Kohala Voices at HIFF ʻŌpio

Congratulations to RC Baun (10th grade), Aundrea Franco (11th), and Kellin Matsuda (8th grade, Kohala Middle School), whose short films—created through the Kohala Oral History Project—have been accepted into the 2025 Hawaiʻi International Film Festival ʻŌpio Fest Student Showcase.

This showcase, taking place April 11–13 in Honolulu, highlights youth-created films from across the state and offers a powerful platform for student voices. We’re proud to see Kohala represented on this stage and thrilled that our students’ storytelling efforts are being recognized beyond our community.

Their work was developed in collaboration with the Kohala Oral History Project, which connects students with kūpuna to preserve local stories and histories through media, art, and conversation.

Help Make It Happen

Attending HIFF is an incredible opportunity—not only to celebrate these students' achievements, but to inspire even more youth to engage in preserving Kohala’s stories.

The Kohala Oral History Project is currently seeking support to help cover travel expenses for the three students and a chaperone. Contributions will also help grow the program and provide access to future opportunities for young storytellers.

Ways to support include:

• Cash donations for travel and lodging

• Airline miles for interisland flights

• Lodging in Honolulu for the festival dates

To make a tax-deductible donation or learn more, visit:👉 Support the Kohala Oral History Project

Mahalo for supporting our young filmmakers and the voices of Kohala.