The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

Competing against 37 colleges, 糖心视频 Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation鈥檚 top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @糖心视频M—a registered independent organization at 糖心视频 Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the 糖心视频 Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of Hawaiʻi.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @糖心视频M was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious 糖心视频 Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all 糖心视频 Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, 糖心视频 Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

糖心视频 Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

• Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
• Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
• ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
• Alexander Picken, Earth science
• Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
• Caleb Zerbe, computer science
• Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
• Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
• Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
• D’Elle Martin, architecture
• Elijah Saloma, computer science
• Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
• Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
• Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
• Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
• Julietta Lopez, architecture
• Kanaru Ebi, psychology
• Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
• Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
• Lyndsey Moku, political science
• Maya Ito, psychology
• Michaella Villanueva, computer science
• Noah Asano, computer science
• Samantha Reed, computer science
• Shaelyn Loo, computer science
• Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
• Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
• Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
• Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
• Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
• Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
• Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
• Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
• Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where 糖心视频 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where 糖心视频 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has recognized 20 degree programs for exemplary commitment to improving curriculum and student learning through a new faculty-led honor launched this academic year.

The Excellence in Assessment for Improvement: H艒poe Assessment Award celebrates programs that demonstrate outstanding, collaborative assessment practices. “H艒poe” describes the 驶艒hi驶a lehua in its fullest, most vibrant bloom—a symbol of programs that have matured and flourished. The award was established in 2025 by the 惭腻苍辞补 Faculty Senate’s Committee on Educational Effectiveness (CEE).

“This award represents the maturity and beauty of programs that have truly blossomed through meaningful assessment,” said Justin Walguarnery, CEE committee chair. “It is a ‘for faculty, by faculty’ initiative that celebrates the hard work of using assessment to make an appreciable difference in the academic experience.”

The inaugural recipients include programs in:

• Anthropology (MA and PhD)
• Asian International Affairs (MA)
• Cinematic Arts (BA)
• Early Childhood Education (MEd)
• Education (PhD)
• Education: Teaching (MEdT)
• Educational Admin (MEd)
• Educational Psychology (MEd and PhD)
• Elementary Education (BEd)
• Library & Information Sciences (MLISC)
• Professional Educational Practice (EdD)
• Secondary Education (BEd)
• Social Work (BSW)
• Sociology (MA)
• Special Education (BEd and MEd)
• Theatre and Dance (BA and BFA)

Faculty-driven review process

Recipients were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by the Assessment Report Review Committee (ARRC), a group of about 40 faculty members trained jointly by CEE and the 糖心视频 Assessment and Curriculum Support Center (ACSC). Organizers describe the award as a fully faculty-owned effort that highlights collaboration and shared accountability.

This award represents the maturity and beauty of programs that have truly blossomed through meaningful assessment.
—Justin Walguarney

All 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 degree programs submit biennial assessment reports outlining student learning outcomes, curriculum development and benchmarks for achievement. These reports are required for accreditation and are publicly available on the ACSC website. From more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, 20 were recognized in the award’s inaugural year.

Beginning in fall 2026, every degree program will have the opportunity to self-evaluate using the award criteria, including student learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, evidence of learning, fair and reliable evaluation, use of results and culturally responsive assessment practices. Programs indicating “full bloom” will be automatically nominated for review.

By expanding both self- and peer-nomination pathways, organizers hope to spotlight the collaborative, reflective work strengthening education across campus.

CEE committee members that developed the award are Justin Walguarnery, Nicole Schlaack, Jamie Simpson Steele, Joseph Foukona, Alice Tse, Joanna Philippoff, Emile Loza de Siles, Dan Port, Maya Saffery, Jessica Gasiorek, Aimee Chung, Arby Barone, Ann Sakaguchi, Alohilani Okamura, Monica Esquivel and Yao Hill.

Voices, movement and moments of reflection filled at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 in early February as , a biennial conference brought together scholars, artists and community members for two days of exchange. Hosted by the (ANNO), the conference explored how Indigenous performance sustains knowledge, language and relationships across generations.

The second biennial conference featured panels, workshops and special events that emphasized learning through practice.

Participants took part in everything from hula workshops led by 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 instructor and Kumu Hula Tracie Kaʻōnohilani Farias Lopes to kapa making, puppet making, carving and a movement-based session by Sami L.A. Akuna that invited reflection on storytelling and the body.

