MOLOKA’I BOUND: A Journey of Redemption and Reconnection
📅 May 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM
🎥 Narrative Feature | Texas Premiere
🌏 Languages: English, Pidgin English, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i | Runtime: 112 mins
HAAPIFEST 2026 proudly presents the Texas Premiere of MOLOKA’I BOUND — a powerful and deeply human story of redemption, identity, and the enduring bonds of family.
🌊 A Journey of Redemption and Reconnection
At the center of MOLOKA’I BOUND is Kainoa De Silva — a Native Hawaiian man recently released on parole, determined to rebuild his life after years of incarceration.
His greatest hope is to reconnect with his teenage son, Jonathan. But returning home is not simple. As Kainoa struggles to navigate everyday life in Hawai‘i, he finds himself caught between past mistakes and the desire to prove he can change.
Driven by love for his family and a longing to reclaim his cultural identity, Kainoa’s journey becomes one of reconciliation, resilience, and redemption — where even the best intentions can lead to the hardest choices.
🌺 Culture, Identity, and Second Chances
Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Hawai‘i, MOLOKA’I BOUND offers a rare and authentic portrayal of Native Hawaiian life.
The film explores:
The challenges of reentry after incarceration
Fatherhood and generational healing
The importance of cultural roots and identity
The struggle to break cycles and build a new path
With emotional depth and grounded storytelling, the film invites audiences to reflect on forgiveness, accountability, and what it truly means to come home.
🎤 Screening + Meet & Greet
Join us for this special screening followed by a Meet & Greet with director Alika Tengan.
A Native Hawaiian/Asian American filmmaker, Tengan is known for uplifting Pacific Islander voices through powerful storytelling. His work has received international recognition, including honors at ImagineNATIVE and Sundance. His debut feature Every Day In Kaimukī premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won Best Narrative Feature at the Bentonville Film Festival.
With MOLOKA’I BOUND, Tengan continues his commitment to telling authentic stories rooted in culture, community, and identity.
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss this moving and unforgettable film at HAAPIFEST 2026.
🎟️ Secure your tickets now:
www.HAAPIFEST.org/tickets
Be part of a story about second chances, healing, and the journey back to what matters most.
🌏 About HAAPIFEST
Founded in 2004 by OCA-Greater Houston, HAAPIFEST was created to celebrate the diversity of AAPI culture, food, and family while supporting AAPI artists and filmmakers.
Today, HAAPIFEST is an immersive, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art — amplifying voices and sharing the untold AAPI experience through edutainment.
This OCA-Greater Houston event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.