KAILUA-KONA — Sometimes forgotten by the film industry in favor of the more populous Oahu or scenic Kauai, Hawaii Island is about to have its moment in the spotlight.
“Running for Grace,” a new film set to open in Hilo today, is a labor of love by local Honua Studios and the film’s director David L. Cunningham, a graduate of Konawaena High School who lives on the island with his wife and three children. Described by Honua Studios managing director Derek Hall as a “90-minute postcard for the islands,” it was filmed and edited almost entirely on Hawaii Island.
“Running for Grace” tells the story of Jo, played by Ryan Potter, a mixed-race orphan who finds himself taken in by a newly-arrived doctor (Matt Dillon) to run medicine on Kona coffee plantations in 1920s Hawaii. Cunningham spent time directing films in Los Angeles, and around the world, before returning to his home on Hawaii Island.
“Coming back home to me, a filmmaker on Hawaii Island, wasn’t very easy,” Cunningham said. “We didn’t really have the infrastructure and there was no studio here. Oahu is really kind of the hub. And so we realized that in order to be a part of making films here we would have to help build the industry. So that’s what this studio represents, and that’s what this project represents and this is our first one out the gate so there’s a lot of reasons why we’re excited.”
Along with a homegrown director and Hawaii-centered plot, GVS Accelerator and Honua Studios reports that “Running for Grace” spent $2.5 million and created 175 jobs on Hawaii Island. With his extensive knowledge of the island, Cunningham said, he understood the potential the island and its people had to create its own film.
“That was what was so cool, we didn’t have to make stuff up, we have it here on this island,” Cunningham said.
The film was shot at familiar locations such as the Kona coast around Captain Cook, the Palace Theater in Hilo and Waipio Valley. Local farms such as Kona Pacific Farmers’ Cooperative, Hokukano Ranch, Kona Cloud Forest and Billy Dignan’s private farm were all used for the film’s coffee plantation setting.
“The lead character, Jo, has a real connection to the island, and a real love and passion for it. It’s a part of the story,” Cunningham said.
“Hawaii is the star of this film; I think you’ll see that when you see it.”
The film opened last week with a red carpet premiere at the Dole Cannery in Honolulu and will also be screened at Regal Cinemas Makalapua in Kailua-Kona, as well as theaters on Maui and Kauai. The film makes its Hilo debut today at the Palace Theater.
Cunningham said he wanted Hawaii to have “a sneak peek” at the movie before its release is expanded to 10 theaters on the mainland on Aug. 17. The director also said the distribution company has already sold the film to be shown in theaters in China and countries around Europe at a later date.
“Running for Grace” was co-written by Cunningham and Christian Parks, and stars, along with Potter and Dillon, Jim Caviezel, Olivia Ritchie and Kailua-Kona native Cole Takiue as young Jo. The film was previously known as “Jo, the Medicine Runner” until a name change was implemented to make it more marketable worldwide.
“Running for Grace” will show at The Palace Theater, 38 Haili St., Hilo, at 7 p.m. today-Tuesday, with a matinee screening also planned for 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to each showing. Tickets are $8.50, and $7.50 for seniors and students.
Horses that appear in the movie, Ruby and Ehiku, will also greet guests at the Palace from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, prior to the matinee show.
“We’re excited about this (movie) because A. It speaks to the history and culture of this place; and B. We’re in it. We’re a part of it,” said Robin Worley, executive director of the Palace Theater.
Reporter Stephanie Salmons contributed to this article.