WRITER/DIRECTOR

Shannyn Soliven is a current Digital Cinema student at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Hawaii at Mānoa - following her completed associate's degree in Television Production at Leeward Community College. Her experience includes directing, editing, and screenwriting. 

Credits include: A Cup of Tea, To Be Remarkable, and The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: A Political Scar.

"My Beau, Bo," is a story based on my grandpa and grandma, who were both ballroom dancers. Watching my grandpa dance and listening to my grandparents' special song inspired me to write this story. While I have had one of my films produced before, I am excited to see my vision come to life with this dynamic crew and sponsored equipment. The collaboration of skills to create a film is a magic that will never cease to amaze me. I'm also excited to generate catharsis in my audience because that's what movies do for me."

PRODUCER

Sarah Anne Jung is a Cinematic Arts major graduating early in Spring 2026. She began producing at 18, co-producing multiple award-winning short films. She also studied creative producing at University of California - Los Angeles and served the literary department at Zero Gravity Management.

Credits include: Fair and A New Song (Hawaii Filmmaker’s Collective Best Screenplay winner).

“My Beau, Bo is important to me because I have seen the same dynamic in my grandparents - a couple loving each other so much and leaning on each other. Though mourning is always hard, what I have seen in my grandparents is that their love is worth it.”

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Kimiko Dugan is a screenwriter, novelist, director, and actor, hailing from Hilo, Hawaii. Dugan is a digital cinema student at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Prior attendance includes Syracuse University and the Academy of Art University at  San Francisco.

Credits include:  53 Tuesdays, Lotus and the Dragon, Changing Me, Super Like, Dog Days, and Taking the Plunge. 

"This film sang to me from the first read because of its absolute authenticity and emotional demonstration. Equally importantly, the AAPI representation was set up in a genuine, meaningful way - not tokenizing race, but letting it shine through its visual storytelling and allegory. I can't wait to see this team bring it to fruition and I'm honored to be a part of it."

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Darren Siscar is a cinematographer currently on the Digital Cinema Track at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Credits include: Tao Po, 7th Moon, Dear Ball of Light, and Tabi Tabi Po.

“When I read My Beau, Bo, I could tell how personal the story was and I love stories that are authentic to [their writers]. I'm excited to bring the story to life visually - the way it was intended to be told.”

1ST ASSISTANT CAMERA

Margaret Glaser is a cinematographer-filmmaker currently on the Cinematic Arts Track at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Credits include: Keepsake and A New Song.

“I love stories that explore such complex feelings such as loss and grief. I am excited to help bring this film to life.”

EDITOR

Velvet Vaughn is a German Studies - Digital Cinema dual major, University of Hawaii at Mānoa. She represents through her directing experience, a background in both theatre and film.

Credits include: Don’t Keep Her Waiting, One Night, and Hoohui

“I’m excited to tell an elder story about human connection and loss - particularly coming to terms with losing a loved one and coping with being alone after the loss. “

SOUND PRODUCER

Reyn Jakahi currently pursues the Digital Cinema Track at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Credits include: Last Dance.

“I am looking forward to gaining experience during this project and supporting the director in telling this story about coping with grief.”

GAFFER/SOUND MIXER

Matthew Holdredge is a fourth year student with the Reserve Officer Training Corps and a student on the Cinematic Arts Track at the School of Cinematic Arts, University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Upon his graduation in Spring 2025, he will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

In addition to his post-commission duties, he plans to pursue screenwriting for production.

“I really enjoy the storytelling aspect of film and how all the different roles come together to illustrate a concept.”

Crew/Volunteer Staff

We are currently seeking crew members and volunteers.

Fill out an application today!

Crew Member Application

Alma Castro

Elissa Dulce is known for her roles in Baywatch (1989); Magnum, P.I. (1980); Goodbye Paradise (1991); and both iterations of Hawaii 5-0.

“[This is] a project that will remain close to my heart. The reasons are twofold: not only because of [its] affiliation with the University of Hawaii, which is my alma mater but a remind of the roots that I continue to be proud of as a Filipino.”

Bo Castro

Randall Yokota is known for Ride the Thunder (2015), Jackie Claxton: Greener Pastures, and Showdown in Paraidse (2014).

“I chose this role because it suits me as a former dancer, actor, and lover of the art … I feel honored and the story is dear to my heart.”

Spencer Castro

Joseph Agudo is an actor, cinematographer, director, and musician. His credits include: The RAdical Time Traveler, Black Hat, and Hawaii 5-0.

“I love this film and I love this character and that it is touching Filipino representation. There’s not enough Filipino representation and I am thankful for this opportunity.”

Logan Cervantes

Alexander Dayuha is an actor, stunt performer, and personal trainer known for his work on Red One (2024), NCIS: Hawai’i, Finding Kate: Hawai’i (2025), and The Perfect Illusion (2023).

Alex’s role on My Beau, Bo, takes its place in a long line of his experience in Hawaii film and television.

Mari Armando

Cheryl Noelani is known for her roles in Never Been Better (2025), Joy & Death, and Kahala Sunset, and was the winner of Mrs. Hawaii International, 2020.

She is an active member of the community through volunteer efforts with charities and organization of local film opportunities.

“This role really resonated with me - not only because of the beautiful story but because I’m a dancer. I can’t wait to bring this character to life.”

Background Actor

We are currently seeking background for our second block of shooting - 8-9 November.

Apply Today!