In the wake of loss, Hisako Film Lab became a place where young voices could rise, through storytelling, connection, and creative healing.
This summer, students from across Maui came together to write, direct, and premiere short films about the issues that mattered most to them… from identity and confidence, to relationships and teamwork, to lighthearted comedy that brought much-needed laughter.
Then earlier this month, those stories lit up the big screen at the Hisako Film Lab Summer Premiere!
Thanks to the vision of co-directors Joy Cretton and Brad Kester, and the support of a tight-knit community, the event became more than just a screening. Students walked a red carpet… They got their hair and makeup done (thanks to volunteer stylists, including one who flew in from LA to be with the students!)… They took photos and heard applause. For many, it was the first time they saw their creative work celebrated in such a public, powerful way.
With support from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, Hisako Film Lab was able to cover meaningful touches like red carpet needs, photography, gift bags and posters, flowers, and decor to make the space feel celebratory and unforgettable. These details helped turn the premiere into a night the students, their families, and the wider community will never forget.
And while the films themselves were powerful, the ripple effect was even more striking. One particularly shy student, who had been nervous for weeks about showing their film, ended up opening the event. As soon as their film began, the audience erupted in laughter and applause. Later, they shared, “I didn’t think anyone would get it… but they did. And they actually liked it.” You could feel the confidence shift in real time.
Another parent, reflecting on what the program meant for their son, wrote, “For my son, who suffered from anxiety and depression but absolutely loves everything movie-related, this experience has been life-changing. Joy and Brad are truly amazing and have been such a blessing in my son’s life. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and the effects it has had on my son.”
And one returning student not only created all original music for his film, but also kicked off the evening with his band as the opening act! An impressive testament to student creativity.
As Joy shared, many of the students had been directly or indirectly affected by the devastating Lahaina fires in 2023. The filmmaking process offered a safe outlet. Not only for learning creative skills, but for building resilience, making connections, and reflecting on what matters most. For some students, it was the first time they felt truly heard.
The premiere itself also brought together families, teachers, and neighbors from across Maui. Community members filled the theater, brought handmade lei, shared food, and asked where they could watch the films again. In a time when so many are still healing, this gathering felt restorative. A reminder that art matters. Youth voice matters. And kindness often starts by simply making space for both.
Hisako Film Lab beautifully embodies the purpose of the Kindness Grant. It intersects with four of our core focus areas:
- Amplifying Voices of Youth by trusting students to tell their own stories
- Fostering Mental Health Resiliency through connection, expression, and self-belief
- Building Thriving Communities by gathering people to witness and celebrate youth creativity
- Lens of Hope Films by capturing untold stories and transforming pain into purpose
We’re honored to support Hisako Film Lab and can’t wait to see where these students, and their stories, go next.
➡️ Want to see more behind the scenes? Follow along at @hisakofilmlab
Photo Courtesy of Hisako Film Lab