Shaka: A Story of Aloha

"Shaka: A Story of Aloha" is an engaging documentary directed by Alexander Bocchieri and narrated by Steve Sue, exploring the history and global significance of the Shaka gesture. Through interviews, archival footage, and cultural insights, the film traces the symbol's origins, from Hawaii's North Shore to Japan's Buddhist temples and Brazil's beaches. It delves into various origin stories to highlight the Shaka's growth beyond surfing into a symbol of aloha and compassion.

The documentary excels in its storytelling, inviting viewers to reflect on the Shaka's deep cultural meaning and universal appeal. It portrays the gesture as a powerful emblem of solidarity, capable of creating paradise wherever it's shared. "Shaka: A Story of Aloha" is a must-watch for those interested in understanding the enduring legacy of this iconic symbol.

When you think of how widely used the Shaka hand gesture is used, you take it for granted similar to the gesture of the peace sign. To understand the origins and how it has spread worldwide and become such and iconic meaning behind various aspects of life and feeling as humans to show appreciation, winning and a symbol of feeling good between humans....it was a very interesting experience. To think that this came from a place isolated in the pacific is amazing. Would highly suggest watching to have a better understanding of the meaning behind the hand gesture. The interviews with the elders of the community were very insightful and glad they could participate and give the real life telling of their childhoods and how they remember the first use of the Shaka gesture.

If you want a break from the negativity of the world right now, this is a must see. It's entertaining and informative. It reminds me that there still is a lot of good in the world. This is exactly what we all need right now! The interviewees are amazing and insightful. It made me feel connected to the past and present. The film pulls you in immediately and is engaging. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, too. I didn't realize how much I needed to see a positive work of art until I started watching this. This film is for everyone. You can watch it with the entire family and feel good about it. I highly recommend watching it!!!!

We thoroughly enjoyed this movie! This is an Award Winning audience favorite! Entertainingly heartfelt, historical, educational, symbolic, and touching. This movie captures the history, spirit, meaning and nostalgia of the iconic gesture SHAKA, taking you on a journey of its origins to what it stands for today. Steve Sue does a deep dive interviewing people of past and present while capturing visual and oral histories of the SHAKA and it's global effect. This is a movie that is great for all ages and can serve as a calling card for Hawaii, its people, and the Aloha Spirit. Watch this movie!!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

They did a phenomenal job getting the real stories from the kanaka (the natives) by really spending time, listening, and immersing themselves in the heart of Hawaiian (and other) culture. I'm familiar with the Japanese and Buddhist customs but never thought of it more than the cultural norm but this film connects people, history, and multiple cultures into one ne beautifully told story layered with many other stories. How cool is it to share a small history of a small town from an island in the middle of the Pacific, just a speck on a map, in such a big way that it creates a tsunami size movement of Aloha through this simple gesture filled with SO much love!!

This movie is so much deeper than just a hand gesture and its origin. It leaves you wanting (to get to know) more.

Loved it!