Jason Momoa’s long-awaited miniseries, Chief of War, premieres on Apple TV+ on his birthday, July 7, 2023. This nine-part series, set during Hawaii’s wars of unification in the late 18th century, aims to not only captivate audiences but also rekindle support for film and television production in Hawaii. The first two episodes will be available on launch day, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly until September 19.
Momoa expressed optimism that the series will spark renewed interest in Hawaiian storytelling and inspire future filmmakers. “Once people see it, I think it’s going to kick down the door and really inspire the next operation here,” he remarked. He emphasized the necessity of ongoing government support for the local film industry, stating, “We should be backed by the government. This is what it’s all about—more help for our children and the next generation of filmmakers.”
Local Filmmakers Rally for Support
The release of Chief of War has become a rallying point for leaders within the Hawai‘i Film Alliance. This organization recently formed to advocate for improved state incentives following significant challenges faced during the last legislative session. Vince Keala Lucero, a Native Hawaiian filmmaker and co-founder of Co Creative Studios, highlighted the adverse effects of Hawaii’s tax credit cap on the production of Chief of War, which forced much of the filming to take place in New Zealand. “It was a total shame,” Lucero stated. “If we didn’t have a cap, it would have been here and would have spent all those millions here.”
The decline in Hawaii’s film industry has had tangible consequences for workers. Kenneth Smith, a member of Local 996, the film industry’s transport team, shared that he has faced financial struggles since March 2024 due to a lack of consistent work. “Whatever is happening is shutting us down. We cannot feed our families,” he lamented.
In response to these concerns, Jimmy Tokioka, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, announced that Governor Josh Green is committed to enhancing support for the film sector. Tokioka noted that $500,000 from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s $63 million budget has been redirected to support film production marketing. He added that further resources will be allocated in the next budget year.
Legislative Challenges and Future Prospects
Senator Lynn DeCoite, chair of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, has also been vocal about the need for legislative support. She introduced Senate Bill 732, which aimed to establish the Island Film and Media Production Investment Fund and promote tax incentives for hiring local workers. Although the bill failed to gain traction, DeCoite remains committed to advocating for the film industry. “More work needs to be done to help all legislators understand the economic importance of Hawaii’s film industry,” she explained.
DeCoite underscored the potential of Chief of War to market Hawaii as a travel destination while educating audiences about its rich culture. She noted, “The Native Hawaiian cultural perspective of Jason telling the story versus somebody else telling the story is priceless.”
Momoa’s commitment to authentic representation is evident throughout the series. His character, Ka‘iana, grapples with the complexities of leadership amid conflicting ambitions and the legacy of past generations. The narrative unfolds during a pivotal time in Hawaiian history, following Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1778, when the islands were divided into separate kingdoms.
The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast, including significant performances by Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, and newcomer Kaina Makua. Momoa expressed the importance of sharing Hawaiian stories that resonate with both viewers and cultural heritage, stating, “We need to have more of those stories because they’re so important.”
As Chief of War begins streaming, the hope is that it not only captivates audiences worldwide but also revitalizes the local film industry, providing opportunities for future generations of Hawaiian filmmakers.