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Women of Wonders Film Fest 2025
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Each year, the Women of Wonders Film Fest highlights and celebrates the lives and accomplishments of women around the world, and here in Hawai‘i. The film fest presents a selection of films directed by women, about women, for everybody. Each season, the festival highlights woman/girls-driven stories and the contributions of independent woman directors, producers, writers, actresses, cinematographers, and editors to the language of cinema. At the Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
SHORTS PROGRAM #1 LINE-UP
Shorts Program #1 starts at 5:30 PM
Ella by Keira Kondo
An endearing twist on the story of Cinderella, featuring American Sign Language utilized by hearing and Deaf/CODA actors.
Keira Konda '25 is a student at Mid-Pacific School of the Arts in Honolulu, Hawai'i. She uses a wheelchair and advocates for all people with disabilities.
Keira Konda '25 is a student at Mid-Pacific School of the Arts in Honolulu, Hawai'i. She uses a wheelchair and advocates for all people with disabilities.
James by Anne Marie Di Martino
"James" is a heartfelt autobiographical short film narrated by Anne Di Martino, who takes the audience on an emotional journey into her family's life. Anne recounts a moment from her childhood when her mother shared the story of discovering that Anne's younger brother, James, had Down's Syndrome. The film captures Anne's personal experience of growing up with a special needs sibling. She reflects on the challenges and joys that come with this journey, all while emphasizing the resilience and happiness that James brings to their lives.
Anne Di Martino was born and raised in Ewa Beach. With a passion for visual storytelling she is currently pursuing her degree in Animation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Anne Di Martino was born and raised in Ewa Beach. With a passion for visual storytelling she is currently pursuing her degree in Animation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
We Drink Water From The Same River by Sofia Melikova
"We Drink Water From The Same River" is based on the director's personal story being an Indigenous Female artist from a traditional patriarchial community, where this profession is a nonsense.
Sofia Melikova is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and human rights activist based in St. Petersburg. Sofia was born in St. Petersburg (former Leningrad, USSR) on 16 August, 1988 in an ethnic Azerbaijanian Tsakhur family.
Sofia’s main fields of interest include: indigenous peoples, minorities, women empowerment, environmental issues, ancient rituals, disappearing cultures and languages. Sofia applies photography, video art, voice, including traditional ethnic chants, dance and other performative practices in her art and documentary works.
Sofia Melikova is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and human rights activist based in St. Petersburg. Sofia was born in St. Petersburg (former Leningrad, USSR) on 16 August, 1988 in an ethnic Azerbaijanian Tsakhur family.
Sofia’s main fields of interest include: indigenous peoples, minorities, women empowerment, environmental issues, ancient rituals, disappearing cultures and languages. Sofia applies photography, video art, voice, including traditional ethnic chants, dance and other performative practices in her art and documentary works.
Switcheroo by Kacey Morrow
Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder who you are?
Kacey Morrow is a Professor at Western Washington University, teaching in the Department of Design with a focus on motion graphics, digital video, web and interaction design. Her award-winning experimental videos have appeared in numerous film festivals and exhibitions nation-wide including the highly-acclaimed Seattle International Film Festival and Atlanta Film Festival. She co-wrote the third and fourth editions of the textbook, "Producing for TV and Emergng Media," and illustrated the book, "Kathleen Turner on Acting: Conversations about Film, Television, and Theater." Celebrating the intersection of design and film throughout her work, she founded the former Bellingham Music Film Festival, chairs MODE Fest during the Motion Design Education Summit and frequently does design work for a local non-profit movie theater, Pickford Film Center. Kacey also stays involved in discussions about design and digital media by attending and presenting at conferences and workshops internationally.
Kacey Morrow is a Professor at Western Washington University, teaching in the Department of Design with a focus on motion graphics, digital video, web and interaction design. Her award-winning experimental videos have appeared in numerous film festivals and exhibitions nation-wide including the highly-acclaimed Seattle International Film Festival and Atlanta Film Festival. She co-wrote the third and fourth editions of the textbook, "Producing for TV and Emergng Media," and illustrated the book, "Kathleen Turner on Acting: Conversations about Film, Television, and Theater." Celebrating the intersection of design and film throughout her work, she founded the former Bellingham Music Film Festival, chairs MODE Fest during the Motion Design Education Summit and frequently does design work for a local non-profit movie theater, Pickford Film Center. Kacey also stays involved in discussions about design and digital media by attending and presenting at conferences and workshops internationally.
