upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024
Leeway is proud to co-sponsor, Kumu Hina at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF), 6:00pm on Saturday, November 22 at the Asian Arts Initiative (1219 Vine Street). This touching film documents one year in the life of Hina Wong-Kalu, a native Hawaiian māhū (transgender) hula teacher who inspires a female student to claim her place as leader of the school's all-male hula troupe. Meanwhile Hina's longing for love and a committed relationship leads her to marry a headstrong Tongan man. An incredible docu-drama that unfolds like a narrative film, Kuma Hina reveals a side of Hawai'i rarely seen on screen. Tickets: $8 (general public) $6 (students and seniors). This screening will be followed by a FREE catered reception for all ticket holders. Click here for tickets and more information.
Kumu Hina is a powerful feature documentary 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.
Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers (PAAFF) is a volunteer run nonprofit organization founded in 2008 to educate and expose the Philadelphia region to films by and about Asian Americans primarily through an annual film festival as well as year round events.