“We hope that the conference delegates engaged in the many offerings of the two-day event and see the importance of Indigenous performance as a site of knowledge production, cultural preservation, and collective imagination,” said Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker, who co-founded ANNO and is a director of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 award-winning .

One panel, Aloha ʻĀina Embodied: The Praxis of ʻAha, was conducted entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. The session featured several kumu, including Kaliko Baker, an associate professor at ; Kaipu Keala, an assistant professor at , Kaulu Luuwai, an attorney with at William S. Richardson School of Law, and Snowbird Bento, kumu hula of Ka P膩 Hula O Ka Lei Lehua.

Panelists discussed how is expressed through performance and community practice, reflecting on the ways language and movement inform artistic and community-based work.

Celebration and story

The conference concluded with a hoʻolauleʻa, a celebration that combined conversation and creative sharing. Events included a film screening of , directed by Lisette Flanary, professor at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and a preview of a new hana keaka (theatre work) by 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Hawaiian theatre graduate student Ikaika Mendez. The production, Lele Wale, reflects on community rebuilding after the Lahaina wildfires, honoring those who were lost, those who survived, and those continuing the work of rebuilding on Maui. Performances run March 4–8 at the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre at Kennedy Theatre.

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Lahaina鈥檚 story lives in new hana keaka production, February 5, 2026

Established in 2022 through the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Provost鈥檚 Strategic Investment Initiative, ANNO advances Hawaiian and Indigenous performance through scholarship, curriculum and outreach, supporting ongoing research and creative practice at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

Aspiring filmmakers are invited to submit a short film pitch for the Sustainability Pitch and Media Competition 2025. Hosted by the University of Hawaiʻi System Office of Sustainability and the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 , this year鈥檚 theme is Local Food Production and Consumption.

The competition encourages filmmakers to turn their creativity into impact by using storytelling skills to pitch eye-catching short films that do good for the planet. Three pitches will be chosen. Winning pitches will earn $200 each. Those produced within the academic year will earn an additional $800.

online. Submissions are due November 20, at 11:55 p.m.

Application requirements

• Written pitch for a short film between 15 seconds and 2 minutes long.
• A written description of your idea (100–300 words max).
• A single PDF (4–8 images) showing your concept, visual style, and story progression.
• Pitches must be original (no overlap with class assignments).

Pitches will be judged by community professionals, and finished films will be shared with the 糖心视频 community and beyond.

For more information, contact Associate Professor Laura Margulies at lmarguli@hawaii.edu.

A student film created at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has earned international recognition at the . “Praying Mantis,” written and directed by 糖心视频 Mānoa student Hulita Drake, was named among the winners of the 2025 festival in the zero budget category.

The film tells the story of a young woman who attends a college costume party dressed as a praying mantis, only to find herself out of place until a chance encounter changes the course of her night. What begins as a seemingly romantic connection unravels into disappointment, sparking a journey of obsession, prayer and unexpected action.

Drake collaborated with fellow 糖心视频 students Lauren Piehler, who served as cinematographer, and AJ Taylor, who handled sound recording. The production also received support from other classmates, and community members Olivia Vela and Jase Andrews starred in leading roles.

Drake and members of the student team traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, for the festival鈥檚 October 7 celebration event. The trip marked an opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage while connecting with filmmakers from across the Pacific.

“Receiving this recognition at the South Pacific International Film Festival is an incredible honor,” said Drake, who earned a BA in and is working on a second bachelor鈥檚 degree in digital cinema from the 糖心视频 Mānoa . “It鈥檚 a testament to the creativity, dedication and collaboration of our entire 糖心视频 Mānoa student team. Being able to share ‘Praying Mantis’ on an international stage and connect with filmmakers from across the Pacific has been an inspiring experience that I will always cherish.”

“Praying Mantis” is currently screening on the film festival circuit and isn鈥檛 yet available to the public, but Drake hopes to release it on YouTube in the future.

The South Pacific International Film Festival highlights emerging and independent filmmakers from across the region. This year鈥檚 slate featured winners from the U.S., New Zealand, Indonesia and Fiji. “Praying Mantis” was one of three films from the U.S. selected for recognition.