Fair by Taylor Gruver
Based on the TRUE STORY of one woman’s fateful day as a hired party princess at the mansion of her high school nemesis: Sarah has returned home to Hawai'i and finds herself confronted with an imperative question: What if life hasn't turned out so "happily ever after" after all? FAIR is a 10-minute film that questions societal expectations internalized by women and asserts that a real-life “Fairy Tale Ending” might not be what you expect.
Taylor Gruver is a freelance filmmaker with experience in multiple areas of filmmaking including sound design, editing, writing, directing, and producing. After serving in the United States Coast Guard from 2009 to 2016, Taylor attended film school at City College of San Francisco. She received an Associates in Cinema Production and began working as a sound effects editor and assistant editor in the Bay Area. Her directorial debut short film Highway 1 won multiple awards in festivals across the country. Taylor currently lives on Oahu and works across all aspects of production and post-production for commercials, television and features.
Taylor Gruver is a freelance filmmaker with experience in multiple areas of filmmaking including sound design, editing, writing, directing, and producing. After serving in the United States Coast Guard from 2009 to 2016, Taylor attended film school at City College of San Francisco. She received an Associates in Cinema Production and began working as a sound effects editor and assistant editor in the Bay Area. Her directorial debut short film Highway 1 won multiple awards in festivals across the country. Taylor currently lives on Oahu and works across all aspects of production and post-production for commercials, television and features.
I Will Cherish Your Love As A Beautiful Adornment (w/captions) E lei nō au i ko aloha by Andrea Long
The 95th Lei Queen, Tehina Kaʻena Kahikina talks about her experience competing for Lei Queen and educates us about the different types of lei and the importance of respecting the land. She believes in being sustainable and using the plants that you have accessibility to as well as trying to native plants, and that once you're finished with a lei it should be returned back to the land.
Andrea Long is a student at Leeward Community College pursuing a degree in Digital Media Digital Video. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people and discovering new places. She believes that every place and everyone has a story to tell. She enjoys learning the history of places and getting to know people. She especially loves creating documentaries that educate people about places or new experiences. She hopes that by sharing these stories people will learn something new and be curious to visit these places for themselves firsthand.
Andrea Long is a student at Leeward Community College pursuing a degree in Digital Media Digital Video. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people and discovering new places. She believes that every place and everyone has a story to tell. She enjoys learning the history of places and getting to know people. She especially loves creating documentaries that educate people about places or new experiences. She hopes that by sharing these stories people will learn something new and be curious to visit these places for themselves firsthand.
Sock's Manifesto by Angeliki Pardalidou
Socks go in pairs.They cannot exist on their own, only as a pair! Why?
I am in favor of the self-existence of socks!
Angeliki Pardalidou was born and raised in the beautiful city of Kavala, Greece. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. She has also studied at a drama school and has attended numerous seminars on acting, writing, and directing. She has been a professional actress since 2007, with participations in theater, film and television productions. She has been nominated twice for an acting award: Shopping and Fucking (2014), The Little Flower (2018). She has received a State Commendation for writing the theatrical play “Amfivallo” (I doubt it) and two of her texts have been awarded and presented in a writing competition organized by the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. In recent years, she has also been involved in directing. Ηer first film “Flik Flok” has been screened in many film festivals around the world and has won over 10 awards.
I am in favor of the self-existence of socks!
Angeliki Pardalidou was born and raised in the beautiful city of Kavala, Greece. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. She has also studied at a drama school and has attended numerous seminars on acting, writing, and directing. She has been a professional actress since 2007, with participations in theater, film and television productions. She has been nominated twice for an acting award: Shopping and Fucking (2014), The Little Flower (2018). She has received a State Commendation for writing the theatrical play “Amfivallo” (I doubt it) and two of her texts have been awarded and presented in a writing competition organized by the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. In recent years, she has also been involved in directing. Ηer first film “Flik Flok” has been screened in many film festivals around the world and has won over 10 awards.
