I just watched the most amazing documentary. Keepers of the Flame, directed by Eddie Kamae, chronicles the life work of three women who did a tremendous amount of work to perpetuate Hawaiian culture in the 20th century: Mary Kawena Puku`i, scholar and writer of numerous works on Hawaiian language and culture, Edith Kanaka`ole, kumu hula, chanter, and songwriter, and hula legend `Iolani Luahine.

All I wanted to do was preview the DVD for my students, but I couldn't stop watching.

There's a fair amount available about Aunty Edith, and I walk by Kawena Puku`i on my bookshelf every day. But `Iolani Luahine has been elusive since the days I lived in Hawai`i. This is the most footage of her dancing I've seen in one place. And is it dancing! This is hula.

The film does a great job of interweaving the life stories of the three wahine and those of us who wish to perpetuate Hawaiian culture should watch and listen--nana and ho`olohe. Available at www.hawaiianlegacy.com.

It turns out Eddie Kamae and his wife Myrna have produced a number of films documenting the lives and knowledge of kupuna to save it for us and future generations. I could eat that website whole: I want all of them!