Wailana plays “SALESI” in Garin Nugroho’s newest dance film

SALESI

directed by Garin Nugroho and Vilsoni Hereniko

“Adapted from the popular Indonesian legend “Mangir,” written by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Salesi is a story about the tragedy of power and unconditional love. This dance film is a collaboration of filmmakers, dancers, choreographers, and producers from Indonesia, Hawai’i and the Pacific Islands. The film is sponsored by NETPCA/USA; NETPAC/Indonesia; University of Hawai’i at Manoa Department of Theatre and Dance; University of Hawai’i at Manoa’s Academy for Creative Media; Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art and SET Workshop.  Other sponsors include Shooters Film Production; Island Film Group; Shaunagh Guinness Robbins, Movie Museum”.

This was an incredible experience.  So humbled and grateful to work with such talented, bright, and inspiring people.  Mahalo.

We shot at Shangri-La – Doris Duke’s old place, for two days and spent one day at Lo’i Kanewai at UH Manoa.  These places are magical and it was an honor indeed to be there, dancing.  The film is to be released next year and is expected to enter film festivals throughout the world. Please check out Garin Nugroho’s films if you haven’t, he is a genius.