In high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, aspiring filmmaker Kainoa Kaeha wasn驶t sure where to start when it came to choosing a college. His high school advisors pointed him toward mainland universities, but Kaeha felt that Leeward Community College was the right fit.

“I chose Leeward because it鈥檚 more affordable, as well as their digital media program was right up my alley,” Kaeha said. “I regret nothing.”

At Leeward CC, Kaeha thrived in smaller classes and the close-knit environment. He gained valuable skills by getting involved on campus. Kaeha joined the student-produced campus publication to develop his photo, video and graphic design skills. Eventually, he got involved with student government, serving as president for a year and a half.

“I was making connections with my friends and coworkers, especially when it comes to leadership. I was starting to learn how to communicate effectively,” said Kaeha.

Scholarship support opens doors

After earning an associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts and multiple digital media certificates from Leeward CC in 2024, Kaeha turned his sights to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. One concern was the cost of tuition. His plan was simple: apply for as many scholarships as possible.

The hard work paid off as he was awarded the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Presidential Scholarship, granting him full tuition for the school year and a total of $4,000 in stipend and travel grants.

“I鈥檓 more comfortable, I鈥檓 not stressing out as much so I can do better in class and make more connections,” Kaeha said. “The easiest word is thank you, and appreciation and gratitude. To give others that power of financial stability or comfort in order to do better in school, it鈥檚 really amazing.”

Kaeha plans to graduate from the School of Cinematic Arts in spring 2026.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 students swept all 24 student awards at the annual Excellence in Journalism awards, hosted by the (SPJ), July 30.

Headlining the group were the following first-place winners:

• Student Investigative Journalism in Any Media—Lili Hurd ( major)
• Student Breaking News in Any Media—Emma Davidson (journalism major)
• Student Feature Journalism in Any Media—Flynn Hamlin (2024 journalism graduate)
• Student Sports Journalism in Any Media—Justin Gardner (2024 journalism graduate)
• Student Journalism Featuring Video—Lili Hurd
• Student Journalism Featuring Photography—Kiersten Morgan (exploratory major)
• Student Journalism Featuring Audio—Alyssa Francesca Salcedo (2025 journalism graduate)
• Student Editorial/Opinion Writing—Emma Caires (2025 journalism graduate)

Associate Professor Youjeong Kim from the in 糖心视频 惭补苍辞补鈥檚 and faculty sponsor of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 SPJ Student Chapter, said, “It鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to see our students recognized for their hard work. They鈥檙e not just learning how to report the truth鈥攖hey鈥檙e out there doing it, with heart and a strong sense of responsibility. Their work makes a real difference in Hawaiʻi, and I鈥檓 proud to support them.”

Other students who won awards included majors in , and . Suah Cho, an incoming PhD student in the communication and information sciences program, won three awards for stories that were published in Civil Beat, where she interned in 2024. Many faculty members and alumni also earned awards in professional categories.

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Three student films are finalists in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa鈥檚 inaugural Sustainability Media Competition that will be shown this spring. The competition is a collaboration by the with the .

Launched in 2024, the competition aims to foster creativity and raise environmental awareness by challenging students to create short films centered on sustainability. This year鈥檚 focus was on clean energy transformation, inspiring students to explore themes like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation.

The competition ran from October 24 to November 22 giving students a chance to develop their projects into full productions that will premiere in Spring 2025.

Finalists:

“Dear Keiki,”—Ryan Bodine and Hannah Parkus
A young girl, stuck in traffic, daydreams of a renewable energy-powered future. As her pinwheel spins, she envisions wind turbines, solar farms, tidal energy, and wave generators, all contributing to a cleaner world. The dream inspires her to take action for a sustainable future, and she gazes at real wind turbines, feeling hopeful and motivated.

Parkus is a senior majoring in the School of Cinematic Arts with a focus on Digital Cinema. Bodine is a fourth-year Cinematic Arts student.

“Sustain My Life!”—Matthew Iwamasa
In this two-minute fake movie trailer, Dexter Gear, an engineer, is targeted by oil companies after agreeing to help a town transition to clean energy. After a close call with an assassin, Dexter receives a letter from a child he’s helped, inspiring him to face the danger. The trailer ends with Dexter humorously trying to talk his way out of a perilous situation, combining humor and a message about sustainability.

