REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI’I: SHANEIKA AGUILAR

Born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, cinematographer Shaneika Aguilar has always been fascinated with cameras and the ability to capture and materialize a moment in time. She is best known for her work on independent films as well as branded content. Her work as a filmmaker with NMG Network garnered 2 Emmy Awards and 5 Pele Awards and included brands like Halekulani and Flux Media. She is a 2018 graduate of the University of Mānoa Academy of Creative Media, and is the new lead content producer for Redefined Weddings, a boutique photography and video company. She continues her work as a commercial photographer and freelance cinematographer, focused on capturing local stories that build connection and unity in her community. This short is part of REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI‘I (RWH) Series Season 4. The Emmy-winning series documents talented and pioneering women filmmakers who tell uniquely Hawai‘i stories through a camera lens. Season 4 features Leanne K. Ferrer as the first executive producer in our series. Through funding and support of local and Pacific Islander filmmakers, Leanne Ferrer and the organization she led, Pacific Islanders in Communications, have had a massive influence in building the Hawai‘i indie film industry. Likewise, seasoned filmmakers Stephanie Castillo (Sandaan: 100 years of Filipinos in America), Ann Marie Kirk (Homealani), and Jana Kealoha Park (My Partner, E Malama Pono Willy Boy) show a depth and breadth of experience in both documentary and narrative films. The series also highlights the work of two of our brightest rising stars in our local film industry, camerawoman/editor Shaneika Aguilar and camerawoman/editor Sancia Miala Shiba Nash, who are reimagining and evolving the way we tell stories with their unique visual styles.