Aloha Terminal • The Destination for Creativity, Culture & Community

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The Take Off Debut Flight • May 2nd 2026

A premier 7 day short film competition curated by Aloha Terminal

Pepito's Tropical Grill for Aloha Terminal

Aloha Terminal is a Hawaiʻi-rooted cultural company dedicated to building the next generation of stories, creators, and experiences.

Through film, media, music, fashion, food, collectibles, and live events, we develop original intellectual property and create opportunities for ideas, talent, and communities to grow together.

Our mission is simple: create meaningful work, champion authentic voices, and leave every community stronger than we found it.

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FEATURED EVENT: THE TAKE OFF

May 2, 2026 • Honolulu, Hawaiʻi Recap

What started as a seven-day filmmaking challenge culminated in an incredible evening celebrating creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. Filmmakers from across Hawaiʻi took on the challenge of writing, shooting, and editing original short films in just one week before premiering their work before a live audience of over seven hundred people!

Browse the gallery below for highlights from the event, the filmmakers, the screenings, and the community that made The Take Off possible.

Next Flight Coming Soon. ✈️

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BY THE NUMBERS

One Deadline
30+ Filmmaking Teams
800+ Attendees
7-Day Film Challenge
Public Screening & Awards Event
Open to First-Time and Professional Filmmakers
Community-Focused. Creator-Driven.
Presented by Aloha Terminal

A man speaking into a microphone at an indoor event, wearing a lei made of green leaves and beads, raising his hand, with a blue background featuring large yellow text.

A young man and woman sitting at a table, smiling at the camera, at an outdoor event during night time. The man is holding a drink with lime, and the woman has a similar drink.

Outdoor event in front of a large industrial building, people gathered, food trucks and cars present, clear blue sky with clouds.

Group of people smiling and posing together at a colorful art-themed event. Four individuals are clearly visible in the foreground, with more people in the background. The setting has pink lighting, and the wall behind features abstract art paintings

A large crowd gathered inside a spacious indoor venue with a high, arched wooden ceiling. There is a large screen at the front displaying promotional text for an event called 'The Take Off Premiere Night Sat. May 2,' with an ocean and mountain landsc

A group of people attending an indoor event, some dressed in casual and tropical-inspired attire, with two men in the foreground wearing leis and smiling at the camera, seated at a table with menus and drinks, surrounded by a large crowd of attendees

Large indoor auditorium filled with a seated audience, people standing and walking around, stage with a large screen displaying an event titled 'The Take Off Premier Night Sat. May 2', with presenters on stage and stage lighting.

Indoor event with a large crowd seated and standing, pink and purple lighting, a mix of chairs and standing space, a staircase on the right, and a decorated interior with murals and signage.

Group of children sitting on the floor, engaging in activities with books and art supplies in a room with a large TV screen displaying the word 'Parley' and a dark, industrial-style interior.

Group of people at a social event, four individuals in the front sitting at a table, smiling and holding drinks, with many others in the background under colorful lighting.

A group of people at a social event, with two women in the foreground smiling and making a peace sign. One woman is wearing a white dress, and the man next to her is wearing a blue patterned shirt and a cap. Other individuals are visible in the backg

People socializing and enjoying a lively party or event in a large, decorated indoor space with colorful lighting, buffet tables, and a big screen.

A large indoor event with many people sitting and standing, illuminated by pink and purple lighting. A woman in the foreground is holding a movie poster for 'The Switch.' People are enjoying the event, some with drinks, and there is a DJ setup visibl

A black-and-white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair, shown on a large screen in a dark room with an audience in the foreground.

A man with dark hair, a beard, and tattoos on his arm is speaking into a microphone on stage, gesturing with his left hand, against a teal background.

People gather outside a large warehouse building, with cars parked in front and some food trucks visible. The building has blue and beige panels, and the sky is clear with a few palm trees in the background.

Group of people celebrating, holding signs that say 'Hai Ya!' and 'This is how we roll,' wearing leis and smiling.

A group of people on a stage, celebrating an award or prize, with a large screen in the background displaying text about a premiere night event on May 2nd at the Aloha Terminal.

A male DJ wearing glasses, a black cap with writing, and a plaid shirt performing with a DJ mixer at an event. The background features a black metal fence and greenery with yellow lighting.

A young man and woman holding signs; the woman's sign reads 'Crazy Rich Asians', and the woman's sign reads 'No more rice, no more guilt.' They are standing indoors with a dark background and some colorful objects or clothes hanging.

Group of people at an indoor event, seated and standing, with a bright green lighting background. Three men are in the foreground, one wearing glasses and a black shirt, another in a navy shirt with glasses, and the third in a white shirt with a cap,

People sitting in a room with a large screen displaying the word 'Parley' and a whale graphic, with a table, water bottles, and various items, creating a casual, social atmosphere.

Large indoor event with many people seated in rows, facing a stage or screen, in a dimly lit space with dark ceiling and walls, some decorations, and a few standing individuals near the stage.

