Where do you belong when you are pulled between different identities, expectations, or cultures? That question has shaped my life and is the heart of my senior thesis film.

Hi, I'm Kalani, a senior film major at Pratt Institute. I'm creating a film about this quiet, complicated space so many of us live in. Part of my own story is being Japanese, Puerto Rican, and Hawaiian, and learning how beautiful and confusing it can be to carry pieces of many worlds at once. But this film is not only about being multiracial. It is about the universal experience of searching for your place, feeling caught between worlds, and wanting to belong.

My last film, Undercurrents (click title to watch), premiered as a finalist at the Women in Film and Television Film Festival in Atlanta. That moment showed me that honest stories matter and inspired me to take a bigger, braver step with this next film.

To make this film, I need community support. Student films are funded entirely by people who believe in storytelling that can make a difference. Your contribution directly covers equipment, locations, set design, lighting, sound, editing, music, film festival submission fees, and so much more. Every part of this film depends on people who want to help bring meaningful stories into the world. As a thank you, supporters may choose to have their names listed in the film credits or remain anonymous if preferred.

I cannot make this without you. If this story speaks to you or reminds you of someone who has ever felt misunderstood, unseen, or not enough, I would be incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for believing in emerging filmmakers and for helping me bring this story, our story, to life.

With gratitude,

Kalani