CTOM Mixes It Up

Youth in Hōkūlani CTOM’s Cartoon and Animation camp explored a variety of media to create art. Photo By Dayanti Karunaratne

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

From shooting a music video to creating storyboards and learning hula, this summer the Hōkūlani Childrenʻs Theater of Molokai set out to explore new terrain with their programs. 

“Our goal this summer was to offer diverse, hands-on experiences to connect youth and families through art, music, culture and collaboration,” said CTOM President Vicki Boswell. “We want to celebrate the creativity and traditions of Molokai.”

Hōkūlani CTOM is a nonprofit organization for youth. Itʻs mission is to “enrich the lives of Molokai youth through performing arts, creative media, cultural enrichment and educational opportunities.” 

In early June, CTOM worked with Akaku Media and local band Da Jukes to produce a music video. Youth 12 to 18 brainstormed concepts, created storyboards, made props and acted out scenes to create a narrative around the Post Malone song “Better Now”.  Shot at Kaunakakai School to a Da Jukes cover of the song, the project brought together live music and film in a way that boosted pride in local talent.

This drawing is by Luke DiMaggio. Photos by Dayanti Karunaratne

The group also brought back professional caricature artist Jake Bright for the second year in a row to teach a cartoon and animation workshop at the Molokai Education Center. Over three days, the students received over 12 hours of art instruction.

For CTOM intern Kawena Joao, creating storyboards was a highlight of the drawing camp. “After everyone did their own storyboard, we got a chance to collaborate with someone else. And we got to put it all on paper.”

First-time CTOM participant Luke DiMaggio said he spends time on his own drawing, but it was fun working with other people. 

Next up for CTOM is the Ka ʻUmeki ʻAi, a family camp focused around food and culture done in partnership with Kanu o ka ʻĀina Public Charter Schoolʻs blended learning program, Ka ʻOhā. Kilia Purdy-Avelino is spearheading the cultural teachings of the camp, which will take place July 13 – 17 at various locations.

CTOM Artistic Director Wailana Purdy-Avelino said this camp will share ʻŌlelos about food, and share cultural traditions around food. Hula and songwriting are also on the agenda. She said participants will travel to two farms in order to hear and see things first hand.

Her team is also bringing in actor and playwright Moses Goods, who played Moku in Chief of War and works with Honolulu Theater for Youth.

“We want it to be full circle learning: for people to get their hands in the ground, hopefully plant something, gather food,” Purdy-Avelino said. “At the end, we hope to have a luau. The idea is that they will learn all these things, and at the end they can enjoy food with their family.”