Men of Hula

Directed by Lisette Marie Flanary

Running Time: 57 minutes
Year: 2006
Documentary
Languages(s): English

Website: http://www.lehuafilms.com/nakamalei.html

Some traditions are lost through the passage of time; others are buried. As a result of colonial influence and the increasing importance of Hawaiian tourism, the tradition of men’s hula was suppressed, then surpassed, by women’s hula as the preference for entertaining Westerners. Na Kamalei is Hawaii’s oldest all-male hula group whose goal is to resurrect the tradition of the men’s hula. Lisette Marie Flanary’s NA KAMALEI: MEN OF HULA takes us along their journey as they prepare for and compete at the prestigious 2005 Merrie Monarch Festival, a competition of special significance as it occurs on the 30th anniversary of Na Kamalei.

At the heart of Na Kamalei is Robert Camizero, who helped found the group in 1975. His enthusiasm and personality shine through in the film as he introduces us to various “hula brothers”, who probably aren’t who you might expect. Camizero’s passion for maintaining and showcasing the beauty and tradition of one of the most culturally iconic dance forms will have you cheering for a fairytale ending. But above all else, it’s the brotherhood and friendship among these men that will lift perceived stereotypes of gender relationships.

Audience Award - Best Documentary/Hawaii Film and Videomakers, 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival
Comcast Audience Award (Documentary), 2007 San Francisco Int’l Asian American Film Festival
Special Jury Prize, VC FilmFest - 2007 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival Emerging Director in Documentary