Imagine a world where a little boy can grow up to be the woman of his dreams, and a young girl can rise to become a leader among men. Welcome to Kumu Hina's Hawai'i.
During a momentous year in her life in modern Honolulu, Hina Wong-Kalu, a native Hawaiian māhū, or transgender, teacher uses traditional culture to inspire a student to claim her place as leader of the school's all-male hula troupe. But despite her success as a teacher, Hina longs for love and a committed relationship. Will her marriage to a headstrong Tongan man fulfill her dreams? An incredible docu-drama that unfolds like a narrative film, KUMU HINA reveals a side of Hawai'i rarely seen on screen.
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WATCH
Free on YouTube
Visit the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer histories of Hawaiʻi YouTube channel to watch other queer films from the Pacific.
EDUCATE
Learn how to bring Kumu Hina's message to schools using the free Discussion Guide and the new children's educational version of the film, A PLACE IN THE MIDDLE.
The national broadcast premiere of KUMU HINA was hosted by the award-winning PBS series Independent Lens on May 4, 2015. Visit the Independent Lens website for more information about the making of the film, a map of gender diverse cultures around the world, and a wonderful Hawaiian music playlist
REQUEST A SCREENING
Bring KUMU HINA to a theatre near you, or arrange a screening with your university or community.
