch Video DP
Native Hawaiian filmmaker, NYU Film and Television ('24), Mid-Pacific ('20)
Leion currently works at Saturday Night Live.
Cole Turner - Behind the Scenes Photographer
Cole Turner is a Native Hawaiian photographer based on Oʻahu.
Jisella Saito - Art Director
Punahou (ʻ21), UC Santa Barbara (ʻ24)
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
*All donations are tax deductible! Thanks to our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions!
NATIVE HAWAIIAN CAST AND LOCAL CREW
Our principal cast is fully Native Hawaiian, with local extras and crew, ensuring that the heart of this film is deeply rooted in the culture it represents. In a film about loss and renewal, it was important to me to have Native Hawaiian children -- the heartbeat of our cultural renaissance --- at the forefront. My brother, Landon, and his friends will be acting in this film! Most of whom are a part of the Kamehameha Children's Chorus.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
As a filmmaker, I am deeply moved by the process of grief and remembrance. Love and loss are inseparable, and within the depths of grief lies the potential for renewal—it births new life, deeper understanding, and enduring love. Grief is the pulse of the human experience: a journey that’s never linear, but one we all walk, knowing that somehow, we must emerge on the other side. There is something profound in the lengths we go to hold onto what we fear losing most-- those desperate lengths are what I find most beautiful about the human condition. Therein, too, lies the plight of a Hawaiian filmmaker. What do we hold onto? What do we preserve? How do we move forward and honor the past?
EXPLORING GRIEF
This story reflects both the loss of a loved one and the loss of place. I am returning home to Hawai‘i to capture its landscape on film, preserving not just a place but a feeling, a culture, and a memory.
"In the months spent writing this film, I’ve had to navigate my own process of grief. As I’ve moved through each stage, the story has evolved, too, and I’ve come to one realization: this film is about the beauty and strength found in letting go, in embracing the freedom of renewal. Of remembering and moving forward."
Hawai‘i has long known loss—of culture, language, and land—and through this film, I aim to breathe new life into its people and preserve what we cherish. This film is more than just a story—it’s a movement of preservation, embodying the heart and soul of my work as a filmmaker. It will be for, by, and about Hawai‘i. In telling a story of loss, I approach it with a profound love and reverence for a place that is, and always will be, the very core of who I am.
LOCATION
We’ll be filming at Camp Pālehua, a place that holds a deep significance for me. I first visited the camp at 12 years old with Punahou School and later returned as a counselor in high school. Now, bringing my homecoming film to life in this cherished place feels like a true full-circle moment! We'd like to thank Camp Pālehua and the Pālehua Conservation Initiative for their generosity!
VISUAL AND TONAL INSPIRATIONS
Boy (2010), Wings of Desire (1987), Petite Maman (2021), Perfect Days (2024), La Chimera (2024)
Each film is reflective in its own way, reconciling the slog of grief with the demanding yet beautiful trek forward. BOY was one of my biggest inspirations—Pacific Islanders speaking in their own ways while navigating universal struggles. Hawai‘i has so many more stories beyond its historical and commercialized contexts. The rest of the films resonate tonally and emotionally!
WHERE THIS MONEY IS GOING
This is my largest film to date, and I am committed to ensuring every dollar raised serves the story and supports the incredible crew behind it. 20% of the budget will go toward securing locations, 15% for flights, and 15% for food. It’s especially important to me to bring Hawai‘i-raised crew members—myself included—back home to shoot this film. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Make a tax deductible donation today, thanks to our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions!
THE TEAM
Quinn Bojorquez - Gaffer
Quinn Bojorquez is known for Faces of PTSD (2022), Seven Minutes Left and Who's That Girl? (2024).
David Crans - 1st AC
David Crans is known for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Triple Frontier (2019) and Kong: Skull Island (2017).
Grace Hall - Script Supervisor
Grace Hall is known for NCIS: HAWAII, Alma's Second Act, Island Warriors Kickball, and Little Miss Cornbread
Lily Zimmerman - Graphic Designer
Parsons School of Design ('25), Mid-Pacific ('21)
Gabriela Pizarro - Graphic Designer
Kalaheo High School ('24)
Leion Van Osdol - Pitch Video DP
Native Hawaiian filmmaker, NYU Film and Television ('24), Mid-Pacific ('20)
Leion currently works at Saturday Night Live.
Jisella Saito - Art Director
Punahou (ʻ21), UC Santa Barbara (ʻ24)
Mahalo Nui Loa!
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT!
- Follow us on Instagram @sonsarenotearthbound.film, where we will be posting updates and more information about our film!
- Join the cause and help fund this homecoming film!
- Spread the word!
- If you are interested in a partnership or donating food, please email [email protected]! Feel free to reach out if you have any resources you think would be helpful, or if you have any questions!
- We are open to making Reels and content in exchange for food donations! You will receive a Sponsor credit!
Mahalo nui loa for believing in this journey -
Sons Are Not Earthbound Crew
Let’s bring this story home!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Props!
Costs $500
Sleeping bags, camping gear, art supplies (Crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, scissors) etc.
Camp Pālehua and Mahaholokai Cabin
Costs $2,300
This number will cover our location expenses!
Camera and Lenses
Costs $800
For camera accessories and lenses!
Grip and Electric Equipment
Costs $1,300
Since we will be flying from New York, we will have to rent our equipment from Hawai'i Media Inc.
Costumes
Costs $250
We're making custom Pālehua Grief Camp t-shirts for our cast and crew and will be thrifting unique Hawai'i pieces.
Food!
Costs $1,300
With child actors (and their parents) and a crew of 15, we have a lot of mouths to feed! Please help us get healthy, delicious on-set meals!
Flights!
Costs $850
We are flying 4 crew members out (Including the Director)! We need some help covering those costs to bring this film home!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
Quinn Bojorquez - Gaffer
Quinn Bojorquez is known for Faces of PTSD (2022), Seven Minutes Left and Who's That Girl? (2024).
David Crans - 1st AC
David Crans is known for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Triple Frontier (2019) and Kong: Skull Island (2017).
Grace Hall - Script Supervisor
Grace Hall is known for NCIS: HAWAII, Alma's Second Act, Island Warriors Kickball, and Little Miss Cornbread
Lily Zimmerman - Graphic Designer
Parsons School of Design ('25), Mid-Pacific ('21)
Gabriela Pizarro - Graphic Designer
Kalaheo High School ('24)
Leion Van Osdol - Pitch Video DP
Native Hawaiian filmmaker, NYU Film and Television ('24), Mid-Pacific ('20)
Leion currently works at Saturday Night Live.
Cole Turner - Behind the Scenes Photographer
Cole Turner is a Native Hawaiian photographer based on Oʻahu.
Jisella Saito - Art Director
Punahou (ʻ21), UC Santa Barbara (ʻ24)