Empowering The Next Generation: Navigating The Future of Film in Hawai’i’s Film Community
In this panel, presented as part of the Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) ‘Ōpio Fest, prominent Hawai’i-based organizations will share how they support and empower our community’s storytellers. This engaging presentation will showcase the diverse resources available to nurture the next generation of creative voices in our islands.
From mentorship programs and hands-on media workshops to production resources and funding opportunities, these community programs play a virtal role in shaping Hawai’i’s dynamic creative landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, educator, or student exploring career pathways, this discussion with industry experts will offer valuable guidance to help you thrive in in Hawai’i’s dynamic creative landscape.
MEET THE PANELISTS
Vera Zambonelli
Executive Director & Founder, Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking (HWF)
Emmy™ award winning filmmaker, educator, and researcher based in Hawaiʻi. Vera Zambonelli founded Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking in 2011 to promote gender equity with an intersectional lens in the film industry, and launched initiatives like the Wāhine in Film Lab and Making Media That Matters, providing support for thousands of women and genderqueer individuals in Hawaiʻi. Vera is the Executive Producer, co-series producers, and co-director of Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi series, and has been teaching at the University of Hawaiʻi since 2015. Currently an Adjunct Fellow at the East West Center, and also part of the Indie Media Arts Group (IMAG) Advisory Committee and the Women40+DocFilmmakers Initiative, catalyst of the Hawaiʻi Film and Media Arts Coalition, and owner of Vera Arts & Consulting. Currently working on an episodic micro comedy series titled SO MUCH and producing a short film titled KAMA’ĀINA NOT KANAKA.
Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking advocates for women and girls (cis/trans), femmes, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender-queer to tell their stories through film with an intersectional lens. Our work is pivotal in creating a diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape in Hawaiʻi. By prioritizing narratives that are often overshadowed or neglected, HWF ensures that everyone’s story, especially those of underrepresented voices, has the chance to be heard, making everybody count in a unique and transformative way in filmmaking.
Brent Keane
Director of Learning Initiatives, HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi
Brent Keane grew up on the windward side of Oahu and developed a passion for media and design during high school in Kalaheo. He earned a degree in Visual Communications from Collins College in Arizona, returning to Hawaii to work in the print industry and later starting a company specializing in database-driven websites. He also ventured into photography and developed a boutique Photo Booth Service. Transitioning into video production and television at KALO TV and became a part of the PBS Hawaii HIKI NŌ team as Editor/Associate Producer. After 4 years, he took on the role of Director of Learning Initiatives, aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation for success in the field he’s dedicated his career to.
HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi is the nation’s first student-driven news network. It empowers middle and high school students across the state to create professional-quality news stories, covering issues and perspectives unique to their communities. Through HIKI NŌ, students develop critical skills in journalism, storytelling, media production, and digital literacy. The program also provides education and mentoring from industry professionals, giving students hands-on experience and real-world guidance to help them become Hawaiʻi’s new wave of storytellers.
Brad Kester
Co-Director, HISAKO Film Lab
Brad Kester is a filmmaker and CTE credentialed teacher who has mentored aspiring youth filmmakers for over 10 years. Prior to his role with Hisako Film Lab as the co-director and primary instructor, Brad oversaw the expansive cinema department at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego which has been ranked multiple times as the #1 public high school in California. The department was highlighted by a rigorous afterschool Cinema Conservatory where its graduating students routinely went on to top film schools in the country and successful jobs within the film industry. Brad has ties to Maui culture through his wife who grew up in Haiku.
Joy Cretton
Co-Director, HISAKO Film Lab
Joy Cretton is a Maui-born-and-raised costume designer with over 15 years of experience in the film industry, working on major film and television series including SHORT TERM 12, AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, as well as Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Wonder Man. She has mentored countless costume interns through hands-on training, and managed teams of up to 20 as a department head on large film sets. Joy brings a deep understanding of Maui’s culture and strong local relationships, and she is eager to share her film industry knowledge with the next generation of young creatives.
Destin Daniel Cretton
Founder, HISAKO Film Lab
Destin Daniel Cretton is a Maui-born-and-raised filmmaker known for directing SHORT TERM 12, JUST MERCY, Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, and the upcoming SPIDER-MAN 4. With over 15 years in the film industry writing, directing and producing major films and television series, Destin has also worked as a youth film instructor and mentor, and continues to fulfill mentorship opportunities to aspiring filmmakers.
Destin will not be in attendance for the panel.
Hisako Film Lab is a non-profit founded in 2023 to educate the next generation of Hawai‘i’s storytellers and filmmakers. Our programs provide hands-on instruction and resources to Maui’s youth, building foundational skills in film production and focusing on storytelling as a way to celebrate what makes each of us unique. Our goal is to provide an accepting, fun space where young people can discover and amplify their creative voices through the powerful tools of filmmaking. Participation in our programming is absolutely free!
Sam Guerrero
Coordinator, Lili’uokalani Center (LC)
Sam Guerrero, an arts educator and youth advocate for over 25 years, believes in the transformative power of the arts. With experience in film as art and music video production, he uses creativity to inspire and connect communities, expanding opportunities for ʻōpio. His work has been showcased internationally, but his greatest fulfillment comes from creating alongside young people. He strives to nurture the next generation’s confidence and creativity. Outside his work, he cherishes time with his two children.