The Inherited by Jennifer Varenchik
A grieving young woman returns to her childhood home to settle her parents' affairs, only to encounter her long-forgotten imaginary friend lurking in the shadows.
Jennifer Varenchik (she/her) is a writer, director, and producer who started as an actress. Jennifer moved to Los Angeles from the San Francisco Bay Area (Danville, CA) to study acting at The Groundlings and The Stella Adler Academy of Acting.
Jennifer has completed 10 short films to date, two of which have been nominated for awards (“Crossers” (2019) Best Scare, Independent Horror Movie Awards, “In Our Own Hands” (2021) Best Live Short, 46th Annual American Indian Film Festival). Her shorts have screened at several Indigenous film festivals, as well as in Canada (Sâkêwêwak Storytellers Film Festival, Dreamspeakers Film Festival) and at mainstream festivals (Indie Short Fest Los Angeles, Copa Shorts, AZ, Mindfield Film Festival, NM).
Jennifer moved to O’ahu in 2019 and attended Creative Lab Hawaii’s Indigenous Storytellers Lab. She went on to win Hawaii Filmmaker Collective’s (HFC) January 2021 Pitch Contest. With the support of HFC, Jennifer was able to complete her proof of concept short “In Our Own Hands. Her goal is to make her feature script by the same name.
Jennifer is working to normalize seeing Indigenous faces in film, and on TV, within her lifetime. She is a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona.
Jennifer Varenchik (she/her) is a writer, director, and producer who started as an actress. Jennifer moved to Los Angeles from the San Francisco Bay Area (Danville, CA) to study acting at The Groundlings and The Stella Adler Academy of Acting.
Jennifer has completed 10 short films to date, two of which have been nominated for awards (“Crossers” (2019) Best Scare, Independent Horror Movie Awards, “In Our Own Hands” (2021) Best Live Short, 46th Annual American Indian Film Festival). Her shorts have screened at several Indigenous film festivals, as well as in Canada (Sâkêwêwak Storytellers Film Festival, Dreamspeakers Film Festival) and at mainstream festivals (Indie Short Fest Los Angeles, Copa Shorts, AZ, Mindfield Film Festival, NM).
Jennifer moved to O’ahu in 2019 and attended Creative Lab Hawaii’s Indigenous Storytellers Lab. She went on to win Hawaii Filmmaker Collective’s (HFC) January 2021 Pitch Contest. With the support of HFC, Jennifer was able to complete her proof of concept short “In Our Own Hands. Her goal is to make her feature script by the same name.
Jennifer is working to normalize seeing Indigenous faces in film, and on TV, within her lifetime. She is a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona.
Bis and Ende Der Liebe by Veronica Pamoukaghlian
A love story between a daughter and a mother with Alzheimer's
Veronica is an award-winning writer and filmmaker from Uruguay. She has received scholarships from the Bank for Interamerican Development, IBERMEDIA Film Fund, Bankboston Foundation, and Sundance Institute. She is a New York Film Academy, EICTV Cuba, FIA-UIMP, Sundance, Puentes-EAVE, and Centre Pompadour alumna. Director of NÉKTAR FILMS since 2011. Editorial director at SUTTON HART PRESS, Washington since 2016. Director´s filmography Director of RAUL, feature doc, winner of East Harlem Int. Film Festival 2011 and WINGS OF SOLVEIG, Solveig Dommartin documentary, in production. Producer of MONSTRUO, winner of FAM Panvision 2013 and FCIU Cinemateca and EL OLOR DE AQUEL LUGAR, winner FCIU Cinemateca, screened at Visions du réel.
