Talkback
In the film, Halau Na Kamalei dancer Pi’ilani Hanohano says: “That was a big stigma when we all first started dancing together. It was like ‘Oh, Na Kamalei, they move their hips, they dance like girls.’"
Aside from Halau Na Kamalei, what ways are gender stereotypes being challenged in the arts? Share your response and your reactions to NA KAMALEI: The Men of Hula.
Tell us what you think >>
Submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more.
PLEASE, OH PLEASE air this again! I'm an island girl at heart (I grew up there), and this film clearly shows how important the Hawaiian culture is, and why it is so dear to my heart. Hula is only one aspect, and there so much more. More people need to understand this about Hawaiiana, and that Hawaii is so much more than just a place to hang out at the beach.
PLEASE AIR THIS AGAIN! Once is not enough!
NA KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA is such a wonderful film! Fun, moving, informative, inspiring and even suspenseful!
This rich story was entirely new to me and I am very grateful for its being so well presented.
My only regret was that the film was not longer. Of course it was a good length; I just hated to see it end. I've heard the DVD has extra footage and seven more minutes of the film that had to be cut to fit on TV.
Maybe someday there will be a companion performance piece so we can see even more.
Apparently a trip to Hawaii should be coordinated with tickets to the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.
Robert Cazimero seems like a one man institution, a real national treasure for Hawaii, indeed for all of us.
It means a lot that someday when we're all gone others will be able to hear him and see him at work.
Has MEN OF HULA been shown in Hawaii and to what response? Will it help to stimulate more men and women to learn to Hula? Perhaps help further the revival mentioned in this very special film?
Thank you so much for the program from Independent Lens of Men of Hula. It made me cry. What wonderful sexy men. I know how much work goes into that kind of program. I loved hearing about the Hawaiian culture and seeing how these men think and live. Hope this tradition continues for many more generations. I want to learn how to hula too. I want to know what the moves and words mean. I want us to grow more of the old traditional flowers so we don't have to put people in jail for such beautiful decorations. Thank you Pele.
My makuahine, Liberty was the first Kumu with halau in Alaska 1950's. She also danced in Japan 1930's. Regi Keaunui III is her first grandchild...watching him dance brought tears to my eyes and all of Alaska that I called to tell.Mahalo.
My partner and I watched the male hula program the other night and were rather saddened to see the oft-repeated use of the word "gay" as something to hide and be ashamed of. It was as if the halau was trying to assure us all that no man in the group was gay, which, as anybody who lives in Hawaii can tell you, is patently and obviously not true.
I loved the film, but I missed the first part. P-L-E-A-S-E screen it again! I discovered (and heard, live) the Cazimero Brothers 14 years when I was in Hawaii, and became a fan, but I had no idea about Robert's Hula group. Amazing!
"Let the story be told" of the young woman who was determined to let more people learn of a part of the culture of a place most only contemplate as a vacation spot. Hawai'i has so many levels and facets of social backgrounds and contrasts that its impossible to figure out the way most of us Americans attempt to do. (Much of that covered in "American Aloha" BTW.)
If nothing else, Kahikilani has been vendicated this past week... for now more people than ever has heard of his plight and the severe injustice dealt him!
(Is he less pissed off? Probably not. -- How can a rock be less mad that it was previously? ;-) )
Oops! Did that touch a "chord" somewhere as you read that! Well, good because that meant the message intended came through! (As for me, I don't understand the Hawaiian language through, which sometimes is just as well!)
Kumu, congrats (mahalo to your Kumu, too) and "good job" to all the guys (and members of all the ohanas/ halaus), to Lisette and all who contributed to the effort resulting in the experience conveyed to those who were intending to watch and, maybe even more so to those who memtioned that they caught the program by chance. (By chance? Think on that a second! Someone might have a story that would apply there!)
"When a man dances hula for you, it is very special"
Mahalo.
What an honor to see and hear Robert Cazimero. I have read about his halau. I was so happy to see the film.
Robert & Roland Cazimero ... no ka oi ... it's been my honor to see them numerous times in LA, SF and multiple times on Oahu. Just wish they'd come vist me in Mt Shasta!
As a visitor to Hawai'i & as a women's & gender studies student, I was thrilled to see this film on PBS's Independent Lens. It was delightful to see Hula being performed by people who love & respect the old ways and stories, and to see men being both strong & graceful, both male & emotional.
I agree wholeheartedly with those interviewed in the film who say that being a dancer and being gay are not one and the same; but I also hope that people realize how homophobic these comments really are, and work at un-learning their biases against gays and lesbians, just as they are un-learning their biases against hula dancers. I was so happy to see these men loving and supporting one another's courage and confidence and families & I hope they continue to spread their joy & love of their heritage.
I cried like a baby when they performed, when they rejoiced together in the mana & connection that they felt together onstage, when they thanked Pele at Volcano, shared their stories about their families, and when they won the competition. I want to share this movie with my friends & family to help them understand why I so admire Hawaiian culture & history, and also to show them men who are both strong and sensitive at the same time. Mahalo & Aloha
As a 56 year old man, it was very encouraging to see men of my age who refuse to be put out to pasture, as Robert says in the film. Our culture too often ignores the virtues of experience in favor of the fleeting beauty of youth.
I would have very much liked to have seen a translation of the words of the hulas performed, I was entirely ignorant of the fact that hula included lyrics, and suspect that the movements would be much more meaningful if I could have understood the language.
My deepest appreciation goes to the the filmmaker and the dancers for expanding my own understanding of what being a man means.
I have a daughter who danced with Pom Pons, Madamoiselle, The St. Louis Steam Heat Dancers and a competition high kick tap line, so I can appreciate the dedication, sacrifices and emotions these men go through to compete at this level. To those who think that male Hula is "sissy", I say walk a mile in their shoes, then criticize. Although I couldn't understand a word, I found the grace and unity of these men a beautiful thing to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed this program, but I wish they would have translated the dance. I think it would have added to the beauty. Thank you for sharing this wonderful art with us mainlanders.
I really enjoyed watching "Men of Hula" because it reminded me of when I was in High School and danced. Those were great memories. Aloha and thanks.
This ws a splendid film. Made me think that a series about "local" cultures/cultural events in the United States would be an engrossing series on PBS. I look foward to the next film from thd director.
Truly inspiring. As a man it is so reassuring to see other men interacting in such loving and supportive ways with one another. I was fortunate to have spent my formative years on Oahu and credit my time their with informing my direction in later life. Robert Cazimero is a man with a lot to teach us and has a remarkably engaging personality and humbling intelligence. Thank you Lisette so much for making this film.
I'm just a blue-collar joe from deep in the farm belt of central Illinois.
Twenty minutes later after watching this film on our local PBS station (WILL-TV, Champaign/Urbana) and I STILL have tears in my eyes.
What an awesome, beautiful and spiritually-touching film!
Blessings to one and all; from the bottom of my heart, I thank you!
Men of Hula, you go!
WE HAVE BEEN TO HAWAII TWICE AND LOVED IT. OUR GRAND DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND (IN AIR FORCE) WILL BE THERE FOR 3 YEARS. I HOPE THEY GET TO GO TO A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN SEE THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE DANCE. THE MEN ARE JUST A GREAT AS THE WOMEN. WHAT MOVEMENT...BEAUTIFUL
I was blown away by this story. I am currently studying gender roles in college and this film was so relevant in every way. It was extremely moving to see the men relate to each other and the teacher speaking about his students. The music itself is emotional and powerful, and the human qualities that were brought to the film in addition to that -- through the honest statements of all the dancers-- was overwhelming. What they've accomplished isn't just for themselves, the school, or Hawaii's traditions, it is for every woman and man in this world who has to face discrimination due to their specific gender roles every day. It's an eye-opening movie in which I learned to appreciate the intrinsic beauty we all have inside us, and that how we express it shouldn't be limited by the socially constructed roles we are born into.
Fantastic, every aspect of it: the dance, the music, the pride, the guys, it's both a great show and heartwarming at the same time.
This is a great documentary, not slick, not overly dramatic yet the filmmaker channeled what those men love about the dance and their group.
Whale Rider comes to mind...
I was awake at a very late hour in Chicago and caught this film on PBS. I admit that I left the show running because I was keeping busy with some work. I became intrigued and amazed with the beauty of the film and its subjects. It was an artistic and inspiring film.
I was deeply moved by the commitment, compassion, affection and brotherhood of the halau Na Kamalei. Their relationships are so bonded, trusting and sweet. It is a wonderful thing to see men so moved by their practice and by each other's expression in dance, song and physicality. The Western Man has lost most of these qualities which is very sad to me. Watching the film, it touched me that the filmaker's focus was on community, closeness, spirit and HEART! Thanks you for this glimpse into ancient Hawaiian tradition and how it is being kept alive by Robert Cazimero and his troupe. Aloha, Adam MYC
I was checking the channel guide on cable and saw that WTTW was showing a show about men doing the hula. Our entire family spent 11 days in Hawaii last October and haven't gotten it out of our systems yet, so I HAD to check out the program. Words fail me. Wow! MAHALO NUI LOA! They don't even come close. I missed the first part, coming in when they are canoeing, but the number of times I was almost moved to tears during the rest of the show is uncountable. My daughter and I almost cheered when the results of the competition were announced. It was impossible to keep my feet still when listening to the chants and the music. I was still excited about it the next afternoon when I went to work!
Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo nui loa!!!!
To Robert Cazimero and the Gentlemen of Na Kamalei: How incredably wonderful to acheive such perfection in the manly art of the male hula. Bravo!
We have watched you gentlemen over the last 19 years grow with such grace and style.
Under the direction and dedication for perfection of Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero, the bar has been set high.
We salute you all.
Until we see you again.
Aloha from Chico.
I was thrilled to happen on this film. I was first introduced to the Halau in San Francisco, that is blessed with a large Hawaiian population, and adorable hula-men. Such strength and power and even though it is about as foreign to me (a french-canadian farmer's son) as anything could be, the performances always dig deep into my, for lack of a better word, soul. There is something so elemental about these performances and to see a generational regrowth of the custom and its rewards, well, we are all much more lucky for it.
I was so pleased to finally see this film. Though I live in Honolulu I was sorry to have missed it at the Film Festival. Thank you for taking time to revere and honor the history of hula and the culture of the Hawaiian people. This is truly a dying art. Finding people who respect the Hawaiian traditions and honor the sacriment of ritual is a rare thing. Robert is one of the few examples left of people truly serving the "old" ways and keeping our traditions alive. Much love to you Robert and to you Lisette. There were many times in the past few years that I've wished that I could do something like this myself. You deserve so much respect. Filmaking is a monstrous undertaking with constant hurdles to climb every step of the way. It is also so impressive how Robert can communicate such deep feelings and thoughts with his words. What a creative person he is. I wish I could communicate with those kinds of words how much I appreciated seeing this film and wishing I could be involved in perpetuating these traditions in a tangible way. Aloha to you for doing this and for featuring Patrick in San Fran also. That was another marvelous treat.
Congratulations NA KAMALEI: The Men of Hula! I was feeding my newborn child the other night and scrolling the channels and I saw this. I'm so glad I didn't change the channel as I was mesmerized by the beauty of this story. How truly remarkable this history of dance is and what it has meant to so many people. I was deeply moved by the dedication all these men have to this and I was cheering along side them as they recieved their awards during the competition. I hope this will be aired again so I can see it from the beginning. Thank you for sharing this wonderful program!
I actually found myself envious. The brotherhood,pride and affection that these men showed for each other was a thing of beauty. through the art of Hula they discovered a spirit and a deep sense of humanity that is so sorely absent oon the mainland. A truly beautiful film. Thank You
Mahalo Ke Akua!! "Na Kamalei" brought tears to my Maka and landed right on top of my heart. It was so awesome. I have been away from my Hawaii Nei for almost 45 years. I remember being in the first Merrie Monarch Festival back in 1963 with Uncle Keoki Naope(kumu), Autie Dottie Thompson, Helen Hale, and Kupunwahine I'olani Luahine by our side. Special mahalo go out to PBS, and plenty mahalo to Uncle R. Cazimero. He Hawaii Au(all 62 1/2 percent)!!!!Here I am pushing 60 plus, and still having the aloha to dance like the way of my Na Kupuna. A hui hou!!!
AWESOME AWESOME show! I was pleasantly surprised when I was changing channels last night and saw Robert Cazimero on my Dallas PBS station. I love that KERA gave us this insight into such a wonderful Hawaiian tradition. I hope that KERA will provide future shows about the Hawaiian culture and people.
One of the best films I have ever seen on Independent Lens. I cried when I saw the beauty of the hula kahiko and the joy on the faces of the Halau Na Kamalei dancers.
Having moved back to Colorado from living on Oahu, I long for rememberances of the islands and so enjoyed the film on Na Kamalei. Watching hula brings out such strong emotions in me and this special was no exception. I found myself in awe, in laughter, and in tears at the beauty and brotherhood of Na Kamalei. Mahalo nui loa
Hawai'i is a state that most U.S. citizens know nothing about, yet we are being forced to accept other cultures and financially support them. I hope you will run this program, and others like it, much more often so we can see the richness of Hawaiian traditions, both historical and religious. A few years ago I learned just a small bit and am reminded that I am missing a lot, but I won't let this oppor-tunity pass. Thank you.
Mahalo Nui Loa for the show. You did a great job showing the sacredness of the hula. Funny story, I once did a favor for an older Hawaiian woman, she thanked me by teaching me the hula. She spent everyday during her lunch, trying to teach one extremely, uncoordinated, wahine. And although, I never mastered the dance she taught me to revere it. Thank you again for the insight and the memories. Auntie Claire, if you are out there, BIG ALOHA!!!!
I did not see the entire program on PBS, but was captivated within seconds of tuning in. The intensity, dedication and love of the hula tradition came across even to this CA valley girl! Those men should be extremely proud of how powerfully they show us what real men can be when they let go of "macho" thinking and embrace something so culturally beautiful, and so strong and masculine at the same time. I loved every minute of it, wished I could have been a part of it all. Thank you for an awesome film, and for capturing it so RIGHT. Karen Egan, Porterville, CA
I recently took up hula here in San Francisco. Dancing hula for men takes a strong and passionate nonconformist to follow his bliss. After seeing Halau Na Kamalei on PBS, I was entranced by the kanes synchronized movements and endeared by their stories. Kane dancing hula, like having good credit, is sexy!
