'Sharing Aloha' packs Hayden theater

"Sharing Aloha" tells the inspiring true stories of students from across the Pacific Rim who leave poverty behind to pursue higher education at Brigham Young University — Hawaii. While working at the Polynesian Cultural Center next door, these students not only fund their education but preserve and share their cultural heritage with visitors from around the world.

Various screenings in the U.S. had been set up. When Julienne Dance found out about the screenings, she asked: “Why not one in Hayden?” and not only got one at the Hayden Discount Theater, but managed to set up three, which was the most on the West Coast.

The last one was Monday.

Her husband, Richard Dance, asked why not get the acclaimed filmmaker, Blair Treu, to attend the screenings and introduce the film? 

“I’m thrilled to be in the Coeur d’Alene area to introduce 'Sharing Aloha' which will be available for streaming later this year,” Treu said. 

He had only been to Coeur d’Alene once earlier and welcomed the chance to visit again. His hope is “that audiences here will not only be inspired by their stories but also feel the true spirit of aloha that can unite us all.”

That’s because the Polynesian Cultural Center shows the world intercultural peace and unity by living the teachings of Jesus Christ. It brings together young adults from 65 countries and 49 of the states in the U.S. that work together daily to present their cultural heritage. The PCC is the largest paid attraction in Hawaii.

Proceeds from the special showings at the Hayden Discount Theater supported scholarships for Pacific Rim students at BYU-Hawaii, "giving young people from underserved communities a chance to achieve their educational dreams and become leaders in their families, communities and chosen fields of endeavor," a press release said.