Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti has published its second cohort of its annual Peak Writer Fellowship.
The cohort includes Benjamin Pola, Pinggi Mori, Ciara Lacy, Lauren Tuomaratai and Conrad Lihili.
Supported by Netflix, the Fellowship identifies and supports five promising authors who create stories from the perspective of Pacifica (Pacific Islanders) as they begin their television careers. Founded by Peak co-founder, director, screenwriter and showrunner Dana Ledoux Miller and co-managed by program director and screenwriter Bryson Chun, the initiative is the only Hollywood writing program created by a storyteller at Pasifika.
Fellowships are structured to guide emerging writers to secure the first staff writing role. Each participant will help elevate the original script into a sophisticated, professional sample, in line with experienced industry mentors. Fellows will take part in a series of panels and conversations with key voices in film and television, providing the tools and insights they need to thrive in the entertainment business.
Fellows receive mentorship from Migitzi Pensono (“Reservation”, “Alien: Earth”), Dore Ryan (“Lady of the Lake”), Elsie Choi (CJ En America/Studio Dragon Global), Alex Lazarowich (“Resident Alien”), and Jody Lambert (“People”).
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Christian Fannenschmidt, executive director and co-founder of Peak. “Dana has the gift of bringing out the best for people. Many of us have been coached for a long time, including, for example, our new co-manager Bryson, so it’s really great to see all the different ways to influence these relationships and strengthen our work.” He said, “As far as peers are concerned, we’ve all been very impressed with their storytelling and grit caliber. They remind us how promising our future is.”
Fellows are below.
Benjamin Pola – “Relatives”
When a Samoan teenager is dropped off to live with his Mormon uncle, he relies on his charm, the undeniable book smart, ride or Grandma of Dai to survive his odd new home.
Paula is a proud Samoan author in Long Beach, California. After earning his graduate degree from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, he shifted his focus from higher education (who worked as an advisor and lecturer) inspired by the power of storytelling that drives the media industry. Pola is currently the social media manager and editor/writer for USC School of Cinematic Arts and directs her debut short film, “Tuimaseve.” This oversees his high-chief title in 2024, which included receiving his high-chief title from Sabai, Sabai in Samoa and Savaii village of Savaii in Samoa. (AWC) Fellowship.
Pinggi Mori – “North Shore”
The family of Quali, the legitimate heirs of Hawaii’s last untouched land on the North Shore, exercise their powerful maritime empire to protect the birthrights of their ancestors from unfortunate external forces, including land developers, the US government and global crime syndicates. Betrayal to protect their heritage at any cost.
Mori is a first-generation Tongan writer, director, actor and stunt performer based in Los Angeles. The former Division I footballer and lifelong fighter used the movement’s background to break into the industry through stunts, including credits such as “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” and “The Accountant 2.” He wrote, directed and starred in his debut short film, “Vaha’a,” which premiered at the Hawaii International Film Festival and was scheduled to perform a Los Angeles premiere at the Los Angeles Asia-Pacific Film Festival.
CIARA LACY – “Pet Psychic”
The sharp, passive pet psychic would rather leave him alone, but he is stuck herself juggling her day’s work in a high-end boutique that does not allow animals, translates the anxiety of Brooklyn’s most nervous pets and even less popular owners.
Lacey’s films are on display on Sundance and Berlinale, as well as platforms such as Netflix, PBS, ABC, Al Jazeera, and The Criterion Collection. In particular, she is the first Merata Mita Fellow of the Sundance Institute, and her work is supported by Sundance, Tribeca, Princess Grace Foundation, Native Arts Culture Foundation, Makarther Foundation, Pacific Islanders of Communications, and Firelite Media. Whether the content she is working on is live-action, animation, documentary or fiction, short or lengthy, Ciara aims to create an instant, personal, and revelationary story.
Lauren Tuomalatai – “Moana Guild”
After her mother’s death, Ruth Faatasi realized that she was an unsuspecting adoption of a secret marine society that not only provided answers about her mother’s past, but also held truths about herself that she was unimaginable.
Toomaratai is a Samoan filmmaker and a programmer born in Kahuku, Hawaii, and grew up in West Valley City, Utah. She is currently the lead programmer for the Mashima Film Festival and co-founded with the Salt Lake Film Association in 2019 under the Utah Pacific Island Film Series. Masima is particularly focused on supporting and introducing Pacific Island films and filmmakers. As a writer, she was chosen to participate in the imaginative 2021 script feature lab and completed the original horror feature, “Blood in the Bowl.”
Conrad Lihiri – “Aloha, please keep it.”
For guests, it’s a dream vacation. For employees? It’s hospitality, another shift in the longest-running shows on the planet.
Lihilihi uses genres to explore cultural and social issues. His use of comedy and horror offers a fresh and engaging perspective on cultural experiences. Notable projects include the Smithsonian Documentary series, “The Language of the Nation” and sketch comedies from the Tuntadun Films YouTube channel. He is currently an assistant editor for Warner Bros. and is producing “Mixed Plate Storytime,” a YouTube channel dedicated to promoting literacy through Pacific Island-based children’s books.
