Kumu Hina backdrop

Kumu Hina

2014·Documentary·1h 15m
7.1
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.
Directed by Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer
hawaii
native hawaiian
indigenous lgbt

Cast

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Herself

Crew

Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson
Director
Dean Hamer
Dean Hamer
Director
Dean Hamer
Dean Hamer
Writer
Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson
Writer
Dean Hamer
Dean Hamer
Director of Photography
Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson
Director of Photography
Dean Hamer
Dean Hamer
Producer
Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson
Producer
Jim LeBrecht
Jim LeBrecht
Sound Editor

Popular Reviews

1 review
Van
Van
Kumu Hina
First impressions:This documentary offers a brief yet profoundly compelling glimpse into the life of the Mahu, featuring several moments of remarkable emotional power. “Love is a surrounding circle of everything that goes around come around.”

More in depth:By the time I reached the end of its short runtime, I found myself at a genuine loss for words. This documentary does what every great documentary should—it shows us someone in their full, unfiltered humanity. It cracks open a life and lays bare the heart and mind within. It’s incredibly powerful in its intimacy, though it only lightly touches on the broader complexities of the Mahu experience. Still, it serves as a meaningful starting point—one that invites deeper conversation and understanding to grow from.
First impressions:This documentary offers a brief yet profoundly compelling glimpse into the life of the Mahu, featuring several moments of remarkable emotional power. “Love is a surrounding circle of everything that goes around come around.”

More in depth:By the time I reached the end of its short runtime, I found myself at a genuine loss for words. This documentary does what every great documentary should—it shows us someone in their full, unfiltered humanity. It cracks open a life and lays bare the heart and mind within. It’s incredibly powerful in its intimacy, though it only lightly touches on the broader complexities of the Mahu experience. Still, it serves as a meaningful starting point—one that invites deeper conversation and understanding to grow from.
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Kumu Hina (2014) | Flick