20 minutes by plane from modern Honolulu is Kalaupapa, a peninsula on the island of Molokai. With its swaying palms, unspoiled beaches and stunning mountains this is a paradise on earth, with a history from hell. Kalaupapa is a leper colony. In 1998 Paul Cox was permitted by the patients to make a biopic of their hero Father Damien. Now he has been invited to return to the island and make a documentary focusing on the last remaining leprosy patients of the island. Using interviews, home movies, photographs and music, this is a film about survival and the celebration of life in the face of adversity.

Awards

• Special Mention – Louis Vuitton Hawaii FF 07

Festivals

Adelaide FF 2007; Melbourne FF 2007; Louis Vuitton Hawaii FF 07; London Australian FF 08