The animated short film Kapaemahu has made Oscars history, as the first Hawaiian animated short film to clear the first round of voting and make the official Oscars Shortlist in the ‘Animated Short Film’ category.

Kapaemahu tells the ancient Hawaiian legend of Waikiki’s mysterious four-boulders located on Waikiki Beach, which is a monument to the four gentle people, the māhū, who brought science and healing to Hawaii from Tahiti.

Māhū is a Hawaiian term for those who embody both kāne (male) and wahine (female) in mind and spirit.

Director, producer and narrator Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, who is māhū, says she had no idea the film was probably the pinnacle of her work.

“I’m just grateful for all of the parallels that are represented in my personal journey and that which is reflected in the colours and the understandings that the film comes with,” Wong-Kalu said.

Ms Wong-Kalu said she was overwhelmed when she found out the film was shortlisted.

“My work and my involvement in any of the projects I avail myself to is because there is a greater purpose and a greater sense of dedication and commitment to my islands, my people, the culture, the language and the way of life of the peoples that I come from”.

“The fact that my elders would look at this and smile and the fact that it serves their honour and dignity is what matters to me the most,” Wong-Kalu said.

Listen to interview with Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu HERE.