Making The Line 2026

Discipline. Devotion. Legacy. Hula.

Directed by Zilla Barbosa

MAKING THE LINE is a character-driven feature documentary that delves into the world of competitive Hula — where athleticism and artistry are inseparable from a living Hawaiian cultural tradition. At its heart are Kumu Keano and Kumu Lono, two master Hula teachers and life partners who lead a diverse group of dancers striving for excellence in the art and discipline of Hula. Guided by two modern-day queer Kanaka whose lives infuse the story with emotional truth and cultural nuance, MAKING THE LINE unfolds over three years, exploring tradition, resilience, and identity in a rapidly changing Hawaiʻi. As the demands of excellence intensify, so do the complexities of life both on and off the line. Their story becomes a portrait of devotion, transformation, and the enduring power of Hula — revealing that it is far more than dance; it is the heartbeat of a people.