Submitted by the Friday Harbor Film Festival.

Best of the Fest series will show two films at the San Juan Island Grange on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 pm. Don’t miss Stepping Into History: On the Old Military Road Trail, a short film directed by San Juan Islander Michael Noonan, and Waterman, a feature documentary directed by Isaac Halasima who will appear by livestream to speak about the film and answer audience questions following the film. Details are available at fhff.org.

Stepping Into History: On the Old Military Road Trail

During the 1850s, the United States and Britain nearly went to war over the San Juan Islands. Commanders and civilian authorities walked the countries back from the brink of conflict, building a road linking the military camps. Volunteers are commemorating their peaceful resolution of differences by recreating that old military road, highlighting the area’s natural wonders and rich cultural history.

Waterman

Surfing legend. Olympic superstar. Hawaiian icon. American hero. Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. Waterman explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer, and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing. From modest roots in Waikiki, Duke swam his way to fame, becoming the face of a changing Hawaii – and a vital part of its tourism industry – as it evolved from an independent Kingdom to the 50th American state.

Relatively few outside Hawaii know the full extent of Duke’s impact on sports, lifesaving, and combatting prejudice. Through Duke’s incredible athletic accomplishments, personal doctrine of Aloha, and enduring gift of surfing to the world, the film explores a theme that still resonates today – the role of sports in breaking societal barriers – and celebrates his triumphs and philosophy of inclusion, challenging us all to embrace diversity and incorporate Aloha into our own lives.

Each month through September Best of the Fest will offer other award-winning documentaries along with livestream Q and A period. Programs will begin at 7 p.m. Some are in collaboration with the San Juan Island Library; others are at the San Juan Island Grange.

Since they’re on Fridays, they are a great “date night” activity. Here’s the schedule:

Waterman and Stepping into History – Feb. 10 at the Grange

Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest – March 10 at the Grange

The Pollinators – April 14 at the Library

Haida Modern – May date TBD at the Grange

The Boys Who Said No! – June 23 at the Grange

Award-winning Short Films – July 21 at the Library

Let There Be Drums – Aug. 11 at the Grange

Alan Magee: art is not a solace – Sept. 8 at the Library

Details about the films in the series are available on the fhff.org website. Mark your calendar and plan

to view the exceptional Best of the Fest documentaries.