Kauaʻi students showcase talent in 24-hour short film competition

Twenty-five student teams from across Kauaʻi took on a creative challenge unlike any other — writing, filming, and editing an original short film on a surprise topic within 24 hours.

The inaugural Kauaʻi Student Film Challenge, presented by the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, kicked off on Dec. 9, 2025, when students were given just 24 hours to prepare a short film based on the surprise title, “One Small Thing.”

The next day, they had just five hours on site to shoot and edit a 60-second film.

After careful judging, the young filmmakers were celebrated with a red carpet, a screening of all the short films, and a glitzy awards ceremony at the Kauaʻi Community College Performing Arts Center.

The winners of each category include:

People’s Choice Award and Overall Best in Show

Kapaʻa High School – Hailey Hadley, Kai Ganir, Tiare Nunes, Ginger Nunes

Elementary Division

• 1st Place: Kilauea Elementary School
  • Jeremaiah Guerrero, Kaya Kapp, Hikina Wanaʻao Maii, Rayna Wolkon
• 2nd Place: Wilcox Elementary School 
  • Elijah Ganotisi, Martin Binonwangan, Kennedy Desmarais, Noa Fern
• 3rd Place: Kalaheo Elementary School
  • Athena Pereza, Mikaela Patterson, Crosby McKreaken, Emalia Miguel, Andrew Bernat

Middle School Division 

• 1st Place: Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
  • Sora Dressler, Alana Bowen, Janice Mahuka, Lily Schoettler, Leila Fernandes, Leifur Hardy
• 2nd Place: Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Charter School
  • Brett Butler, Hudson Sherrill, Dustin Kaneakua, Cleo Bell-Grey, Fiona Ganzagan
• 3rd Place: Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
  • Avery Domingsel, Jaeless Gandeza, Alyssa Garma, Kyra Goff, Alexis Balann

High School Division

• 1st Place: Kapaʻa High School 
  • Hailey Hadley, Kai Ganir, Tiare Nunes, Ginger Nunes
• 2nd Place: Island School
  • Naia Char, Mia Javellana, Chloe Ayonon
• 3rd Place: Kapaʻa High School 
  • Alia Russell, Isabella Omana, Shiloh Spencer, Milo Wilson