Kapaemahu

Short Film Award

Kapaemahu reveals the healing power of four mysterious stones on Waikiki Beach – and the legendary dual male and female spirits within them. Long ago, four extraordinary individuals of both male and female spirit brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii. Beloved by the people for their gentle ways and miraculous cures, they imbued four giant boulders with their powers. The stones still stand on what is now Waikiki Beach, but the true story behind them has been hidden – until now. Narrated in an ancient Hawaiian dialect, Kapaemahu brings this powerful legend back to life in vivid animation, seen through the eyes of a curious child.

Shortlisted for the Oscars 2021 in the Animated Short Film category.

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is a Native Hawaiian teacher, cultural practitioner, composer, and filmmaker who uses digital media to protect and perpetuate indigenous languages and traditions. Hina produced the PBS/ARTE feature documentary Leitis in Waiting and the award-winning short Lady Eva about her transgender sisters in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson are Emmy and GLAAD Award-winning filmmakers dedicated to telling stories that emanate from the voices of those on the outside. Their work has screened in the Berlin, Toronto, and LA film festivals, on PBS and international broadcasts, and has been supported by Sundance, Ford, ITVS, and Pacific Islanders in Communications. This is their fifth film with Hina.

Sponsored by Oolite Arts and by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.