Veronica is an award-winning writer and filmmaker from Uruguay. She has received scholarships from the Bank for Interamerican Development, IBERMEDIA Film Fund, Bankboston Foundation, and Sundance Institute. She is a New York Film Academy, EICTV Cuba, FIA-UIMP, Sundance, Puentes-EAVE, and Centre Pompadour alumna. Director of NÉKTAR FILMS since 2011. Editorial director at SUTTON HART PRESS, Washington since 2016. Director´s filmography Director of RAUL, feature doc, winner of East Harlem Int. Film Festival 2011 and WINGS OF SOLVEIG, Solveig Dommartin documentary, in production. Producer of MONSTRUO, winner of FAM Panvision 2013 and FCIU Cinemateca and EL OLOR DE AQUEL LUGAR, winner FCIU Cinemateca, screened at Visions du réel.
Scents of the Season by Maxime Cardol
After experiencing loss and grief, we attempt to live on and often tuck our memories away, hoping they’ll fade into the background. Yet, as the seasons shift, familiar scents bring back emotions. Emotions that transport you straight to the memory of what was once so beautiful.
Dutch-Canadian photographer, Maxime Cardol has established herself as a sensible observer, dreamer, and visually strong narrator. Her work champions the natural, relaxed, and carefree essence of the feminine experience. An all-round creative, Maxime is now taking her first steps into the world of filmmaking while continuing to work as a photographer.
With a background in Journalism, her work documents the many fascinating idiosyncrasies and attitudes of women; from the perspective which only a female can. Her interest and affection for the subjects she photographs is key to Maxime’s intimate storytelling. She emphasises stories of “real women”, filling the many gaps in the media’s portrayal of women.
Dutch-Canadian photographer, Maxime Cardol has established herself as a sensible observer, dreamer, and visually strong narrator. Her work champions the natural, relaxed, and carefree essence of the feminine experience. An all-round creative, Maxime is now taking her first steps into the world of filmmaking while continuing to work as a photographer.
With a background in Journalism, her work documents the many fascinating idiosyncrasies and attitudes of women; from the perspective which only a female can. Her interest and affection for the subjects she photographs is key to Maxime’s intimate storytelling. She emphasises stories of “real women”, filling the many gaps in the media’s portrayal of women.
The Architect of the Liminal by Deb Ethier
An artist struggles to find her way in this quirky and off-kilter micro short from Deb Ethier. Taking some inspiration from classic silent films, it combines super 8 footage with 2D/3D animation and motion graphics.
Deb Ethier (Rusty Bolt Theatre) is an animator, musician, graphic designer, writer... Short and micro-short animated films are her passion, (including one-minute wonders) and they range from wacky off-kilter comedies to poetic immersions to surreal noir-inspired nightmares. Lately she has been drawn towards creating surreal experimental (but not abstract) films. All of my films are low/no budget creations!
Deb Ethier (Rusty Bolt Theatre) is an animator, musician, graphic designer, writer... Short and micro-short animated films are her passion, (including one-minute wonders) and they range from wacky off-kilter comedies to poetic immersions to surreal noir-inspired nightmares. Lately she has been drawn towards creating surreal experimental (but not abstract) films. All of my films are low/no budget creations!
So Much Nature by Anette Arinix, Lauren Ballesteros, Rachel Alonzo, Shaneika Aguilar, Vera Zambonelli, and Veronica Vera.
Ava, determined to be an influencer, steps out of her comfort zone to film a hopefully viral video on a hike. During the excursion she is reminded by the power of nature that there might be more to life than how the world sees her.
Anette Arinix is a Samoan-American comedian, actor, writer, and producer from Hawaiʻi. Founder, Producer and Creative Director of Polynesian AF.
Lauren Ballesteros is an environmental justice organizer and Indigenous Xicana storyteller.
Rachel Alonzo is a local high school student, artist, tennis player, and aspiring filmmaker.
Shaneika Aguilar is a local independent filmmaker directing and producing cinematic films in Hawaiʻi.
Vera Zambonelli is filmmaker, researcher, and educator. Founder and Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking.
Veronica Vera is a writer, stage manager, a digital play producer, and storyteller.
Anette Arinix is a Samoan-American comedian, actor, writer, and producer from Hawaiʻi. Founder, Producer and Creative Director of Polynesian AF.
Lauren Ballesteros is an environmental justice organizer and Indigenous Xicana storyteller.
