The Story

Since the death of his mother and departure of his father, 15-year old hapa (part) Hawaiian James Lono has lived deep in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest with his very traditional Tūtū (Grandmother). One of his many responsibilities on the farm is taking care of Tūtū’s pet pig, Kona Girl, who frequently gets out of her pen. 

When James discovers an old letter from his father to his late mother, he begins to question everything he’s been told about his parents. Kona Girl’s next escape provides a perfect window for his own flight. 

But the woods are dark and mystical and full of secrets beyond James’ wildest dreams. Here, he will face obstacles that force him to confront past trauma, present confusion, and future anxieties about who he is, where he comes from, and what it all means. 

A few words from the Director

Lono and the Pig is a story inspired both by the rich storytelling traditions of the Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and my personal experience growing up as a person of mixed heritage. On the one hand, I’ve always been fascinated by ancient myths, particularly those dealing with heroic quests, angry gods, and marvelous monsters. Many of these stories have been brought to the silver screen, especially those of Western origin. But many of the great tales of the Pacific have yet to be adapted. This film aims to elevate the Hawaiian pig-god Kamapua‘a alongside the likes of Hercules and Thor. I owe a great deal to the work of Martha Beckwith, the translations of Lilikalā K. Kame‘ehiwa, the artwork of Dietrich Varez, and others who have labored diligently to preserve these stories. 

However, this story is more than a mere retelling. Lono colocates Kamapua‘a within a modern context, reflecting the timeless power of myth. Here, the mischievous shapeshifter represents my own struggle to reconcile a western upbringing with the ancient cultural traditions of Hawai‘i. How do we as individuals define ourselves when we exist betwixt worlds? In an increasingly diverse world, Lono demonstrates that it’s possible to be more than one thing, one culture, one identity.

The Cast

Jared Kamauu as "James Lono"

Jared Kamauu was born and raised in Utah and received a BFA in Acting from Brigham Young University. He's worked on multiple shows including 12 Angry Jurors as Juror #10 and Little Shop of Horrors as the puppeteer for Audrey 2. Jared loves performing and is honored to work with Kā'eo and all the other amazing people involved in this project. 

Lahela Garner as "Hina"

Lahela Garner was born and raised in Hawai'i. She is an actress, singer-songwriter, and
musician, accompanying herself on the ukulele. She is a graduate of the renowned Joanne
Baron/D.W. Brown Studio in Los Angeles where she studied the Meisner Technique. She also
studied improv at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. Lahela has been a part of many stage
productions, including regional productions of Les Misérables and Shrek the Musical. She also
has many film credits, and recently starred in “Christmas with My Hospital Roommate.” Lahela
recently relocated from Los Angeles to Utah and is represented by McCarty Talent Agency.

Adam Colvin as "The Ghillie Man" 

Adam Colvin started his film career with two things: curiosity and Craigslist. 16 years later and over 100 film projects he is very excited to play the mischevious Ghillie Man. Over the years he has loved playing roles ranging from a snoring dad and gregarious yeti to a rogue Jedi and Jack Black's deputy. You name it, he's done it! When he isn't on the silver screen, he enjoys reading, hot yoga, and hanging out with his nephews and nieces. 

The Team

Kā'eo Drumright - Writer/Director

Kā'eo Drumright is a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) filmmaker based in Provo, Utah. They have written and directed many short films, several of which have been selected by festivals. Since graduating with their Bachelor's Degree in Film and Media Arts, they have worked as a full-time videographer creating commercials and corporate media for businesses spanning a multitude of industries. Their vision, however, is to tell stories that capture the physical and emotional experience of those not often seen on the silver screen, including people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Chad Harvey - Producer

Chad Harvey is a filmmaker based in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He has produced several short films that have been featured in festivals throughout the country, and assisted on a short that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past year. He graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's Degree in Film and Media Arts, and currently works as an video editor. His goal is to help filmmakers tell their stories as true to themselves as possible, and impact a wide variety of audiences. 

Josh Garcia - Director of Photography

Known for cinematography on short films such as Maggie on Stratford Ave, Basement Landing and Where the Dust Goes (short). He is an extremely passionate and resourceful filmmaker interested in stories dissecting humanity, and translating that into very visual and emotionally driven storytelling. 

What We Need & What You Get

We are asking for $10,000 in order to pay our amazing actors, rent equipment, design costumes, sets, props, and other rental needs. No one but actors are being paid, so all contributions donated will go towards the finished product.  

We are offering some great incentives to our backers! Each ascending category includes everything in the previous ones. 

$10 - Link to film, and concept art and video

$25 - T-shirt and pitch materials

$50 - Invite to premiere and movie poster

$100 - Special Thanks in film credits

$500 - Executive Producer film credits

The Why

We want to tell a story that is rich in cultural tradition and yet applicable to modern viewers. We believe this story is able to speak to both of these influences. This film is something we believe in and hope to captivate viewers with this prodigious story. Without the support of backers like you, we simply won't be able to bring this story to fruition. 

Poster created by Maile Miyake

Follow @halepahuproductions on IG for updates, announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content for the film!