Mission Statement

This project explores Hawai’i’s unaffordable housing crisis and the rise of houselessness through the lives of the residents of Pu’uhonua O Waiaanae, an unhoused village on O’ahu’s west side. While poverty within paradise has always existed, representation of the island’s unhoused community has been limited, misportrayed, or sensationalized. Public perception of houselessness is often reduced to statistics. These numbers simplify complex lives. Through this fifteen minute cinéma vérité documentary, we aim to replace false narratives and assumptions surrounding the unhoused by capturing individual day-to-day experiences and the dynamics of the village.

To learn more about Pu’uhonua O Waianae and their mission, check out their website linked here.

Logline:

Nestled in the westside of O’ahu, residents of a houseless village, Pu’uhonua O Waianae, confront the realities of displacement while finding refuge in their unique community as they navigate how to honor their late leader, Twinkle Borge.

Directors Statement:

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, I envision my senior thesis as a homecoming film. It is a project that encapsulates the heritage and diverse communities that have fundamentally shaped who I am; a film that aims to capture the distinct visual language only found in the Kingdom of Hawai’i, a place that continues to shape my perception of beauty.

Hawai’i is a melting pot of stories and lives that are underrepresented and remain untold. While I have always been aware of Pu’uhonua O Waianae, after spending extensive time watching different Youtube videos, reading a variety of different journalism articles, and watching Kimi Lee Howl’s short film "Kamaʻāina", my awareness of the village grew from fascination to deep admiration. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of spending time with the community and some of the individuals who make up Pu’uhonua O Waianae. Our time together made it clear that there are so many compelling stories, and lives, to capture through the medium of non-fiction storytelling.

To me, this film is so much bigger than just a thesis project. It is my small way of re-connecting with Hawai’i by collaborating with the community’s voices.

Filmmaker Biography:

Josiah Mendoza

I am so excited to share my senior thesis film with you. Currently I am in my final year at Chapman University finishing my studies in Documentary Filmmaking with a minor in Visual Journalism and so excited to have the opportunity to have the chance to make a film on home turf.

I am interested in telling stories that lean into the seemingly mundane to tell a bigger story; how the day to day actions of our lives can reveal deeper truths about the human condition and life’s challenges. My short doc DEAR MAE premiered earlier this year at Hawai’i International Film Festival.

Tess Price

Originally from Maplewood, NJ, I am a senior at Chapman University studying Creative Producing for Film + Media Arts with a minor in Documentary. I’m thrilled to be working on this film for my thesis, as I’m passionate about producing unscripted content that is impactful, character-driven, and authentically portrayed. As I’ve begun to learn about this community, the lasting impact of Aunty Twinkle has really stood out to me. I’m eager to learn more about Pu’uhonua O Wai’anae and collaborate with Alex, Josiah, and community leaders to create a film together.

Alex Attallah

Hi, I’m Alex! I’m a senior cinematography major at Chapman University. I spent most of my childhood in Shanghai, China, before moving to a small town in Ohio. I’m extremely passionate about storytelling and have been through the different stages of moving around throughout my life. I’m eager to continue shooting all mediums of filmmaking, and have really enjoyed shooting documentaries! I’m excited to be a part of this incredible project.

Thank you for contributing to our film. Any amount is deeply appreciated and will go a long way in bringing this project into fruition. Mahalo Nui Loa!