On Friday July 11th, 2008 Hawaii lost one of its adopted sons. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker and award winning photographer Sergio Goes died in a free-diving accident a mile and a half off the coast of Waikiki. His life and artistic work will be celebrated this month in a memorial and benefit for his six-year-old son Gabriel.

There is a $15 suggested donation to be collected at the door. Food by Cloud Nine Catering will be available for purchase. A commemorative poster featuring collaborative artwork with Goes and Richard Earl Leong Yu Hadad-Ralya will be available for sale. The exhibit will include photographic prints from Goes’ personal and commercial work. There will be a silent auction of Goes' work as well as donated items.

Originally from Brazil, Goes returned to Hawai‘i in 2001 as part of a drive across America that started in New York. The result is a portrait of the country titled “God Bless America: ATM Inside.” His photographs and films have been published and exhibited nationally and internationally, from the Honolulu Contemporary Museum to the Whitney in New York. His feature-length documentary “Black Picket Fence” won awards at the Brooklyn International Film Festival and at the Full Frame Film Festival. He founded Cinema Paradise, a nonprofit that produces the independent film festival of the same name in Honolulu. He was a founding partner of the Hotel Street club, Next Door, and contributed to the thriving arts and cultural district in the area. Goes also taught photography through the University of Hawai‘i Outreach College.

Talented filmmaker. Award Winning photographer. Ex-triathlete. Entrepreneur. Soul Surfer. Avid free diver. Visionary. Passionate friend. Loving and devoted father.

He was 43.

Some cultures believe that you steal someone’s soul when you take their picture. Perhaps in some ways it’s true. Lucky for us, the soul of the person taking the picture is also captured. Sergio's vibrant personality was infectious. His passion and spirit will live on in his photos, in his films, and in our hearts.

Pura Vida Sergio... you inspire us.

Donations to the Gabriel Kapuni Goes Irrevocable Trust
Please make checks made payable to: "Gabriel Kapuni Goes Irrevocable Trust"
mail to:
Andrea Torres
1260B Saint Louis Drive
Honolulu, HI 96816