Josiah Castillo is a filmmaker born and raised on the island of Maui. He is currently a fourth-year BA candidate (Digital Cinema) at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where he strives to acquire a broad perspective of the cinematic language. He has worked on six feature films and one television show in technical roles such as first/second AC, digital imaging technician, and camera operator. Through his lens, Josiah aspires to create motion pictures that will enlighten outside perspectives on the rich culture of Hawaii. Josiah serves as the Writer, Director, Director of Photography and Editor of “ka pō lōʻihi”.

"ka pō lōʻihi" is a 5-minute experimental short film about Kekai, a native Hawaiian born into a broken family where violence, drug abuse, and corruption rob him of his innocence. When his single mother passes away, Kekai is left to his own devices and struggles to break free of the generational curse of systemic drug abuse and incarceration. Kekai, a defeated and will-stricken adult, is forced to face his childhood trauma alone in his cell...

Will Kekai’s ignorance prevent his journey through the vast darkness to Ho’oponopono?

This film will put forward the narrative of reconciliation through cultural practices–pule, oli, hi’uwai, and hoʻoponono–instilled by Kekai’s mother. This film will also offer alternatives to movies based entirely on non-Indigenous traditions.