“Price of Paradise” is a feature documentary presented by Austin PBS and produced by Armadillo Films.

“Price of Paradise” uncovers a buried chapter of Hawaiian history through the personal journey of Lindamae, a woman who, at 55, discovered the truth about her origins. Born on the remote Kalaupapa peninsula on Moloka‘i—once a forced isolation settlement for people with Hansen’s Disease—Lindamae was taken from her mother at birth and placed for adoption. Her story mirrors that of many children of Kalaupapa, torn from their families in a system that erased identities and silenced voices. As Lindamae reunites with her birth family and seeks answers, her journey exposes the historical trauma of forced separation, colonial exploitation, and cultural erasure in Hawai‘i.

Inspired by journalist Alia Wong’s 2011 Civil Beat article, “A Lost Child of Kalaupapa,” the film is a poignant reckoning with the past and a call for truth, healing, and the preservation of Hawaiian stories long kept in the shadows.

“Price of Paradise” is produced by Alia Wong, Kananiokekai Guerrero, and Hokupa’a Melim, and directed by Anabella Funk.

“Price of Paradise” is the first recipient of the Austin PBS Finishing Funds Grant. The Finishing Fund Grant provides support to completed documentary films in need of repackaging for public media. This initiative is a key part of Austin PBS’s mission to bring compelling community-driven stories to a broader audience. Price of Paradise will premiere at the Hawai’i International Film Festival in October and air on public television stations in November.