KUMU HINA
2014 / 52 and 77 mins / US
A film about Kumu Hina, a respected teacher of traditional Hawaiian culture, practices, and arts who happens to be a Mahu, a transgender woman. The documentary intimately weaves her challenging personal life with her newly married Tongan husband; their cultural challenges and deep love for one another with her powerful impact as a respected community leader and teacher. Her impact and example is in particular palpable and empowering to Ho’onani, a sixth-grad tomboy who identifies as being “in the middle.”
Crew
Directors/Producers: Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson
Editor: Nels Banerer
Music: Makana
Animation: Jared Greenleaf
Awards
Frameline - Winner Doc Jury Award
AAIFF - Winner Audience Choice Award
Hawaii Intl Film Festival