Covers 2009

Filmed in Hawaii while aboard a catamaran dinner cruise, live music and performers entertain mostly American tourists by showcasing Polynesian cultural song and dance. Performances captured include Māori songs and dance of Hoki Hoki Tonu Mai and Hoki Mai E Tama Ma.

The video recording momentarily captures ethnic culture outside of its place of origin; providing an opportunity to contemplate the complications of cultural authenticity within tourism programming.

The title covers refers to the definition of a cover version or cover song. In music, covers can suggest respect for a particular song or singer and therefore be considered more as a tribute. However, one may prefer the authentic or original version while others may prefer both.