The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center continues its Smithsonian series with two films this weekend.
“Kumu Hina,” screening Friday, April 15, chronicles the story of a transgender Native Hawaiian who inspires a young girl to lead an all-male hula group.
The documentary film shows Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu’s transformation from teen boy to married woman and teacher.
After the screening, which benefits the Arizona State Museum’s Native Eyes Film Showcase, the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center will have a Skype conversation with Wong-Kalu.
The film explores the Hawaiian response to transgender issues, along with Pacific Islander identity, building upon the Smithsonian exhibit “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story.” The exhibit is on display at the Chinese Cultural Center through May 29.
The theme of exploration continues with a showing of “Ricki’s Promise” on Saturday, April 16.
In the documentary, Ricki Mudd returns to China to live with her birth parents after being raised by an adopted family in the United States. In coming to terms with her adoption, the 18 year old experiences a pull between two cultures and two families.
“Many people in the U.S. have adopted Asian children who have unique sets of identity issues associated with being raised in a non-Asian culture,” said Robin Blackwood, director of the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center’s history program.
Both Ricki Mudd and filmmaker Changfu Chang will attend, with a discussion to follow. The evening includes a dinner and remarks by Jill Jorden Spitz, Tucson Red Thread Families program director and Arizona Daily editor.
