Consolidated Theatres Ward 16 buzzed with excitement on Nov. 13, as it hosted the ʻOhina Labs Screening and Filmmaker Workshop.
The event showcased a vibrant lineup of short films by local filmmakers, highlighting the creative voices of Hawaii’s film industry.
The event marked the 7th anniversary of the ʻOhina Filmmakers Lab Program, celebrating local talent and creative storytelling with a vibrant audience eager to witness the culmination of months of hard work.
Audiences were treated to screenings of The Queen’s Flowers, Kūkini, and Marahoro, along with sneak peeks of upcoming Greenlight films, The Arrangements and Massagers 4 Sale. All of these films were sponsored by Pacific Islanders in Communications or NGM Network.
The evening wasn’t just about showcasing films but also about highlighting the meaningful stories behind them.
A crew member from The Arrangements expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring real-life narratives to the screen, saying, “Our film is based on a true story, so I wanna mahalo her and her family for giving us the opportunity to tell the story of their team.”
Desmond Olivera, a volunteer for ʻOhina Short Films, shared his excitement about the community’s support for local artists. “I think people just getting excited about local filmmakers and rallying around in support of local artists,” Olivera said, emphasizing the joy of being part of such a celebratory event.
Audience member Joshua Tavares echoed this sentiment, expressing his admiration for the event’s uplifting atmosphere. “I came here tonight to watch these incredible films, to support native Hawaiian and local artists and local stories. My favorite part was just being in a room with a bunch of excited energy to support and uplift these moʻolelo.”
The enthusiastic cheers of the audience displayed the collective joy and excitement of the evening, creating an unforgettable celebration of local storytelling and artistry.
The event not only highlighted the exceptional talent of local filmmakers but also fostered a sense of community and shared cultural pride.
