Na Kamalei: The Men of Hula
credits:
Director: Lisette Marie FlanaryProducers: Lisette Marie Flanary, Keo Woolford
San Francisco Premiere
USA 2006 | 57 mins | DigiBeta | English
IN PERSON (at select screenings): Lisette Flanary
Don't miss the live hula performance at 5:45pm at Macy's Festival Square inside the lobby of the AMC Van Ness Theatre
An engaging documentary created with grace, heart and a healthy dose of history, NA KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA follows the journey of Hawaii’s oldest all-male hula group to the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival in 2005. Their journey gains additional significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the group’s existence.
Not only does the film explore major cultural and gender stereotypes faced by original members of the male Halau Na Kamalei, it also illuminates the historical factors that shaped these stereotypes. Having led the Halau since its inception in 1975 (and widely known for his prolific career in Hawaiian music), Robert Camizero played a major role in the ‘70s resurgence of Hawaiian cultural pride, one that also kick-started the reclamation of lost masculinity in hula.
It is Camizero’s outspoken personality, along with the sincere passion demonstrated by the group’s “hula brothers,” that makes this film a pleasure to watch. Several members have been with the Halau for the entire 30 years, and they and their families express through candid interviews how the dance has defined their lives. Other highlights include extensive footage of the Halau Na Kamalei practicing and their powerful performance at the 2005 Merrie Monarch Festival. Winner of the Hawaii Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best Documentary, NA KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA offers a fascinating insight into the historical significance of one of Hawaii’s most well-known, yet misunderstood traditions.
—Jane Chen
