ʻŌiwi Stories on Screen: Scriptwriting 101
with ʻĀina Paikai
The future of Hawaiian media starts with story. In ʻŌiwi Scriptwriting 101, award-winning filmmaker ʻĀina Paikai helps you build scenes, dialogue, and characters through kuanaʻike Hawaiʻi—exploring how English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi change pacing, emotion, and intention. Through fast writing sprints, moʻolelo-based prompts, film examples, table reads, and guided revision, you’ll draft and polish an original short script or scene (English or ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi) and leave with stronger story skills and the confidence to share your work.
Dates:
Workshop Days: Oct 5–9, 2026
Hōʻike: Oct 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Grade Levels: 8–12
Max Participants: 12
ʻĀina Paikai
Filmmaker | Writer | Director | Cultural Storyteller
ʻĀina Paikai (Kaimiʻāina Paikai) is a Native Hawaiian filmmaker from Waiau, Oʻahu whose work uplifts moʻolelo of place, identity, and activism.
He is the writer and director of Hawaiian Soul (2020), the award-winning narrative short film honoring George Helm Jr. and his legacy as a musician and protector of Kahoʻolawe. The film has been screened widely and is recognized for its powerful blending of activism, culture, and cinematic storytelling.
Formerly a documentarian and editor for ʻŌiwiTV, ʻĀina brings over a decade of experience producing short- and long-form media rooted in Hawaiian worldview. As the founder of Kamaʻāina Creations, LLC, he continues to develop narrative and documentary projects that center Indigenous voices.
ʻĀina is uniquely qualified to guide ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi scriptwriting. His fluency and directing experience allow stories to be built from a Hawaiian worldview from the inside out — with language, pacing, and cultural nuance fully integrated into structure and character.
He also specializes in directing youth performers in culturally grounded productions, ensuring that public-facing media remains both compelling and culturally safe.
Spring 2026 Showcase