Rooted in a deep understanding of adolescence and Hawaiian culture, the new LC will offer Hawaiian youth a safe space in urban Honolulu to connect with peers and mentors, access support services, and explore their passions. As Liliʻuokalani Trust’s signature youth development hub, it will foster culture, creativity, technology, and play, helping young people discover pathways in the arts, sports, technology, and entrepreneurship. LC will be a vibrant community resource where youth can learn, grow, and experience joy. Currently under construction, it is set to open in Spring 2025.
Malia Cahill
Executive Director & Founder, Maui Huliau Foundation
Malia grew up in “upcountry” Maui where she developed a deep appreciation and love of her island home. After working as an environmental educator and reflecting on her own experience growing up on Maui, Malia became convinced that more needed to be done to educate and involve Maui’s youth in the crucial issues that face our island. She believed that the best way to do this was to create fun, hands-on programs that increase young peoples’ understanding of their environment, while demonstrating the power of community partnership and creative problem-solving. Through these programs, Malia hopes to share her optimism and enthusiasm, and empower a new generation to mālama this island we all love!
Maui Huliau Foundation empowers Maui Nui youth through hands-on programs that foster environmental literacy and leadership. Our programs engage students in real-world projects alongside community members, helping them understand their role in creating positive change for our islands. For the past 15 years, our Huliau Environmental Filmmaking Club has amplified youth voices on Maui and Molokaʻi, using film as a tool to educate the community and inspire action on environmental issues.
Marissa Rowell
Director of Marketing & Development, ʻŌLELO Community Media
Marissa Rowell is the Director of Marketing & Development at ʻŌlelo Community Media, where she leads marketing, brand engagement, and sponsorship efforts to amplify community-driven storytelling in Hawaiʻi. Born and raised on Hawaiʻi island as the daughter of Filipino immigrants and the great-granddaughter of Sakadas, Marissa’s passion for media and cultural preservation is deeply personal. She has a background in public relations, video production, creative direction, and graphic design, working with ʻŌlelo Community Media, The Museum of Flight Seattle, and at the University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences. Previously, Marissa served as Senior Director of Marketing & Development at Ada Developers Academy, championing diversity in tech. At HIFF ʻŌPIO FEST, she represents ʻŌlelo’s mission to empower young filmmakers, ensuring they have the tools and platforms to share their stories and inspire change.
Kaimana Broadhurst
Producer, ʻŌLELO Community Media
Kaimana Broadhurst is a Producer at ʻŌlelo Community Media, born and raised on Oʻahu. His journey in filmmaking began with skate and dive photography, eventually leading him to earn a degree in film at UH Mānoa’s School of Cinematic Arts. As a Native Hawaiian storyteller, Kaimana is dedicated to crafting narratives that reflect the true essence of Hawaiʻi—beyond the postcard imagery—while addressing the complex realities of its people. His work challenges the mainstream portrayal of the islands, highlighting issues of land displacement, incarceration, and the struggles of local communities. Through his films, Kaimana seeks to foster a deeper, more responsible connection between visitors and Hawaiʻi, encouraging a broader understanding of the islands as a living, evolving home rather than just a destination. His award-winning films, including NĀHUAKAIPŌ: VOYAGERS OF THE NIGHT and KA’EHUKAI: THE RED SEA, have been recognized at festivals such as the South Pacific Film Festival, Haliwai Film Festival, and Pacific Island Film Festival.
‘Ōlelo Community Media is Oʻahu’s nonprofit community Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access provider, created to empower the voice of the community. When you view any one of ‘Ōlelo’s four cable channels, VOD channels, or online channels, you will find unique and local stories from hundreds of dedicated community producers about our island, our people, the many cultures we share, and the issues we face.
Amber McClure
Special Projects Manager, Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC)
Amber received her MA in Visual Anthropology from Goldsmiths, University of London. She is currently pursuing a PhD in American Studies at University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Her personal projects include the documentary short films REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI’I: ANNE MARIE KIRK (2003) and FINDING DOHI (2020). She is a board member of Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking.
The mission of Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) is to support, advance, and develop Pacific Island media content and talent that results in a deeper understanding of Pacific Island history, culture, and contemporary challenges.
Beckie Stocchetti
Executive Director, Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF)
At the helm of HIFF, Beckie has revitalized the organization, spotlighting emerging talent from Asia and the Pacific Islands, and bringing focus to local Hawai’i content and filmmakers through developing and launching new competition programs, cash awards, in-flight screenings on Hawaiian Airlines, content development, and youth programs. With a focused career on developing independent creative talent, Beckie regularly speaks at national and international Festivals and conferences on supporting and evolving local film industries and spotlighting diverse voices through film. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Chicago in Cinema and Media Studies and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology.
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF), an Academy Awards®-qualifying festival, celebrates dynamic cinema from Asia and the Pacific while championing Native Hawaiian and Indigenous filmmakers through powerful storytelling and groundbreaking programming.
Philip K Chung
Panel Moderator
Philip W. Chung is a writer, producer, playwright, based in Los Angeles, California. His play UNBROKEN BLOSSOMS had its world premiere at the East West Players earlier this year. He was the former creative director of YOMYOMF, an Asian American-centric production company founded by FAST & FURIOUS director Justin Lin. He has written, developed, and/or produced projects for Netflix, NBC Universal/Comcast, Warner Bros, YouTube, Google, eOne, IFC Channel, Legendary Pictures, Buzzfeed Studios, and others.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders who are shaping the future of media in Hawai’i on April 12 at 3:30 PM at Consolidated Theatres Kahala. Click here to get your tickets for free!
