Kauai County’s Committee on the Status of Women celebrates Women’s History Month by hosting a free screening of the documentary “Rise of the Wahine: Champions of Title IX” that tells the true story of the University of Hawaii Wahine Volleyball team.

What You Need To Know

  • The screening takes place 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center and is open to the public and all sports teams

  • More than a documentary, “Rise of the Wahine” is a powerful reminder of how individuals can change culture, fight for equality and inspire future generations

  • The film encourages all who see it to honor one another, rise above adversity and advocate for a world where injustice is not tolerated

The film highlights the team’s journey through adversity and their pivotal role in shaping women’s athletics, defining perseverance, collaboration and breaking barriers that aptly illustrates the theme for Women’s History Month, “Moving Forward TOGETHER! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”

The screening takes place 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center and is open to the public and all sports teams, according to a release.

“Rise of the Wahine” is directed by Hawaii-born filmmaker Dean Kaneshiro. It explores the significance of Title IX, the landmark law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities.

The film features interviews with Dr. Bernice Sandler and Gwendolyn Mink, along with personal stories from former Wahine players and coach Dave Shoji, as well as illustrates the challenges the team faced and their transformative impact on sports, education and gender equality.

“This journey has forever changed my heart and inspired me to raise my sons and daughters in an empowering way,” explained Kaneshiro in the release. “I hope the Wahine story inspires future generations to challenge injustice in all forms.”

More than a documentary, “Rise of the Wahine” is a powerful reminder of how individuals can change culture, fight for equality and inspire future generations. The film encourages all who see it to honor one another, rise above adversity and advocate for a world where injustice is not tolerated.

Title IX states in part “that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” This landmark law was critical in ensuring equal opportunities for women in education and sports and serves as the foundation for the story of the film.