Iwamasa is a freshman in SCA.

“The Clean Energy Prophecy”—Anne Di Martino, Aim Mizobe, Jay Shimabukuro and Brandi W.
In a world once powered by the harmony of four great spirits鈥擲un, Wind, Tide, and Earth鈥攖he Everflowing Breath kept the land thriving. But the Blacken Breath, a dark force of decay, threatened to destroy it. The spirits united to defeat it, restoring balance before fading into legend. Now, centuries later, the Blacken Breath returns, stronger than before. A new hero must rise, wielding the power of the spirits to save the world. Will the Everflowing Breath return, or will darkness consume all?

Di Martino and Shimabukuro are both seniors in 糖心视频 Mānoa’s SCA Computer Animation program, while Brandi W. is an alumna of the same program.

Participants submitted pitches featuring a written concept description and images illustrating their visual storytelling approach.

A panel of esteemed judges, including professionals from animation, filmmaking and sustainability sectors, evaluated the submissions.

The 2024 judging panel

• Gavin Arucan—is a Filipino and Japanese-American artist from Hawaiʻi. He graduated from 糖心视频 Mānoa with a BA in animation. Gavin is currently a storyboard artist for the animated shows Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss.
• GB Hajim—For the past 30 years, GB has been producing, directing, shooting, and editing Hawaiian language dramas and educational programs. His directorial feature debut, the animated sci-fi lesbian musical Strange Frame, attracted an all-star team including Tim Curry, Academy Award winner Gary Rizzo and Pink Floyd. His most recent film, the psychological drama steeped in magical realism Mermaids鈥� Lament was nominated for Best Feature at Dances with Films in Los Angeles and won Best Feature at the UN-sponsored Big Syn Festival in London.
• Philip Johnson—Philip Johnson is a retired professor of Information and Computer Sciences at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. He was an active member of the 糖心视频 Sustainability Council and has participated in many sustainability initiatives over the past 20 years.

Keiko Sugihara, an alumna of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 School for Cinematic Arts (SCA), is making waves in the entertainment industry. Her latest achievement: co-writing an episode for the new hit TV show Rescue: HI Surf, which airs on FOX and streams on Hulu.

Sugihara and fellow writer Ryan Martinez penned the surf drama series鈥� episode 12, “Surge,” which aired on February 3. The episode follows North Shore lifeguards responding to a tsunami advisory while their captain searches for his missing daughter. It鈥檚 a high-stakes story that showcases Sugihara鈥檚 talent for crafting suspense and emotion.

“I feel very grateful for this opportunity, and I hope viewers enjoy the episode! It was a labor of love,” Sugihara shared.

Her success adds to the growing list of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 alumni making an impact in the film and television industry. Earlier this year, fellow SCA alumna Erin Lau also directed an episode of the Hawaiʻi-based series.

• Related 糖心视频 News story: 惭腻苍辞补 alumni films shine on streaming service, February 20, 2024

From 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 to Hawaii Five-0

Sugihara, a Chicago native, discovered her passion for filmmaking at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, where she pursued a degree in film production in SCA. That decision led to real-world industry experience, including an internship on Hawaii Five-0 during her final semester, where she worked as a production assistant.

“SCA emphasizes creativity and professionalism, the fact that Keiko Sugihara is credited as a co-writer on this episode speaks to her talent and dedication as an artist,” said Christine Acham, a professor and chair at SCA.

SCA Professor Lisette Flanary mentored Sugihara while she was at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

“[She鈥檚] a very talented writer who always produced awesome screenplays and was willing to push the boundaries in her storytelling,” Flanary said.

From Hawaii Five-0, Sugihara moved to Los Angeles to work in a writers鈥� room. She later joined Marvel鈥檚 Helstrom as a writers鈥� assistant and won first place in the 2020 Branches Interactive Script Contest for her original pilot, Nikkei Curse of Yokai. She also wrote, directed and starred in her short film, Vampire American.

The (UROP) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 is offering its first-ever funding opportunity specifically for undergraduate students to perform research or creative work projects abroad.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 was selected as one of 12 institutions nationwide to apply and receive up to $20,000 in private funding to support international research from the Tyler Center for Global Studies. According to the center, the awarded institutions “have articulated the significance of inquiry, cross-cultural engagement and experiential learning in undergraduate research.”

“While UROP has always provided financial support for students to conduct research abroad, we anticipate that this new funding opportunity specifically geared for international experiences will inspire even more students to pursue their scholarship goals around the world,” UROP Director Creighton Litton said. “The Tyler Fellowship is much more than an academic opportunity—it鈥檚 a chance to make a meaningful impact on the global stage, and then bring that newly acquired knowledge back home to Hawaiʻi.”

While the deadline to apply for summer 2025 has passed, Litton hopes UROP will continue to offer this fellowship in the years to come.

Angel Sanchez, a 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 student majoring in , conducted research in Venice, Italy in summer 2024 and was supported through funding from UROP. Her project was about comparing European and international cinema at the Venice International Film Festival. Sanchez encourages 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 students to take advantage of this new funding opportunity.

“Curiosity and understanding of international culture allows for future collaboration, meeting different people, learning from each other, creating something new and sharing things you create to a wider audience,” Sanchez said. “Overall, international research gives you an opportunity to expand your worldview knowledge and reflect about your own lifestyle and culture as you try to apply what you learned to yourself and from there, create something new.”

This new funding opportunity is possible via a collaboration among UROP, 糖心视频 Foundation and the Study Abroad Center that provides a funding mechanism and student/mentor international travel training.

Each year, UROP awards more than $500,000 in merit-based scholarships directly to students to support mentored undergraduate research and creative work projects and presentations. An additional $125,000 is awarded directly to mentors to support undergraduate research and creative work during the summer via the .

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A professor at the at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is gaining international recognition for his critically-acclaimed screenwriting. Marc Moody has recently made waves in some of the most prestigious competitions worldwide, showcasing both his talent and the strength of the university鈥檚 cinematic arts program.

In a major accomplishment, Moody was a quarterfinalist in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Nicholl Fellowship International Screenwriting Competition. Considered the top global contest for emerging screenwriters, the Nicholl Fellowship received more than 5,500 entries this year, with Moody鈥檚 screenplay standing out as one of just 354 to advance.

“Marc is a great example of what we are so happy to have at SCA, faculty who are professionals in the field and continue to practice their craft,” said Christine Acham, a professor and chair at SCA.

Moody also proved his versatility and consistency in other renowned competitions. At Screencraft鈥檚 Best Feature International Screenwriting Contest, all four of his submitted screenplays reached the quarterfinals, with one advancing to the semifinals. In the Best Action and Adventure category, another of Moody鈥檚 scripts also made it to the quarterfinals.

Moody鈥檚 screenwriting talents was further validated at the Richmond International Film Festival, where Moody was named a finalist—no small feat in one of the Mid-Atlantic鈥檚 largest and most competitive festivals. Additionally, he was recognized as a finalist in Final Draft鈥檚 Big Break International Screenwriting Contest. The grand prize announcement is slated for this December. His success also extends to the WEScreenplay Diverse Voices competition, where he secured a semifinalist position.

This fall, Moody is teaching screenwriting and film history at The International College of Seville in Spain, part of the 糖心视频 Mānoa . He will return to the Mānoa campus to teach screenwriting at SCA in spring 2025.

The School of Cinematic Arts is housed in the 糖心视频 Mānoa .

The (SCA) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 is celebrating the impressive achievements of its faculty, alumni, and students at the 44th (HIFF). This year, their creative works earned prestigious awards, nominations, and widespread recognition, highlighting 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s influence on Hawaiʻi’s cinematic landscape.

“The faculty of SCA have done an amazing job throughout the years mentoring these talented students, so it is quite gratifying to see the success of the alumni and the level of talent in the upcoming group of students and recent graduates,” said Christine Acham, a professor and chair at SCA.

SCA alumni awards

SCA alumnus Alika Tengan made a remarkable impact at HIFF44 with his feature film Molokaʻi Bound, winning the coveted Made In Hawaiʻi award for Best Narrative Feature. Tengan鈥檚 work, which explores themes of family and redemption, also earned him the prestigious Kau Ka Hōkū award for Best Emerging Filmmaker.

