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Summer with the Smithsonian: 'Ōpio from Kīpuka Hilo Learn the Art of Filmmaking

This past summer, Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution for a unique program that blended traditional moʻolelo with modern filmmaking. The participants, who were middle and high school students and members of LT’s Kīpuka Hilo, honed their storytelling and tech skills in just 14 days.

It was part of a larger initiative at LT called “The Butterfly Effect,” which encourages youth to venture beyond their comfort zones to explore new interests.

The ʻōpio spent the two weeks learning from a trio of mentors — Warner Brothers Filmmaker Conrad “Ikaika” Lihilihi, filmmaker Jomar Miranda, and Smithsonian Pacific curator Kālewa Correa — who led them through video production basics, narrative structure, and advanced editing techniques.

Camera functions and composition were taught to the ʻōpio, and by the end of camp, they were comfortable behind the lens, capturing raw footage, and mastering DaVinci Resolve, a professional-grade editing software. They also learned the fundamentals of prop preparation, actor casting, and location scouting.

A participant, Kiana, shared that she particularly enjoyed the writing process because she got to insert "little inside jokes" with her team while brainstorming ideas.

She and her peers were excited to work with industry-standard equipment, including a Sony A7iii camera and Rode shotgun mic, to enhance their skills and familiarize themselves with cutting-edge technologies.

The ʻōpio were not confined to Kīpuka Hilo. One day, they worked offsite, capturing footage at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area, a 132-acre sanctuary known for its natural elements and rich cultural history of Hawaiʻi Island.  

As the two-week camp came to an end, the ʻōpio organized a hōʻike (special event) at Kīpuka Hilo, where their ʻohana were treated to dinner and a program. Each student presented a short film, reflecting their unique voices and perspectives.

One project, “LTPD,” was a four-part series by a participant, Kama, who created the storylines inspired by his job as a security officer. Kama hopes to study filmmaking at the Academy of Creative Media at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa—and recently launched his own YouTube channel, Unkokamamedia.

Another participant, Deilan, said he appreciated learning new techniques for editing and film-making processes. “I really loved being on set, because it allowed me to feel like a filmmaker, like I made a movie,” Delain said.

This partnership between LT and the Smithsonian Institute was a testament to the powers of creativity and technology. It also allowed the ʻōpio to delve into Hawaiʻi Island’s history and culture. As the ʻōpio continue to improve their filmmaking skills, their voices will resonate through their moʻolelo and experiences.

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