Join us for the Hemphill Branch's AAPI Heritage Month Cinema Series, a month long showcase of classic and contemporary films created by Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander actors, writers, directors, and filmmakers. From the hard-hitting social commentary of Parasite to the magical musical adventure of Moana, each film explores a different aspect of the Asian/AAPI story across theme and genre.

On Saturday, May 2 at 3 pm, we are screening Whale Rider, the award winning film based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera.

Here is a description of the film: "A small Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership of the Ngati Konohi dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Pai. Although disregarded by her grandfather and shunned by the people of her village, twelve-year-old Pai remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the ways and customs of her people. With remarkable grace and courage, Pai summons the strength to both challenge and embrace a thousand years of tradition in order to fulfill her destiny."