Kapolei Commons' Partnership with UH West Oahu Continues

Kapolei Commons debuts movie trailer produced by students at UH West Oʻahu’s Academy for Creative Media

Regal Kapolei Commons 12 is continuing its commitment to support students’ filmmaking skills through its partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi - West O‘ahu Academy for Creative Media (UHWO ACM). This unique partnership with Kapolei Commons, West O‘ahu’s premier gathering place, provides support to help bring student-produced trailers and films to theaters and provides students with an opportunity to showcase their talents on the big screen.

On Monday, October 22, UHWO ACM will debut its third trailer at Regal Kapolei Commons 12, produced specifically for Kapolei Commons. The 90-second short film, entitled “Ulia,” was written and directed by Nakoa Camvel, a creative media student. He was assisted by fellow classmates Kevin Bechayda and Hadji Corpuz with actors from the West O‘ahu campus community - most from the Creative Media program. The trailer is about a working class man spreading the Aloha spirit by helping others in need. A twist in the end will reveal how the cycle of paying it forward always prevails.

“As the first corporate partner to support the UH West Oahu ACM program, we are proud to provide a world-class theater for young filmmakers to showcase their talent,” said Emily Porter, Chief Operating Officer at The MacNaughton Group, which partners with Kobayashi Group and California-based Craig Realty Group in ownership of Kapolei Commons. “We’ve committed to a five-year agreement to show a new movie trailer each year to enable students to develop unique skills to continue their educational and professional development.”

"Our partnership with Regal Kapolei Commons 12 provides our students with the unique opportunity to tackle a challenge and produce professional quality work," said UH West O’ahu Chancellor Maenette Benham.

"Weʻre so excited to premiere UHWO ACM’s third Regal Kapolei 12 trailer for the community and our partners at The MacNaughton Group and Kobayashi Group. Ūlia is the first narrative trailer by our creative media students and clearly demonstrates their advances as filmmakers thanks to classes underwritten by our generous industry partners, ” explained Chris Lee, Academy for Creative Media Founder/Director.

About Kapolei Commons Kapolei Commons offers something for everyone and is home to Hawai`i’s first luxury theater, Regal Kapolei 12, shopping that includes national and locally-owned retail, as well as eateries range from elegant dining to sidewalk cafes. The community amenities continue to grow with numerous free community events including outdoor movie nights, food truck events, gift markets, and more - all of which are family-friendly. The property continues to grow with the opening of Ulta Beauty in November of this year. For additional information about Kapolei Commons visit www.thekapoleicommons.com.

About UH Academy for Creative Media System UHWO ACM supports and coordinates the creative media studies efforts among the UH campuses. UH West O’ahu serves as the hub for creative media education for the UH System and enables students to develop unique skill sets at the community colleges that transfer seamlessly to UH West O’ahu for continued scholarship and professional development.