A group of five young adults standing on stage holding oversized ceremonial checks. Behind them is a large screen with yellow text reading 'THE TAKE OFF PREMIER NIGHT SAT. MAY 2' and a background of a body of water. One person is speaking into a micr

Two men are having a conversation indoors with a crowd in the background. The man on the left is wearing a white cap and a colorful button-up shirt, while the man on the right is wearing a black cap backward and a black t-shirt with a colorful graphi

Group of people on stage celebrating with confetti and large checks, against a backdrop displaying the event name 'The Take Off Premier Night Sat May 2'

A man with curly hair wearing a white shirt with blue floral patterns, playing a cello and singing into a microphone on stage with a blue background.

Group of people on stage holding oversized checks, celebrating an event on May 2, 2026, with a large screen in the background displaying event details. The stage is decorated with flowers and confetti.

Group of young women smiling and taking photos, some making peace signs, seated in white chairs arranged in rows, illuminated by purple lighting at an indoor event.

Group of four people smiling and taking a selfie at a crowded indoor event with green and yellow lighting.

An audience seated in rows of folding chairs at an indoor event, illuminated by green lighting.

Crowd of people attending an event with colorful lighting, some holding drinks, sitting and standing, in a large indoor space with a high ceiling and decorated interior.

A group of people at a lively outdoor event or concert, with two women in the foreground sitting on wooden chairs. One woman has long brown hair, wearing a black top, and the other woman has long hair, face tattoos, and wears glasses. The background

A young girl with brown hair sitting on a carpeted floor, smiling and making peace signs with both hands next to a brown Labrador retriever puppy. Behind her, two people are sitting on a floral-patterned sofa, smiling and engaging with each other. Th

Three people sitting in front of a colorful fabric curtain with birds, flowers, and trees, smiling at the camera.

Group of people at a nighttime party or event, sitting and socializing on a bed or lounge area with a dark background and colorful lighting, including a woman making a hand gesture towards the camera.

People on stage in a theater, viewed on a large screen. Three individuals are visible: one man with tattoos and a black hat, another man in a white firefighter uniform, and a woman in a dark shirt with a firefighter badge, all engaged in conversation

Stage with a large screen displaying event information about a premiere night on May 2nd. Two people are on stage, one seated and speaking into a microphone, the other standing and looking at their phone.

A woman and man standing together at a social event, holding speech bubble signs with humorous phrases. The woman has sunglasses on her head and is wearing a striped blazer, smiling with a slightly puckered mouth. The man, wearing a white shirt, is a

A woman in a white dress standing next to a blue sports car at an outdoor event with a crowd of people and a city skyline in the background.

Person kneeling on a tarp painting a large abstract mural with blue and white shapes on a wall in an indoor space.

Group of people on stage at an event, holding a large check and a microphone with a sailor hat. A big screen in the background displays an announcement about a premiere night on May 2.

Three people sitting on a floral-patterned couch, showing excitement, with colorful artwork on the wall behind them and drinks on a table in front.

A large indoor event with many people seated and standing, watching a stage. The stage has a large screen displaying an advertisement for a premiere event on Saturday, May 2, titled "The Take Off," with a background image of an ocean and a cloudy sky

A large indoor event space with a high curved ceiling and colorful lighting, filled with a seated and standing crowd watching a presentation on a large screen at the front. The screen displays the text, "THE TAKE OFF PREMIER NIGHT SAT." with addition

A pink food truck with the words "Sweet Revenge" and a tagline about happiness, chicken pot pie, quiche, and pies. A woman in a pink shirt is leaning on the counter, looking to the side. The truck is parked in front of a building with metal siding.

A group of people standing in line outside a building with city skyscrapers in the background. Some are holding Red Bull energy drink cans or carrying cans on their backs.

Two people posing for a photo inside a photo booth area with a dark curtain backdrop. The man is wearing a straw hat, sunglasses, and a floral shirt, while the woman is dressed in a beige top and black shorts. There is professional lighting equipment

An indoor event space filled with a large crowd of people, some seated and some standing, with a DJ on a platform with green lighting and tropical decorations on the wall. There are chairs arranged in rows and a mezzanine level.

A man and a woman sitting together at an event with colorful lighting in the background. The man has a beard, gray hair, and is wearing a gray blazer, while the woman has gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a sleeveless black top with patterned shorts

A group of people on stage holding large checks and celebrating at an event. Behind them is a large screen displaying the text 'The Take Off Premier Night Sat. May 2'.

Large screen displaying a cityscape with tall buildings, a beach, palm trees, and ocean view, with the text 'The Switch Up' in orange letters.

Crowd gathered inside a large, dark-colored hall with a high, arched wooden ceiling for a presentation. A large screen displays information about a premiere event on May 2, titled "The Take Off" at the Aloha Terminal. People are seated and standing,

A large audience watching a movie or presentation inside a dark theater. The screen displays a black and white scene of a woman with long hair, bending down in a natural outdoor setting.

