EYES OF THE LAND celebrates the spirit of Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha, an ever-evolving community resource and sanctuary that has become a template for educational farms on O’ahu.

Born in the small village of Uggiate in Italy, and originally serving as a Catholic Priest in the Philipines, Gigi Cocquio helped found HAOM in 1979, nurturing it as executive director and caretaker, alongside his wife Judy, for the past 40+ years.

This film honors the legacy of what has been built, the seeds of hope that have been planted, and the many lives that have been touched.

hoaainaomakaha.org

Directed, Filmed, & Edited by Rob Lau
Story Design by Emily Lau
Aerial Cinematography by Bayly Buck
Additional Aerials by Valen Ahlo
Additional Camera by Valen Ahlo & Oz Go
Additional Footage by ʻŌiwi TV
Sound by Rob Lau & Chris Balidio
Music by Tiny Music “Ask the Right Question” l Peter Sandberg “Dismantle” | Tall Heights “Keeps Me Light Instrumental” | Judah Earl “Dreaming in Color Instrumental”
Archival Photos Courtesy of Gigi Cocquio & Ed Greevy
Special thanks to Jasmine Joy, Judy Seladis-Cocquio, Kelsey Thornberry, Puanani Burgess, & the Hoa ‘Āina Staff