My Partner is a 2023 American romantic drama film directed by KeliâÂÂi Grace and starring Jayron Munoz and Kaipo Dudoit. The film revolves around intercultural conflict between Hawaiian and Filipino immigrants and a developing romantic relationship between two high school seniors. It was described as the first Hawaiian gay film and the last film to be shot in Lahaina due to the 2023 wildfires.
In Lahaina, Hawaii, two groups of Lahainaluna High School seniors, three native Hawaiians and three Filipino immigrants from Ilocos, Philippines. The two groups have a dispute, when Zack (Dan Francis Rodriguez) is confronted by Kona (Kaleo Pinto) about fishing for the endangered ûOûopu. Two of the boys in the groups are partnered by their social studies' teacher, Ms. Thomas (Justine Albert) and required to complete a final project for class, researching and preparing a food dish. Edmar (Jayron Munoz), the Filipino, hesitantly encourages Pili (Kaipo Dudoit), the native Hawaiian, to work with him so they can pass the class.
After some further conflict about cultural differences, Pili decides to take Edmar to meet his family and teach him about Hawaiian culture, their way of life, and their respect for conservation of nature. Edmar bonds with Pili while loûi kalo farming, making a traditional lei, experiencing a là «Ã»au, and even drinking ûawa from a kanoa. At the request of his mother, Pili takes Edmar to mauka (the mountains) to show him about their wai (freshwater). Pili teachers Edmar about HawaiiâÂÂs environmental damage from historic plantations (sugarcane and pineapple), how families lives were ruined, and why conserving HawaiiâÂÂs ecosystems are important. During his weekend with Pili, Edmar experiences attraction. Pili maintains his even-keeled disposition, but expresses his attraction with subtle touches of the hand and cuddling with Edmar after he falls asleep.
Having shared more personal histories and future desires, the two start spending more time together. Pili builds a closer friendship with Edmar's friends, Zack and Cedric (Bryant de Venecia) as well, bonding over a FIFA video game. As Edmar struggles with his attraction to Pili, he breaks up with his long distance girlfriend from Ilocos, leading to Pili breaking up with his girlfriend shortly after.
Edmar and Pili have a romantic interaction as they get closer, but get caught in the middle of more conflict between Zack and Kona that culminates in a physical altercation, resulting in tension between the two. Eventually, they meet up to finish their project, plotting a way to be near each other despite the fraught friendship group dynamics. On a beach camping trip, all six boys unite when they defend their beach against polluting haoles (non-native tourists). This leads to Edmar and Pili have a chance to spend time together, resulting in their first kiss and an intimate night spent together in a tent.
The story concludes with both friends groups united, having shared stories about their ways of life, getting a better cultural understanding of one another. Pili and Edmar successfully present their final project to the class, having made poi and kalamay embracing both of their cultural heritages. In the end, a romantic embrace on the beach implies a relationship has formed between the two.
The cast and crew of the film are from Hawaii and the cast are all newcomers. The entire film was shot in Hawaii, with the producers making sure to showcase Hawaii's culture and make sure the film benefited the community.
Three songs from Tribe Mafia (Sound of a Heartbreak, Take Me, and Feel the Rush) are featured in the film along with Chances by JULÃÂ. Many other Hawai'ian artists were featured as well such as Laûamea Paleka (I'm Still Finding Love), Ahumanu, Keauhou, Hoûopono Wong, NàWai ûEhÃÂ, Kalena Delima & Kalaûe Parish, Ikaika Blackburn, Kamaka Kukona, Kamalei Kawaûa, Kealiûi Reichel, Eugene Tunac Marquez, Iwalani, Poûokela Wood, NÃÂpua Greig, Pewa, and U.H. Timpuyog & Friends.
Devin Hung reviewing the film at the HIFF wrote, "MY PARTNER is a cute and necessary addition to the Boys Love genre. By showing two boys of Pacific Island heritage falling in love, the film is saying that everyone, no matter what cultural background you come from, should be able to be in a relationship that makes them happy".
Bradley Gibson of Film Threat rated the film 7.5/10 and wrote, "My Partner is a slick, polished romance targeted at a specific audience. Even if you arenâÂÂt part of that demographic, Grace manages to infuse this wispy-thin cotton candy film with culturally and historically significant elements that inform and entertain".
Additionally, the film was selected to be a part of the following film festivals in 2023: