A PARADISE LOST is the enchanting, yet harrowing tale of a charming, yellow finch at the heart of Palila v. Hawaii, a landmark case where nature took humanity to court to stave off extinction. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of an unlikely protagonist: a taxidermied Palila brought to stand as Plaintiff in the court trials in 1979. Spearheaded by a scientist-activist and Sierra Club, Palila's legal battle leveraged the nascent Endangered Species Act, casting a spotlight on the plight of 2,500 Palila. Brought to life by a Native Hawaiian voice actor and vivid hand-drawn animation, Palila reflects on their personal journey as a symbol for Native Hawaiian species fighting for their right to exist. In 2024, only 300 Palila cling to existence on the slopes of Mauna Kea, a sacred mountain revered by indigenous Hawaiians. Forty plus years on the struggle for Palila intensifies amidst escalating threats of climate change, wildfires, introduced predators, diseases, encroachment of feral livestock, and governmental neglect.

GENRE: Documentary
MPAA RATING: No Rating
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RELEASE DATE: December 31, 1969
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DIRECTOR(S): Laurie Sumiye
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OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE: https://www.aparadiselostmovie.com/ https://www.aparadiselostmovie.com/