Aikāne, the award-winning animated short film, is now available to stream for free at Them magazine. The film tells the tale of two queer lovers – a valiant warrior and his trusted shape-shifting advisor – as they battle against looming colonial forces. The idea originated with the Hawaiʻi-based filmmakers Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, and a small creative team helped bring it to life, including animator Daniel Sousa, who served as co-director, and filmmaker Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, a Kanaka Maoli activist who produced the project. Aikane draws broad inspiration from LGBTQ+ legends and cultures from across the world, including the Celtic tradition in Ireland and ancient Greek myths. Ultimately, though, the story was born and crafted in Hawaii, and its a universal queer love story rooted in Native Hawaiian tradition.

Follow these links to watch the film, read an interview with the filmmakers, and learn more about the Aikāne project.