Madi and Kenna Cunningham’s debut collaborative film, Resilience, is a stirring project that declares there is hope in a community that refuses to turn a blind eye.
Built on four years of research, the sisters co-wrote and co-produced the project, guiding every step of the creative process.
The film explores the complex issue of systemic injustice within the troubled teen industry. Half of the proceeds will go directly toward advocacy efforts fighting these practices, while the other half will return to their nonprofit production team to fund future advocacy films.
Media personality and advocate Paris Hilton has also shown immense support for the project. The filmmakers have partnered with her nonprofit organization, 11:11 Media Impact, alongside organizations such as Unsilenced to continue shedding light on the systemic issues facing this generation.
The film has been on tour since its May 29 premiere in London, followed by a premiere in California and a red carpet event in the sisters' hometown of Kailua-Kona. The local screening at Regal Keauhou completely sold out as family, friends and the broader community filled the auditorium. Throughout the red-carpet circuit, the filmmakers made a point of connecting industry agents with their team, giving the cast and crew key exposure.
While production took place in England, the international cast included talent from Samoa, Hawai'i, Canada and England.
“The creativity and storytelling emerging from the islands are vital to our culture,” Madi shares. “I love being able to say that 80% of our crew members are Hawai'i-based. It’s incredible to represent our local Hawaiian artists in this industry.”
Among their highlighted local crew is Kanoa Reid, an accomplished director of photography from Hawai'i Island.
The Cunningham sisters aim to bring the spirit of Hawai'i to every set they lead: “We cultivate a family atmosphere that welcomes everyone—treating one another with respect and bringing the heart of Hawai'i to our sets,” Kenna says.
YouTube: The Cunningham Sisters Productions | IG: @thecunninghamsisters | CunninghamSistersProductions.com.