Kahuku Film Club Hosts Awards, Celebration Of Digital Talent
Kahuku Film Club members Ocean Eale (left) and Smylyn Naluai brief the crowd on the club’s productions during the recent ‘Olelo Kahuku Kahea showcase. Photo by Siana J. Burgess.
The village that makes up the small Community Media Center at Kahuku High School celebrated its digital talent this spring, along with live, traditional performances of Polynesian culture, during ‘Olelo Kahuku Kahea.
The digital media showcase and awards April 22 brought together the center’s users and supporters, who are spread out from Kaaawa to Waialua. A highlight was Kahuku Film Club’s screening of the students’ most recent short videos, Hokule’a: a Boy’s Journey to Hawaiian Pride and Hug a Bully. In both projects, the students conducted multiple personal interviews with key personalities.
“My wife and I were so impressed by the films that were produced through Kahuku Film Club,” said City Council Chairman Ernie Martin, declaring it outstanding. “Being graduates of public high schools ourselves, we took great pride and admiration in the enthusiasm and maturity of the students, and the dedication of its faculty.”
The film club also gave awards to key mentors and supporters. The Most Valuable Player award went to Alicia Esche, who runs the Kahuku.org student store and partners with the club on projects. The Most Inspirational Interview awardee was former football coach Reggie Torres. Sunset Beach Elementary teacher Gail Pule received the Lifetime Media Teacher award.
According to Angela Breene, who manages ‘Olelo Community Television’s media centers in Kahuku and Wahiawa, team effort is what guaranteed the successful, well-attended event. “I couldn’t have been happier to see so many new and familiar faces from our community,” Breene said. “Please keep coming back to your ‘Olelo media centers and take advantage of the resources available to all Oahu residents.”
The Kahuku center is open two evenings a week to provide projects and learning opportunities for the public on the KHS campus, Building Z. For details, call 293-9357 or email kahuku@olelo.org.
