Kumu Hina
Title
Kumu Hina
Description
“Kumu Hina” is a documentary film that tells the story of Hina Wong-Kalu, a native Hawaiian mahu, or third gender person. This documentary came out in 2014 and was co-directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, two cis white Americans. While the directors shared no identity with the topic of the film, they brought on both Connie M Florez as a co-producer and Leonelle Akana as an advisor to the film, two women of color with cultural connections to Hawaii.
Throughout the documentary, Hina is shown as an honored kumu, or teacher, cultural practitioner, and community leader. She is especially depicted as a mentor to Hoʻonani Kamai, a young mahu, who becomes the leader of an all male hula troupe, despite being assigned female at birth. Both Hina and Ho’onani talk extensively about their life “in the middle,” and Hina teaches her students about the cultural significance of mahu identity, almost wiped out with colonization. Throughout the documentary, Hina also longs for a loving, committed relationship, despite her status as mahu. This documentary explores themes of colonialization, love and relationships, and transgender/mahu/”in the middle” gender identities.
Throughout the documentary, Hina is shown as an honored kumu, or teacher, cultural practitioner, and community leader. She is especially depicted as a mentor to Hoʻonani Kamai, a young mahu, who becomes the leader of an all male hula troupe, despite being assigned female at birth. Both Hina and Ho’onani talk extensively about their life “in the middle,” and Hina teaches her students about the cultural significance of mahu identity, almost wiped out with colonization. Throughout the documentary, Hina also longs for a loving, committed relationship, despite her status as mahu. This documentary explores themes of colonialization, love and relationships, and transgender/mahu/”in the middle” gender identities.
Creator
Hamer, Dean
Wilson, Joe
Publisher
Qwaves and Independent Television Service in association with Pacific Islanders in Communications
Date
2014
Format
Moving Image
Language
English, Hawaiian, Tongan
Type
Video
Citation
Hamer, Dean and Wilson, Joe, “Kumu Hina,” An Archive of Trans Culture, accessed October 13, 2024, https://transcultural.oberlincollegelibrary.org/items/show/13.