The kanikapila hasn’t stopped for some of the stars of “The Hawaiian Room,” a documentary by local filmmaker Ann Marie Kirk that debuted at the Oiwi Film Festival in 2014. Screenings have continued across the state with Kirk in attendance, always accompanied by a complement of hula dancers who frequently wind up appearances with spontaneous performances.

The Hawaiian Room called Hotel Lexington in New York home for nearly three decades, from the late 1930s through mid-’60s, when a number of young women moved to the city from Hawaii to work as professional dancers.

“Now they’re in their 70s and 80s,” Kirk said. “It’s a really chicken-skin experience for me. To see them on film and then talking story, it’s really magical … (and) when you say the names of those who have already passed and are part of this project, you actually bring them back to life. They’re all honored in this film, and I’m just so happy to be part of that experience.”

The journey continues when “The Hawaiian Room” has its broadcast premiere at 9 p.m. Thursday on PBS Hawaii. Kirk said the television exposure will amplify the film’s reach.

“As a local filmmaker, we’re always struggling to get our films seen and our voices heard,” she said. “In one night the entire state will be able to experience the Hawaiian Room. When you see this film, you’ll absolutely understand the thread of cultural authenticity over those 30 years through hula coming from these prominent kumu hula who taught many of the women who danced there.

“I think people don’t really know these stories, and when they hear them they want more and more. It’s awesome to know there’s an audience out there for this.”

‘THE HAWAIIAN ROOM’

Broadcast premiere of the documentary by local filmmaker Anne Marie Kirk

>> Where: PBS Hawaii

>> When: 9 p.m. Jan. 19

>> Info: pbshawaii.org