HONOLULU (KHON2) – ‘Ohina Labs is a program that helps emerging Local Filmmakers. They also grant awards. This year’s ‘Ohina Greenlight Award is actor, comedian, and writer Annett Arinix Amazing Aga.
Get Hawaii’s latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You
She’ll receive $20,000 in production support to help bring her short script to the big screen.
Aga told Wake Up 2Day it’s been amazing to be selected for the ‘OHINA LABS program to workshop her script, “Kamaʻaina Not Kanaka”, let alone to get the Greenlight.
She drew inspiration for the story, following a friendship between two young musicians in Hawai’i, one of Micronesian and one of Samoan heritage, in part from her brother and his positive energy, and a desire to celebrate the interconnectedness of our Pasifika cultures. Aga said this workshop was such a safe place to explore and elevate the project with incredible mentors such as Zoe Eisenberg, Ty Sanga, and Chris Kekaniokalani Bright.
‘Ohina Director of Education Lisette Flanary says they put out an annual call for short script submissions typically in early Summer, and following a competitive selection process, they’ll select a handful of fellows to take part in the free Filmmakers Lab in the Fall. They are open to all genres from current or former residents of Hawai’i, and are looking for future short films that can be produced and filmed right here. Several LABS film have gone on to win awards, secure licensing deals, and screen at festivals around the world. In addition to the free LABS workshop, Flanary says they also host an annual short film Showcase, screening films emerging from LABS, such as recent acclaimed shorts like “The Queen’s Flowers” and “Kukini,” and this event is always presented free for the community.