Given 2017
Jess Bianchi's 2017 documentary *Given* captures a family's moving journey back to their roots on the remote shores of Kauai.
Director: Jess Bianchi
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Given (2017) about?
This 2017 documentary follows a family leaving their Kauai home to embark on a nomadic voyage across the globe. Their travels trace shorelines where waves meet land, blending adventure with a deeper exploration of aloha—a Hawaiian philosophy of connection and presence. Along the way, the family uncovers lessons about life, legacy, and the world around them.
Who directed Given?
The film was directed by Jess Bianchi, who crafts an intimate and visually striking portrait of family and nature.
Who stars in Given?
The documentary stars Aamion Goodwin, True Goodwin, Given Goodwin, and Daize Goodwin, capturing their real-life journey together.
Is Given (2017) worth watching?
As an unrated but deeply personal documentary, *Given* offers a unique perspective on family, travel, and mindfulness. Its poetic visuals and themes of connection make it compelling for fans of documentary films, though those seeking high-stakes drama may find it subdued. The 72-minute runtime keeps it accessible and engaging throughout.
How long is Given?
The runtime of *Given* is 72 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Given (2017) — A Family's Odyssey of Waves, Legacy, and Aloha
Jess Bianchi's 2017 documentary *Given* captures a family's moving journey back to their roots on the remote shores of Kauai. After years of global drift, they trade settled life for the open ocean, tracing shorelines across continents where waves whisper ancient stories of aloha. This isn't just travel—it's a living classroom where nature becomes the greatest teacher, and every ripple carries lessons for the next generation. Through stunning visuals of untamed coastlines and candid family moments, the film explores themes of legacy, wanderlust, and the quiet wisdom found in direct experience with the world. Bianchi's lens turns the everyday into the extraordinary, framing a legacy passed from father to children in the ever-changing classroom of the sea.
The Goodwin family's voyage is both a personal reckoning and a universal reflection on belonging, freedom, and the bonds that anchor us. As they navigate currents and cultures, *Given* becomes a poetic meditation on what it means to return home by never staying still. With an intimate, observational style, the film invites viewers to question their own relationships with place, time, and the stories we carry within us.