Kumu Hina
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Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson
United States
2015
24 min 30 sec
English
KUMU HINA is a powerful film about the struggle to maintain Pacific Islander culture and values within the Westernized society of modern day Hawaiʻi. It is told through the lens of an extraordinary Native Hawaiian who is both a proud and confident māhū, or transgender woman, and an honored and respected kumu, or teacher, cultural practitioner, and community leader.
In this documentary, eleven year old Ho’onani dreams of leading the hula troupe at her inner-city Honolulu school. While the group is normally just for boys, she’s fortunate that her teacher understands first-hand what it’s like to be “in the middle” – the Hawaiian tradition of embracing both male and female spirit. Together they set out to prove that what matters most is what’s in your heart.
Visit the film’s website for more information.
A discussion guide created by the filmmakers is also available to accompany this film.
Digital or DVD copies of the film are available for purchase.