Jilel: The Calling of the Shell

 

Described as ‘A Global Warming Fairy Tale’, Jilel is a heartwarming, heroic story about a young Marshallese girl named Molina who is confronted for the first time with the idea that her island—her beloved homeland—is vanishing because of the rising seas caused by world-wide global warming. This unusual, thought provoking Marshallese language (with English subtitles) full-length feature film produced in the Marshall Islands showcases the enchanting music of Les Anjolok and Steve Latin-Kasper & the powerful, inspirational poetry of Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner. This is the fifth feature film in the Marshallese language directed and produced by Jack Niedenthal and Suzanne Chutaro for Microwave Films of the Marshall Islands. In May, 2015, Jilel received the Barbara Award at Hawaii’s Big Island Film Festival. The award is in recognition of celebrating the life of children. [su_box title=”Jilel wins International Feature Award in Washington” style=”soft” box_color=”#006699″ radius=”4″]Director and producer Jack Niedenthal was in Washington for the showing of his film Jilel. “There were about 15 to 20 people associated with the Marshall Islands at the film showing. Some were Americans who had adopted Marshallese children, but most of the audience of about 120 were Americans,” Jack wrote. “Naiko Jashua, who played Bubu Titi in the film, is living in the area, so she was able to see herself on the big screen and the film for the first time.” When Jack attends a showing of his films, he follows it with a question and answer session. “That was the longest Q & A I have ever done,” he wrote. “It went on for about 30 minutes, and we extended it in the lobby. So many people had questions about the Marshall Islands and what has been happening out there.” Jack’s grandson Jucoolio was alongside him to accept the award for International Feature Film. Niedenthal currently is a candidate for a seat in Nitijela.[/su_box]

Listen to Jack’s view

The following is a National Public Radio (Arkansas) interview with Jack about the film.   The following is a Radio Australia interview with Jack about the film.   The Guam Daily Post newspaper published the following review of the movie: