Kapaemahu (2020) User Reviews

Interesting Hawaiian History

[Movi3DO · 7/10 · 5 April 2021]

The second was Kapaemahu, which the film was shared on the website with the same name. The film was meant to unbury a forgotten legend that was significant to the Hawaiian. It also reminded audiences of a indigenous gender that was unique, but was forgotten. A decent and educational short that revealed more about the Hawaiian culture. 6.5/10.

"Long life to the story"

[evening1 · 6/10 · 7 March 2024]

I might never have discovered this evocative short if not for my flight aboard exotic Alaska Airlines.

We learn here about four enlightened "manu" who sailed from Tahiti to Hawaii -- one with spiritual power, another "all-seeing," a third who could "heal from afar," and the fourth, who cured through a laying of hands.

The manu shared their spiritual arts until their work was done, and transferred their powers into tributary boulders at Waikiki.

But with the centuries came ignorance and neglect of the past, to everyone's detriment..

C'mon people, let's revere our history! It has worlds with which to enrich us.

Powerful and beautiful message

[janetgracelee · 10/10 · 29 November 2020]

You know a story is powerful when it was so feared by the missionaries and mercenaries who took over Hawai'i that they kept it completely hidden for over 100 years. It's wonderful to now have it available, and animation is the perfect medium - mesmerizing, gorgeous and evocative. I'm not sure if this film is aimed at adults or children, but it's perfect for both.

Stunning animation

[finneylane · 10/10 · 20 December 2020]

This is a beautiful film. The colors and textures, the geometric character design, the stately movements - everything reminds me of the best of Polynesian art and craft. And the deep resonant voice of the narration is perfect for the two-spirit characters. I was not surprised to find out that the film was directed by a mahu (trans) native Hawaiian. Really a perfect jewel of a short.

For all ages

[karinaalston · 10/10 · 5 December 2020]

I came upon this film at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival where I bought a pass to show something other than the usual Disney cartoons to my 5 and 9 year old daughters. I was not sure they'd enjoy it based on the description but they both loved the idea of the larger-than-life healers and their magic stones. It's a beautiful story, a delight for the heart as well as the eyes.

healing short animation

[Kirpianuscus · 27 January 2021]

The easy way is to say than it is a beautiful short animation. And, indeed, it is beautiful. But the honey for soul gived by it is more precious than the beauty of drawings . Because it is just a healing film. A film proposing the return to myths and legends and magic defining us in profound sense. It is more than a story from Waikiki. It is more than portrait of four stones with special gifts. It is a film, a magnificent one, about pure forms of truth. Impressive scene by scene. Because it is real , in profound sense, useful.

Breathtaking!

[jahmileady · 10/10 · 11 April 2021]

The animation, story, and score all came together very nicely. It felt magical and epic. I wish it was a longer film.