From award-winning storytelling to powerful student voices, Mid-Pacific’s School of the Arts Film Program is shaping the next generation of creators and storytellers. Explore a showcase of student films and achievements that highlight creativity, innovation, and cinematic excellence.
Mid-Pacific School of the Arts – Film Program Major Awards & Recognitions
Kasen I. ’27 earned four top honors at the High School Pele Awards for his original trailer War Boy, including the Ryan Kawamoto Judge’s Award, Pele Gold for Animation/Special Effects, Pele Gold for Movie Trailer, and the prestigious Best in Show (High School Division), which included a $10,000 scholarship to Chaminade University. Entirely hand-drawn by Kasen and featuring voice performances from fellow Mid-Pacific students, the project impressed judges with its artistic ambition and emotional impact.
Mid-Pacific students also captured the top award at the 2026 ʻŌlelo Youth Xchange Spotlight Awards for the fourth consecutive year. On My Honour, directed by Kailey Holbrook ’25 and Cameryn Koike ’25, won Best High School Expert Film. The dark drama stars Eleu Lukey ’25, Eva Rogers ’25, and Pono W. ’27. Film instructor Michael Chain also received the ʻŌlelo Jack Bates Media Teacher Award.
ʻŌlelo Youth Xchange Finalists
Mid-Pacific students continued their strong presence at the Youth ʻŌlelo Xchange Video Awards with multiple finalist selections:
- And For My Next Trick — Written and directed by Matthew Billon ’26, this moving drama was named a finalist for Best High School Narrative Film.
- On My Honour — Directed by Kailey Holbrook ’25 and Cameryn Koike ’25, the film earned finalist honors for Best High School Expert Narrative Film and also screened at the Women of Wonders Film Festival.
HIFF ʻŌpio Fest Official Selections
Four Mid-Pacific student films were selected for the 3rd Annual HIFF ʻŌpio Fest:
- OPPA — Written and directed by Emma L. ’28, this heartfelt film follows a Korean teenager in Hawaiʻi grieving the loss of her brother.
- WAR BOY: Animated Trailer — Written and animated by Kasen I. ’27.
- KE KINO LUA — Directed by Eve Davidson ’26, this film explores identity and cultural belonging. The project also screened at multiple international festivals, including the Women of Wonders Film Fest and the Third Culture Film Festival in New Zealand.
- THE WHIMSICAL TALE OF WES & FRANK — Directed by Emi Catanzariti and Kasen I. ’27, this comedic short received an Honorable Mention for Comedic Excellence after being created during the Hawaiʻi Filmmakers Collective 72-Hour Challenge.
Additional Student Film Achievements
Not Alone — Written and directed by Cameryn Koike ’25, this horror-comedy earned two awards at the Island of Horror Film Fest in Maryland, including the Students Award and the Embrace Award for Best “OH CRAP!” Moment.
Young Again — Directed by Kailey Holbrook ’25, the film won Best Screenplay at HIFF ʻŌpio Fest and later screened at the Youth Diversity Film Festival in Los Angeles.
DUSK — Created by Pono Wong ’27, this innovative short blended stop-motion LEGO animation, live action, and 2D animation, earning official selections at seven international festivals.
A Busy Life — Directed by Layla Yamamoto ’26, the short explores student burnout and self-care through humor and magical realism.
ABRASION — Another film by Pono Wong ’27, this visually inventive project screened internationally in Italy and London.
Documentary & Experimental Film Recognition
Two Worlds Apart — In this personal documentary, Marley Davidson ’25 explores balancing life in Honolulu with her Native Hawaiian roots. The film aired on PBS Hiki Nō and screened at several festivals, including HIFF ʻŌpio Fest and the Native Indigenous Student Academy for Cinematic Arts.
Forbidden Ritual — Directed by Kailey Holbrook ’25 and edited by Eve Davidson ’26, this supernatural short film became an Official Selection at HIFF ʻŌpio Fest.
Commonalities in Times of War — Created by Chase N. ’27, this reflective short screened at the Youth Diversity Film Festival in Los Angeles.
LITTLE GUY — A charming animated short by Cameryn Koike ’25, inspired by childhood memories and created using ToonBoom Harmony. The film screened at the Youth Diversity Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Alumni Recognition
Dawn to Dusk — Created by Class of 2024 alum Makena J. de Souza Leao, this visually stunning film celebrating Oʻahu was nominated for Best Student Film at the Burbank International Film Festival.
Christmas Lights — Directed by Cameryn Koike ’25, this animated short won Best Film at the inaugural HIFF ʻŌpio Fest and Best Student Animation at the Jane Austen Film Festival in England.
Butter Mochi — Created by Kailey Holbrook ’25 and Michi Yorkston, this heartfelt short screened at the inaugural HIFF ʻŌpio Fest.