Watch The Haumana

The Haumana is a heartwarming and uplifting independent film from 2013 set in Hawaii. The movie centers around the Hawaiian cultural art of hula and the friendship that develops between a high school teacher and his students. Jonas (played by Tui Asau) is a Hawaiian-born teacher who returns home to Oahu after experiencing a personal tragedy. He takes a job teaching at his alma mater, Pacific Institute, and is quickly assigned the task of coaching the school's struggling hula team. The team, known as the Haumana, is made up of boys who are considered outsiders and troublemakers at school. With his laidback teaching style and love for the art of hula, Jonas begins to bond with his students and teach them more than just the traditional dance moves.

Throughout the movie, we see the boys struggle with their own personal issues, including familial conflicts and societal pressures. However, we also see them come together as a team and support each other on and off the dance floor. The Haumana begins as an underdog story but quickly becomes a movie about inclusion, acceptance, and the power of friendship.

As Jonas and the Haumana prepare for an upcoming hula competition, they face a number of obstacles: from a rival school's team who has consistently won the competition, to the criticism of some in the Hawaiian community who believe that hula should only be performed by women. Despite the challenges, the boys continue to work hard and find a sense of purpose and community in the art of hula.

The film's soundtrack features traditional Hawaiian music as well as original songs written by the cast and crew. The music and dance scenes are captivating and showcase the beauty and grace of the hula tradition.

The cast of The Haumana is primarily made up of Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian actors, with many of them having previous experience in hula. The performances are authentic and heartfelt, with the actors bringing a real sense of emotion to their roles.

Overall, The Haumana is a touching and inspiring movie about a group of boys finding their place in the world through the art of hula. It celebrates Hawaiian culture and traditions while also addressing important social issues such as bullying, toxic masculinity, and belonging. This movie will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, with a newfound appreciation for the power of dance and community.

The Haumana is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.