Director Josh Goldman and John Cruz

I talk with filmaler and director Josh Goldman and Grammy award winning Hawaiian icon John Cruz about the work on the new Hawaii Based movie, Hawaiian Heart. They are releasing an EP of five songs from the upcoming feature musical, “Hawaiian Heart.”

It will be preceded by two singles; “Wahine from Waimea” on March 1, 2023 followed on March 10, 2023 by “Lani.”

The EP, available worldwide for streaming and downloading on March 24, 2023 from GRANDRIDGE RECORDS, features performances from John Cruz and the film’s stars Taiana Tully and Bronson Varde.

 

The movie is being produced by Oahu-based Sight & Sound Productions, Bryan Spicer (“Magnum P.I.”, “Hawaii Five-0”) will serve as executive producer.

“Hawaiian Heart” is a musical rom-com about Lani, a young woman returning home to Kauai for the first time in years, reuniting with her high school sweetheart. John Cruz serves as music supervisor and has a supporting role in the film, which features 15 original songs written by Goldman and Cruz.

 

Of the upcoming film and EP, director and writer Josh Goldman shared, “This movie is very much a passion project for everyone involved. It’s a love letter to Hawai‘i, with songs about places on Kaua‘i like Waimea and Hanapepe, and about ideals like the importance of 'ohana, and the kuleana we all have to the ‘āina, and each other. We are incredibly honored to be working with knowledgeable Kumu Hula Leināʻala Jardin and Dr. Keao NeSmith as cultural advisors on this project. Our entire Hawaiian Heart 'ohana is dedicated to giving back to the community, and to ensure we’re giving back in meaningful ways, we have formed a brain trust of local community leaders to advise our production.”

Goldman continues, “John and I are so excited to share these songs; we don’t want to wait until the film is released. John, Taiana and Bronson have given amazing performances, as have all the incredible musicians we’ve collaborated with. My hope is that this special preview will get everyone as excited for “Hawaiian Heart” as we are. Plus, you’ll already know some of the songs when the film comes out, so you can sing along! It’s all about sharing aloha!