A gathering of people outside a large industrial building with cars and vintage cars parked nearby, including a pink vehicle and a classic white convertible. People are socializing and walking around on a sunny day with a clear blue sky and palm tree

Recap photos from The Take Off premiere night on May 2, 2026, at Kakaʻako Waterfront Studios in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Over 800 attendees gathered to celebrate original short films created during Aloha Terminal's 7-day filmmaking challenge.

Recap photos from The Take Off premiere night on May 2, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Over 800 attendees gathered to celebrate original short films created during Aloha Terminal's 7-day filmmaking challenge. Host Fairai Richmond

Meet the Judges

Mark L. Smith

WRITER

An Academy Award–nominated screenwriter best known for co-writing The Revenant, Mark L. Smith is recognized for crafting immersive, character-driven stories that explore the extremes of human endurance and the natural world. His work on The Revenant, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, earned global acclaim and multiple Academy Awards, solidifying its place as one of the most powerful survival films in modern cinema. Smith’s storytelling is defined by its visceral realism, emotional depth, and ability to translate raw environments into cinematic experiences. His credits span major studio films and global streaming platforms, where he continues to develop bold, large-scale narratives. As a judge for The Take Off by Aloha Terminal, Smith brings a world-class perspective on story, craft, and cinematic impact, helping to spotlight the next generation of filmmakers shaping the future of visual storytelling.
Torry Tukuafu

FOUNDER OF SHOWDOWN IN CHINATOWN

Torry Tukuafu is a filmmaker and creative force whose impact has helped shape Hawaiʻi’s modern film culture. Born and raised in Utah, he moved to Honolulu on a volleyball scholarship to the University of Hawaiʻi, where discipline in sport translated into a relentless work ethic behind the camera.
He began his career in the film industry on The Rundown, later contributing to the globally acclaimed series Lost, where he steadily climbed the ranks and developed a deep, hands-on understanding of production.
Alongside his industry work, Torry founded the now-legendary Showdown in Chinatown - a grassroots film competition that became a launchpad for emerging local filmmakers and a cornerstone of Honolulu’s creative community.
Now retired from active production, Torry focuses on family and service, working as a CFO for a nonprofit while continuing to influence the next generation through the legacy he’s built.
Brandon Uegama

CIMEMATOGRAPHER

Brandon Uegama is a cinematographer known for crafting visually compelling, story-driven work across narrative and commercial projects. As Director of Photography on Untamed, he brings a strong visual language that elevates story through composition, lighting, and tone. His work is defined by a cinematic approach that balances technical precision with emotional impact, helping translate ideas into immersive on-screen experiences.
With a background spanning film and production, Uegama has developed a reputation for collaboration and a sharp eye for visual storytelling - shaping the look and feel of projects from concept through final frame. As a judge for The Take Off by Aloha Terminal, he brings an expert perspective on cinematography, production value, and how to execute bold ideas under pressure - helping spotlight filmmakers who understand the power of visual storytelling.
Aaron Kai

ARTISTS

Hailing from the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, Aaron Kai’s artistic voice is rooted in Hilo-Hāmākua surf culture and shaped by a deep connection to Hawaiian tradition and ancestral history. Now based in Los Angeles, he has built an internationally recognized practice that bridges fine art, street culture, and global brand storytelling. Known for his signature “wavy” motif a contemporary reinterpretation inspired by Hokusai’s Great Wave Kai’s vibrant visual language merges surf, nature, millennial iconography, and community into bold, emotionally resonant compositions. His murals and exhibitions have appeared in major cities worldwide including San Francisco, Paris, and Hong Kong. Kai has collaborated with global brands including Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Taco Bell, and the NBA, and was a featured artist for the 2026 NBA All-Star Art Garden, creating a 3D wave sculpture celebrating basketball and sneaker culture. He is also the founder of the streetwear brand Lemon®, with highly sought-after capsule collections including collaborations with The Hundreds. Aaron brings expertise in visual identity, cultural symbolism, and cross-platform creative impact at an international scale.
Daniel Percival

DIRECTOR & WRITER
Daniel Percival is a BAFTA-winning British director and writer renowned for crafting cinematic, character-driven stories across some of television’s most acclaimed series. His directing credits include Untamed, The Man in the High Castle, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Strike Back, and Tin Star, earning recognition for his ability to blend emotional depth, striking visuals, and compelling world-building.
With a career spanning international productions and multiple genres, Percival has developed a reputation for elevating ambitious stories through powerful performances and immersive storytelling. His work consistently balances cinematic scale with intimate human moments, creating experiences that resonate with audiences around the world.
As a judge for The Take Off by Aloha Terminal, Daniel brings a wealth of expertise in directing, screen storytelling, and creative leadership, offering filmmakers valuable insight into what it takes to develop impactful stories for global audiences.