SCA alumna Erin Lau was also honored with the Made In Hawaiʻi award for Best Documentary Feature for producing the powerful film Standing Above the Clouds. The documentary captures the resilience of Native Hawaiian women fighting to protect Maunakea.

SCA alumni Arsenio Salvante also earned a nomination for HIFF鈥檚 Made in Hawaiʻi Best Short for his film Victoria. The 12-minute Korean drama showcases a woman鈥檚 journey back home to Hawaiʻi to sell her late-father’s home. The film was co-written by SCA alumna Keana Alea, with fellow alumnus Vincent Bercasio as director of photography.

SCA alumnus Alexander Bocchieri also directed feature length documentary Shaka and SCA alumna Shaneika Aguilar directed a segment of Real W膩hine of Hawaiʻi (season 5) which also premiered at the festival.

Students make their mark

SCA student Alexander Cleary earned the HIFFxBMW Hawaiʻi Driven Student Filmmaker Award for his short film Stitches, securing a $3,000 cash scholarship.

Two more students, Steven Loya-Montoya and Josiah Castillo, received honorable mentions for their films Where Do Butterflies Go When They Die? and Anxious.

In total, seven short films from SCA were selected for HIFF鈥檚 University Showcase: Anxious (Castillo), Ikiryo (Ty Everheart), James (Anne Di Martino), Once in a Life Time (Rickey Brunty), Stitches (Cleary), The ʻĀina Within (Marcus Goh) and Where Do Butterflies Go When They Die? (Loya-Montoya).

Faculty excellence

SCA Professor Vilsoni Hereniko’s short film Woven made its world premiere at HIFF and was nominated for the Made In Hawaiʻi award for Best Short.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 new Dean 104 Culture Lab unveiled this spring offers an innovative classroom space that is revolutionizing the learning experience for students and faculty alike. This semester, eight courses and 165 students are being taught in the newly transformed classroom. Courses range from political science to women, gender and sexuality studies, all aiming to foster a classroom community built through student collaboration in a unique learning environment.

Among the first to capitalize on the new space is Lisette Flanary, a professor in the . Flanary has integrated the Dean 104 Culture Lab into her CINE 405 class, an advanced course in documentary production for juniors and seniors.

“The new space has ignited a palpable enthusiasm among my CINE 405 students, fostering not only heightened engagement but also a surge in creativity,” Flanary said. “The collaborative nature of the environment, with features like movable furniture, writable glass walls, and a large touchscreen for viewing and critiquing our student films, has truly elevated their learning experience.”

Flanary’s class meets once a week for three hours, and delves deep into the intricacies of the documentary process, covering everything from research and story structure to shooting techniques and editing. With the introduction of the Dean Culture Lab, her students have found themselves immersed in an environment conducive to creativity and collaboration.

It鈥檚 perfect for creative media classes and we鈥檝e been making really good use of every part of the classroom!
—Aria Kaneshige

“It鈥檚 about being comfortable and having lots of space for everybody to support collaboration and creativity,” said senior Alexandra Sullivan, who is in Flanary驶s class. “The spinning chairs are great for our generation and it definitely feels like it was made for us!”

“It鈥檚 been really fun being in here, it鈥檚 perfect for creative media classes and we鈥檝e been making really good use of every part of the classroom!” said fellow senior Aria Kaneshige, a cinematic arts and dance major.

Flanary encourages her colleagues, especially those engaged in cultural practices, to explore the possibilities offered by the Dean 104 Culture Lab. She attests to the noticeable difference in student engagement and creativity since incorporating the space into her teaching, which has also included the Sakamaki Hall Innovation Zone and .

Designed to be a learning base for courses that promote deep reflection on cultural concepts, practices and knowledge, the culture lab is conceptually grounded in the history of 惭腻苍辞补 valley, with features that make it a unique space where sense of place invites students to be conscious of the cultural context surrounding the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus.

Dedication to providing innovative classrooms

“The Dean 104 Culture Lab stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation in education, providing students with an inspiring environment to cultivate their talents and passions,” said Laura Lyons, interim vice provost for academic excellence.

While there are no new classroom projects in the pipeline currently, the university is eager to increase the number and diversity of collaborative classrooms in the upcoming academic years. Many faculty who have taught in Dean 104 this spring have also expressed their appreciation for Dean 104 and have to teach in the room again in the fall.

