Kapolei Regal Theater Fosters Creativity In UHWO Students

West Oahu Voice

The hype surrounding Regal Kapolei Commons 12 has captivated locals, some of whom make the trek from as far as Hawaii Kai to watch national films on the big screen.

The luxury movie theater – and its reclining seats – has been the talk of town as late, but more importantly it has expressed great interest in fostering the video and film industry in West Oahu.

Regal Kapolei Commons 12 announced its partnership with University of Hawaii – West Oahu and Academy for Creative Media (ACM) System to “bring more student-produced films to theater audiences.”

“This new partnership between Regal Kapolei Commons 12 and the ACM will give young filmmakers an ongoing platform for their talents,” stated The MacNaughton Group chairman Duncan MacNaughton.

Part of the agreement involves showcasing an annual production by UHWO students each spring that will run for three months at Regal Kapolei Commons 12.

Last year, the theater debuted the trailer for West is Best, which ACM students wrote, scored, directed and edited. The feature celebrated life in West Oahu and received great support from spectators. The success of the project led to the partnership between UHWO and Regal Kapolei Commons 12. The Regal Foundation also donated $25,000 – generated from some of Regal Kapolei Commons 12’s preview events – to the creative media program.

“This is UHWO ACM’s first corporate partner, and solidifies the industry’s commitment to supporting programs that benefit education and the arts,” stated Chris Lee. “We are delighted they have agreed to continue to showcase the work of our young, homegrown film makers.”