Creative Media, Filmmaking Opportunities for Molokai Youth

Contributed Photo

Hōkūlani CTOM News Release

A dynamic new partnership has launched on Molokai, uniting Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM), Akakū Media, and the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s Academy for Creative Media to bring cutting-edge media education and career training to island youth.
With funding from the Stupski Foundation, the collaboration kicked off with a three-day Creative Media Camp, July 30-Aug. 1, hosted at the Molokai Education Center. Students participated in hands-on production workshops, creative storytelling sessions, and direct mentorship from film professionals and educators from across the state.
Working alongside Kelley Dudoit, Coordinator of the Molokai Education Center, this camp introduced pathways for local students to begin working toward an associate degree in Creative Media while still in high school — a first for Molokai.
Brian Kohne, Maui County’s film commissioner and director of UHMC’s Academy for Creative Media, spearheaded the camp’s curriculum with Adi Ell-Ad, UHMC digital arts instructor. Their vision is clear: to equip students not only with technical skills but with the confidence to see themselves as creators, storytellers, and professionals in the film and media industry.
The theme of the camp, “ʻIke i ka Moʻolelo: Empowering Youth to Tell Their Story,” served as both a mission and a call to action. National Geographic photographer and keynote speaker Dewitt Jones helped students reframe how they see the world—and themselves—through a positive lens. Alex Krimm, a professional stuntman, brought behind-the-scenes insight into the realities of a film career, further broadening students’ horizons.
“This partnership is transformational,” CTOM Founder Vicki Boswell said. “Hōkūlani CTOM is far more than a children’s theatre—we are a community builder. With this support, we can now bring in outside educators, offer paid internships, and connect students to college pathways and professional opportunities in the arts and media.”
Daniel Emhof of Akakū Media will continue working with students on post-camp video editing and content development, ensuring that youth work can be shared with the community and beyond. CTOM, recently produced its first mini film, “Flight of the Mothman,” back in May under Emhof’s professional guidance.
Enrollment is now open for fall semester Creative Media classes at the Molokai Education Center for students ages 15-18. For information or to register, please contact Jorah Var at the Molokai Education Center or email hokulanictom@gmail.com.