Jason Momoa is set to make waves with the premiere of his much-anticipated miniseries, Chief of War, which begins streaming on Apple TV+ on July 7, 2023. This nine-part epic, which explores the historical conflicts during Hawaii’s wars of unification in the late 18th century, coincides with Momoa’s birthday, marking a significant personal milestone for the actor. The first two episodes will be available on the launch date, with new episodes released weekly until September 19.
Momoa, who plays a pivotal role in the series, sees this project not only as a creative venture but also as a catalyst for change in Hawaii’s film industry. He expressed hope that the success of Chief of War would encourage the state government to provide ongoing support for film and television production in Hawaii. “Once people see it, I think it’s going to kick down the door and really inspire the next operation here,” he stated. He emphasized the need for consistent government backing to sustain the local film industry, highlighting the importance of nurturing future generations of filmmakers.
Hawaii’s film community has rallied around Chief of War as a symbol of hope for revitalizing local production. The Hawai‘i Film Alliance has emerged as a collective voice advocating for improved state incentives, especially following a challenging legislative session earlier this year. Filmmaker Vince Keala Lucero articulated the frustrations of many in the industry, noting that a tax credit cap affected the filming of Chief of War, forcing much of the production to take place in New Zealand. “It was a total shame,” Lucero remarked, pointing out that without such limitations, the series could have generated significant revenue for Hawaii.
The economic impact of the film industry is evident, as various unions have felt the repercussions of a decline in local productions. Kenneth Smith, a teamster with Local 996, shared his struggles during a press conference, stating, “Whatever is happening is shutting us down. We cannot feed our families.” The local economy relies heavily on film production, and stakeholders are advocating for legislative action to create a more favorable environment for filmmakers.
In response to these concerns, Governor Josh Green has pledged to enhance support for the film industry. Jimmy Tokioka, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, announced plans to reallocate $500,000 from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s budget to film marketing initiatives, aiming to attract more productions to the state. “We need to attract productions. They are an economic stimulus,” Tokioka emphasized.
Despite setbacks, there is optimism among legislators. Sen. Lynn DeCoite highlighted the need for a robust response to support the industry, citing the challenges faced by Chief of War as a motivation for legislative efforts. She attempted to introduce Senate Bill 732 to create an Island Film and Media Production Investment Fund, but it did not gain traction. DeCoite underscored the importance of educating fellow legislators on the economic benefits of the film industry, noting that streaming productions can have significant marketing power for Hawaii.
The cultural significance of Chief of War extends beyond its narrative. Momoa, along with co-creator Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, has worked to ensure that the series authentically represents Hawaiian culture. Filmed in locations such as the Big Island and New Zealand, the project features a predominantly Polynesian cast, and many characters have ancestral ties to the stories being told. “We need to have more of those stories, because they’re so important,” Momoa stated, expressing his commitment to showcasing Hawaiian history through a local lens.
The storyline follows Ka‘iana, Momoa’s character, a chief caught in the tumult of historical conflicts. The narrative addresses themes of identity and legacy, with Ka‘iana grappling with the pressures of leadership and the larger world beyond Hawaii. “What we’re trying to do is show a little bit of each of these stories to get people excited about what really happened here,” Momoa explained.
In a positive reflection of local involvement, the series has engaged numerous Native Hawaiian talents both in front of and behind the camera. Moses Goods, who plays the character Moku, expressed his connection to the project, noting that while he is not directly related to the character he portrays, his roots in Hawaiian history enhance the authenticity of the storytelling.
Looking ahead, both Momoa and local leaders hope that Chief of War will not only entertain but also educate a global audience about Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. As the series prepares to debut, it stands as a testament to the ongoing fight for recognition and support within Hawaii’s film industry. The collaborative efforts of local filmmakers and government officials could pave the way for a more prosperous future in which Hawaii is recognized as a hub for authentic storytelling.
