Six Hawai‘i-Based Producers Selected for Immersive Mentorship Program Supporting the Next Generation of Homegrown Filmmaking Talent
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) is proud to announce the six selected participants for the 2026 HIFILM Producers Lab, an intensive, hands-on program designed to elevate Hawai‘i-based producers and accelerate their projects from development through distribution.
Building on the success of last year’s HIFILM Storytellers Lab, the Producers Lab expands HIFF’s year-round filmmaker development efforts by focusing on the critical role of producers in shaping impactful, sustainable storytelling. Supported by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), the program reflects HIFF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Hawai‘i’s independent film ecosystem and supporting the next generation of local creative talent.
Held at the scenic Nutridge Estate, the immersive three-day lab will take place May 22–24, 2026. Participants will engage in direct mentorship, one-on-one consultations, and practical workshops focused on festival strategy, pitching, and building sustainable producing careers. By the program’s conclusion, each participant will leave with a developed project package, a clear festival and distribution strategy, and a roadmap for advancing their career within the industry.
The 2026 HIFILM Producers Lab cohort represents a dynamic mix of emerging and established producers rooted in Hawai‘i who are developing a slate of projects spanning narrative and documentary storytelling:
- Mele Hamasaki — I Am Because of You (Dir. Daniel Croix)
- Matt Yamashita & Marino Evans-Vakatini — Just Sing, Brah
- Lena Mealaʻaloha Stevens-Ng — Ola I Ka Wai O Waiāhole (Dir. Mealaʻaloha Bishop, Documentary)
- Tiffany Liu — Huikala (Dir. Justin Pascua)
- Brandon Ikaika Bernaldes — Leaving Flowers (Dir. Logan Alcosiba)
- J.J. Kaʻōpua — Mahogany (Dir. Kaylin Melia George)
Several directors attached to the films will also participate in the lab experience, including Logan Alcosiba—a transgender Native Hawaiian writer, actor, and model and previous Storytellers Lab fellow—whose project Leaving Flowers continues its development through this year’s program.
To read more about the participants and their projects, go to the HIFILM Labs website.
Jana Park, HIFILM Industry Manager, shares: “Selected from over 50 applicants, this cohort represents an exciting range of voices and stories rooted in Hawai‘i. This lab is about equipping producers not only with the tools to move their projects forward, but with the relationships, strategy, and confidence to build sustainable careers in the industry.”
The lab culminates in a closing keynote event open to HIFILM members and invited industry guests, where mentors share industry insights and each producer delivers a live pitch of their project, followed by a networking mixer designed to foster ongoing collaboration and support.
Screenwriter (MOANA, ADRIFT) and HIFF Board member Jordan Kandell says, “As a Storytellers Lab mentor, I saw how vital support and guidance can be at the early stages of a project. This lab shifts that focus to producers—the driving force behind getting films made—and gives them the tools and perspective to navigate both the creative and business sides of the industry.”
Participants will also enjoy meals by Moke’s Bread & Breakfast, coffee from Bean About Town, and treats from other Hawai‘i-based small businesses, reinforcing the program’s commitment to supporting the local creative economy.
2026 HIFILM Producers Lab Mentors
Angela Lee is the Director of Artist Development at the arts non-profit Film Independent, where she leads all programs supporting fiction and non-fiction storytelling. Angela is a Spirit Award-nominated producer for Chloé Zhao’s debut feature, SONGS MY BROTHERS TAUGHT ME.
Arom Starr-Paul is a four-time Emmy-nominated television producer, represented by UTA and a member of both the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy.
Born and raised on O’ahu, Lia Alicia Mitchel’s journey has taken her around the world, producing music videos, Super Bowl commercials and branded content in diverse markets across South America, New York and LA.
Megan Leonard is an award-winning creative producer with work that has premiered at major festivals from Sundance to SXSW, and is a festival programmer based in Seattle. She started working for film festivals in 2010 and is currently a Senior Programmer at the Seattle International Film Festival.
About HIFILM
HIFILM is the year-round industry and filmmaker development arm of the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF), dedicated to supporting Hawai‘i’s film, television, and creative media community through professional development, networking, mentorship, labs, workshops, and industry-focused events. Rooted in the spirit of aloha, HIFILM connects local storytellers with global industry leaders while fostering authentic, homegrown, and Indigenous creative voices from Hawai‘i and the Asia-Pacific region.