“Each semester, the aim is to make the rooms available to as many teachers as possible, with a dedication to keeping innovative classrooms as a core service at the center for elevating teaching and learning at 惭腻苍辞补,” said Hazel Gedikli, faculty specialist in the who was responsible for introducing the space to new faculty this semester.

This spring, students from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (SCA) embarked on an unforgettable journey, shadowing crew members of the hit TV show NCIS. They went behind the scenes with NCIS: Hawaiʻi director Larry Teng who hosted workshops on the CBS series鈥� soundstage at Diamond Head Studios.

Teng shared special techniques related to camera movement, blocking and visual storytelling.

“Being able to hear and see the creative process of a veteran filmmaker like Larry Teng up close was invaluable for me,” said Tony Dia, a senior at SCA. “I learned a great deal from him having us direct his scenes, then telling us what he liked and how to improve our craft. A lot of what I took away from the workshop I have been applying to my current film project.”

SCA senior Steven Loya Montoya was equally captivated by the advice Teng shared with students, and witnessing the transformation from set to screen.

“It鈥檚 always a great experience to get out of the classroom and get some real hands-on experience on a real professional set,” said Montoya.

SCA is committed to providing students a glimpse into the real-world workings of the film industry and equipping them with practical skills and insights that can help shape their future careers.

“Having professional directors in this case, take their time to share their knowledge with students allows them to understand what a professional working set looks like and what they need to do if they want to enter that world,” said Christine Acham, SCA chair and professor. “Classes are obviously important, but these opportunities will always stay with the students.”

In February, 10 SCA students also had the chance to shadow the NCIS crew while they filmed on location at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. The film school strives to provide students workshops and internships. So far, SCA has facilitated connections for students to intern at various studios such as Disney, Apple +TV, Warner-Discovery and 20th Century Fox.

Until the end of February, a selection of films crafted by graduates from the (SCA) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will take the spotlight on . The streaming service, known for its mix of classic, contemporary, international and Hollywood films, is showcasing the work of five talented 糖心视频 Mānoa alumni.

Curated by kanaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiian) filmmaker Taylour Chang, users exploring the site can get a taste of the short films produced by SCA graduates through a one minute and 30-second showcase named

Short films

The Moon and the Night by 2014 SCA graduate Erin Lau. Lau has gone on to direct the acclaimed short films All I Ever Wanted and Inheritance, which was supported by Netflix and Tribeca Studios and also awarded the Best Hawaiʻi Short Film at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF).

The Pit Where We Were Born, produced by 2012 SCA graduate Alexander Bocchieri. In addition to documentary and commercial work, Bocchieri has since directed , a short film for Disney Launchpad which is now streaming on Disney+.

Molokaʻi Bound by 2012 SCA graduate Alika Maikau Tengan. Tengan has subsequently directed the feature length film, , distributed by Gravitas Ventures. A feature-length adaptation of Molokaʻi Bound, with support from a $500,000 feature film grant from independent film distribution company ARRAY and Google, is currently in the final stages of post-production.

• Related 糖心视频 News story: $500K awarded to rising ʻŌiwi filmmaker, 糖心视频 ACM Mānoa alum, November 9, 2021

Down on the Sidewalk in Waikīkī, by Justyn Ah Chong. Written and featuring a lead performance by 2010 SCA graduate ʻĀina Paikai, the film was followed up by Hawaiian Soul, a narrative short film about Hawaiian activist and musician George Helm. After playing to acclaim at HIFF, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival and Maoriland Film Festival, Hawaiian Soul is currently being adapted by Paikai into a feature film.

Exclusive premiere

by 糖心视频 Mānoa alumnus Christopher Makoto Yogi takes center stage with its exclusive streaming premiere on The Criterion Channel. Distributed by Strand Releasing, the film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and earned recognition from The New Yorker as one of the top films of 2021.

Other short films directed by Yogi are also streaming: Layover, on the Shore, Obake, Makoto: Or, Honesty, Suddenly, Honolulu (2015) Occasionally, I Saw Glimpses of Hawaiʻi, Suddenly, Honolulu (2016) and a still place.

The School of Cinematic Arts is housed in the at 糖心视频 Mānoa.