Rachel Alonzo is a local high school student, artist, tennis player, and aspiring filmmaker.
Shaneika Aguilar is a local independent filmmaker directing and producing cinematic films in Hawaiʻi.
Vera Zambonelli is filmmaker, researcher, and educator. Founder and Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking.
Veronica Vera is a writer, stage manager, a digital play producer, and storyteller.
A Way Out by Lan Deal, Shereen Balles, Hazel Rose Nāhi'ena'ena
Against the backdrop of Hawaii's beauty, a native wahine struggles with her partner’s mental illness manifest as rage… finally, she transcends her legacy of domestic violence, conquers her fears to become a beacon of strength for her community.
Lan Deal-A Hawaii-based Filmmaker, made her mark in the extras casting realm of Hawaii Five-O. Her recent directorial venture delves deep into the true events of the “War Babies” in Vietnam, showcasing my dedication to storytelling and historical narratives
Shereen Balles- 1st time Director Debut for "A Way Out" Short Film- directs her own script .
Hazel Rose Nāhi'ena'ena- Co Directed from her personal fight and MMA career to help the actresses Jacqueleen and Kyla to know what she went through in real life, and directed these actresses on how to move in the scenes.
Lan Deal-A Hawaii-based Filmmaker, made her mark in the extras casting realm of Hawaii Five-O. Her recent directorial venture delves deep into the true events of the “War Babies” in Vietnam, showcasing my dedication to storytelling and historical narratives
Shereen Balles- 1st time Director Debut for "A Way Out" Short Film- directs her own script .
Hazel Rose Nāhi'ena'ena- Co Directed from her personal fight and MMA career to help the actresses Jacqueleen and Kyla to know what she went through in real life, and directed these actresses on how to move in the scenes.
SHORTS PROGRAM #2 LINE-UP
Shorts Program #2 starts at 7:30 PM
Tiare Ribeaux by Erin Lau
Tiare Ribeaux is a Kānaka Maoli filmmaker based in Honolulu. Her films use magical realism to critique social and ecological imbalances. Ribeaux's work explores the connection between our bodies and land and water systems, focusing on transformation. She has won numerous grants and awards for her artistic leadership, including the Sundance Native Lab Fellowship and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Pākē Salmon by Vera Zambonelli
Chaunnel "Pākē" Salmon is an award-winning filmmaker and entrepreneur from Hawaiʻi. She draws inspiration from Hawaiian surf legends and nature to showcase the beauty of Hawaiʻi's stories and culture to a global audience. Pākē her works, she transforms the legacy of abandonment into one of abundance, driven by Aloha ʻĀina.
Lola Quan Bautista by Shaneika Aguilar
Lola Quan Bautista, born and raised on the island of Guam, has been doing research on Micronesian migration, settlement in urban spaces, and ongoing connections between diasporic communities and their home island nations. Lola has directed and produced films that promote understanding and social justice.
Alison Week by Shirley Thompson
Alison Week is a filmmaker based in Waimea, Hawaiʻi. She produces narrative and non-fiction films. Her personal film work aims to uplift stories of women and represent her island home. Recently, she co-directed the documentary feature Island Cowgirls, now airing on PBS/World Channel as part of the series Pacific Heartbeat.
Robin Lung by Donna Choo
Robin Lung is a fourth-generation Chinese American filmmaker from Hawaiʻi. She specializes in bringing untold stories of minorities and women to the big screen. Her documentary, Finding KUKAN, won the American Library Association's Notable Film Award in 2019, and her first stop-motion animated film, Anna Unbound, premiered in 2023.
Shirley Thompson by Lisette Flanary
Shirley Thompson is a renowned documentary producer, editor, and director. She is best known for editing award-winning documentaries such as Baseball Behind Barbed Wire, The 'Ilima Lady, Island Cowgirls, Finding Kukan, and Pidgin: The Voice of Hawai'i. She has received major funding from the NEA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and her work has received significant recognition, including an Emmy and a Peabody award.
Made possible thanks to the generous support of Women's Fund of Hawaiʻi
Community partners of the 2025 Women of Wonders Film Fest
Community Partners
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