Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
Kumu Hina (2014), directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, is a powerful documentary that explores themes of identity, culture, and community through the life of Hina Wong-Kalu, a native Hawaiian māhū, or transgender, teacher in Honolulu. The film offers an intimate portrait of Hina’s personal and professional journey, highlighting her role as a mentor to a young girl named Ho‘onani, and exploring the complexities of her own life as a transgender woman. In a world that still struggles with understanding gender fluidity, Kumu Hina is a groundbreaking exploration of how indigenous Hawaiian culture embraces gender diversity, offering a unique lens through which to view the intersection of tradition and modernity, self-identity, and the pursuit of love.
The term "māhū" holds a deep significance in Hawaiian culture. Historically, it refers to individuals who embody both male and female qualities and were respected for their ability to bridge the gap between genders. As a māhū, Hina Wong-Kalu occupies a place of cultural significance in Hawai‘i, where her gender identity is both a personal expression and an integral part of her cultural heritage. In the film, Hina not only navigates the complexities of being a transgender woman in contemporary Hawai‘i but also strives to live in harmony with her Hawaiian values, such as respect for family, community, and the land. Kumu Hina invites viewers into her world, exploring her work as a kumu (teacher) and her evolving personal life, in a documentary that is both poignant and empowering.
