There’s just 1 more week left to submit short screenplays and apply for a free annual workshop this fall, with a chance to win the ‘Ohina Greenlight Award.
That’s still enough time for local creatives to apply for the 2026 cohort of ‘Ohina Labs, an annual free filmmakers workshop providing participants the opportunity to learn from leading screenwriters and filmmakers in the entertainment industry.
Hawai‘i residents — past and present — are invited to submit short screenplays by Aug. 9 via the ‘Ohina website or Film Freeway portal to apply for this year’s workshop.
Screenplays can be up to 15 pages in any genre.
As many as 10 applicants will be accepted and receive mentoring from leading guest film creatives following a competitive judging process during an intensive 2-day workshop Nov. 7 and 14 hosted at Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, in Honolulu.
One participant or writing team will also be selected to receive the ‘Ohina Greenlight Award — and the opportunity for production support toward their winning script becoming a completed short film to be produced and filmed in Hawai‘i.
Katelyn Chong of Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, was winner of the 2025 Greenlight Award for her script “Shop Local” — granting her production support and $10,000 in production funds.
Sean Oketani with his script “Kaikamāhine” won The Judges Award of $2,500 and development support.
Honolulu-based nonprofit ‘Ohina in 2017 launched its annual workshop to offer a development hub for short film projects in any genre, with scripts written by some of Hawai‘i’s most exciting storytellers and filmmakers.
A previous ‘Ohina Labs breakout session with past mentor Chris Kekaniokalani Bright at Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. (Courtesy Photo: ‘Ohina)- A scene from a past ‘Ohina Labs workshop. (Courtesy Photo: ‘Ohina)
The inaugural workshop featured guest mentor co-screenwriter “Black Panther” Joe Robert Cole.
‘Ohina Labs 2026 is supported by Hawai‘i Pacific Health. ‘Ohina is committed to helping emerging filmmakers and storytellers bring their cinematic visions to the screen.
