Oh, Aikāne ...
If somebody asks me what kind of Queer representation I know of that reflects the rich tradition of Native Islanders or even Hawaiian lore I would have been at a loss. There's not much to draw from, to be honest.
Enters Aikāne:
In Kānaka Maoli tradition, the culture of the Indigenous people of Hawai‘i, the term “aikāne” refers to an intimate relationship between two people of the same gender. In pre-colonial times, it was often Native Hawaiian royalty and leadership who had these kinds of close confidantes. Wong-Kalu says she suggested the film be titled Aikāne after watching one of the final versions and being reminded of the tale of Kanaloa and Kāne, a Native Hawaiian mo‘olelo of an intimate relationship between the god of the deep sea and the god of creation.
I loved the short. It may draw from several myths and legends, but it does feel uniquely... Hawaiian.
Check out the short film on Them (cannot embed it here). And let me know what you think...
Happy viewing!
XOXO
P.S.
“We made this movie because we think that
telling a queer love story with a happy
ending is a form of resistance.”
DEAN HAMER
I'm getting kind of Little Merman vibes, but I love the idea of a queer love story ending happily.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Yes!
DeleteWith the twist that we have colonialism and the shapeshifting. Love queer love stories that end like this...
XOXO
Interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteMany creatives who are queer themselves do not put out this kind of product. But there's always a public for this kind of love stories.
XOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful film. The story is so touching, and like Bob said, it kind of has the Little Merman feel.
Thanks for sharing, babe.
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
You're welcome!
DeleteHaha yes, the Little Mermaid thread is kinda there. Without Ursula, just colonialism. I really enjoyed it.
XOXO
Big says,
ReplyDeleteHere's the important thing to take away: Same sex relationships have been around since the dawn of humans, and many cultures actually celebrated and honored those who were capable of such love.
I appreciate the "resistance" statement the film makes. Remember, though, the best resistance is voting the Republikkkans out of power from Dog Catcher to President. XOXO
Oh, yes.
DeleteBut then, religion. Missionaries always arrived before the army, to destroy whatever beliefs a specific culture would have. And then all ancient traditions were lost.
And the Repugs have got to go. Everywhere.
XOXO
“We made this movie because we think that telling a queer love story with a happy ending is a form of resistance.” if it were even for this reason alone, it would be worth making a product of this type.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteJust for the mere fact of existing, queer love stories are revolutionary.
XOXO
There is nothing wrong with giving more positive representation for same sex couples. And where we're not the villains are get beat and killed. The animation looks stunning.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteNow, we have to get that message across to the Repugs. THEY are the ones who want to erase us. And it's refreshing to see we are not dead at the end. I really loved the look of this.
XOXO
A beautifully animated love story! Thanks for sharing the link. Go, Octopi lovers!
ReplyDeleteHaha
DeleteYou're welcome! And having an octopus as the shape-shifting animal? Genius.
XOXO
So lovely. I love folk lore, folk tales, storytelling. I think we need more queer stories - that aren't porn. :) Kizzes
ReplyDeleteSame!
DeleteWe do need more queer stories. Especially happy, romantic queer love stories.
XOXO
Who would think a short 14 min. animated film could make me cry but this one did. It's story of love ending in becoming as one is, i think, a dream so many have and this one was satisfying.
ReplyDeleteAhh..
DeleteThe power of storytelling. It's tight and sweeping. They tell the whole saga in fourteen minutes. And it has a happy ending, natch.
XOXO