These Men of Na Kamalei are the BEST..and the KUMU is the GREATEST GIFT THAT WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN OUR LIFETIME...MAHALO
Maholo for keeping the traditions! It is a powerhouse of spirit and precision. Congratulations on 30 years. Dancing is fitness. Especially to conquer the language and melody. Honolulu wahini -- Sacramento, CA
This film gave my heart a sense of peace and made me cry tears of joy that such a earth honoring heritage still finds it's way! Such beauty! Such connection! Thank You for this film.ALOHA
I thought this film was so interesting and the men of
Na Kamalei were talented and filled with Hawaiian pride that literally appeared on their faces when they were dancing in the competion. I've been drawn to the hula ever since I was a little girl when I went to my first luau and this film makes me want to attend a competion and see these dancers in person. Thanks you for a wonderful presentation!
Loved it!
Re: Robert Kamalie:I am deeply moved,watching Independent Lens 'Na Kamalei: The Men of Hula'.I've watched,and been moved by the films of 'women of Hula'.Can't remember the title, but what a wonderful cultural experience.The cultural acceptance / hesitation of the men, where it is historically acceptable to express feelings of affection / acceptance by hugging / kissing, although foreign(sp)to many of them, is a blessing to watch.Their reluctance to express feelings toward others, espescialy other men(i.e. 'how gay')is so enlightening for me.I'm 55,F,married,9yrs,to a wonderful man who can't even express his deepest feelings to me,his wife.Fortunately,he has a 'best' friend of 15 yrs.,male,to whom he is very close(he's probably closer to him than to me,what a Godsend!)and I truly belive this is a blessing.So many American males I've met don't have this opportunity for expression and exchange of feelings, although I doubt they can tell one another,in words,let alone physically,how much they mean to one another.Their dances were uniquiely male,driven,synchronized,and employed male energy as I, fem.,could understand.Applause to the makers of this film,whom I would deem 'cultural anthropoligists',should be more frequently aired by PBS.American born males could learn so much,if they are open,which will probably take generations,but it's a start)to break free of our 'Puritan Ethic' ancestry,which is unfortunately extremely homophobic.
Sincerely,
Franki Fowler Macy
Wonderful production. I was choked up by the end and didn't expect to be! Having been involved in cultural dancing (Irish) I was interested to know that initially the hula was not frowned upon by the missionaries. Irish dance was dealt with similarly with English control. But, it was passed down from generation to generation to preserve the heritage. Although our cultures are different, how similar we really are!
God Bless.
Gentleman thank you soooooo very much for this look into your heritage and love for dance (story telling). I very much enjoyed it and wish you much success in the future as not just old bulls and cows but as men who love life and the joys we all seek to experience. You have given me a paniolo from Florida a chance to experience a little of the Hawi'ian experience. Now I want to learn some Hula and will look here in Orlando if there is such a group or class. thank you again Mahalo!
Javier DeClet
Dude...I'm a man and I was floored by this film. I have so much respect for the these men. They way they dance..Fluid yet masculine. It drew so many emotions out of me! I wish they would tour!
Mahalo nui loa for producing a beautiful and meaningful film! I had marked the airing of this film here in NY on my calendar several months ago and could not wait to watch it!
I am Half Hawaiian and was born and raised on the island of Oahu until I left back in 1987. I have to admit, other than being a performer and Kumu Hula, I really did not know much about Robert Cazimero. After watching Na Kamalei, I have a great respect for Mr. Cazimero, who is enchanting, eloquent and just as much as a Braddah as the next! Mr. Cazimero has helped to keep the Men of Hula strong and alive just as our Royal Marnarch King David Kalakaua had when he brought back the Hula. The comparison is remarkable!
I would also like to add that while watcing this film, I was honored when I saw my fathers brother Henry "Bully" Delacruz performing the art of Lua! He is an another amazing Hawaiian man who I respect deeply.
My heart now longs to come home - and when I do, I will dance the graceful, powerful, gentle, meaningful and beautiful Hula once again!
Congratulations on a beautiful film and Thank you for bring a part of Hawaii to me in New York!
Aloha no-
Mokihana Helena Kekahuna - Pambianchi
I thought the show was excellent. I missed a lot of it because I forgot it came on tonight, but what I did see was amazing. It was so powerful to watch the men dancing and singing. I hope it airs again so I can see what I missed. Keep up the good work, Independent Lens is a fantastic show.
Awesome ! Aloha from Kentucky !
