The Take Off
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Aloha Terminal presents ✈️ THE TAKE OFF
A Premier Short Film Competition
📍 Now Boarding Honolulu
06/19/2026
The Take Off ✈️ Recap Video Hawaii Vol. 1 by Valen Ahlo The Take Off ✈️ Recap Video Hawaii Vol. 1 by Valen Ahlo
05/21/2026
The May 2 Take Off by Aloha Terminal Recap ~ Part III 🎨✈️
𝗔 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 ALOHA 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 🙏🏽♥️
Mega mahalo to artist for bringing his art, wisdom, and ENERGY 🌊✨ into the space and reminding us that creativity is not only about the final product ~ it’s about the process, the people, and the belief behind it all.
One of the most beautiful parts of The Take Off was watching an empty warehouse slowly transform into a living creative community ~ filmmakers, artists, musicians, crews, volunteers, and dreamers ✨ came together to build something from nothing.And on May 2nd, that same space became filled with hundreds of people celebrating storytelling, creativity, collaboration, and Hawaiʻi’s creative future together.
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 📈
Nearly 30 films were created and turned in during this first Take Off, and seeing this community show up for one another meant everything to us.
The Take Off exists because of people willing to support art, support local creatives, and believe in building something meaningful together.
Special mahalo as well to the local businesses, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and creative partners who helped bring the energy and experience of the night to life:
🌺
🐳
💦
🥧
🐟
🚀
🎻
🎶
🎬
🎞️
And another huge mahalo to Akira Kumagai () for beautifully documenting these moments for all of us 📸
Full photo galleries will be available on alohaterminal.com shortly.
This was only the beginning ✨
More stories.
More cities.
More community.
Next Flight coming soon. 🌺✈️
05/21/2026
The May 2 Take Off by Aloha Terminal Recap ~ Part II 🏆✈️
Congratulations to the winning films and filmmaking teams from our first Take Off Premiere Night.
With nearly 30 films created and submitted in just 7 days, the level of creativity, storytelling, emotion, and ex*****on across every project was incredibly inspiring. Our Board of Directors and judges had the difficult task of narrowing down an amazing group of submissions, and we are so proud of every team that participated.
🏆 1st Place Film ~ “One Bit After Another”
Team: Basic Evonomy
Team Leader:
🥈 2nd Place Film ~ “Discarded”
Team: Outerbound Collective
Team Leader:
🥉 3rd Place Film ~ “Pain Meds”
Team: Two Sheets & A Camera
Team Leader:
Thank you again to every filmmaker, actor, crew member, editor, producer, volunteer, judge, partner, and audience member who helped make this first Take Off so special.
This was only the beginning ✨
Next Flight coming soon. 🌺✈️
Your next judge is the legendary creator of Show Down in Chinatown. Torry Tukuafu!!! This will be a night to remember!!!
I hope your teams are ready to take off!!! Here is the moment you’ve all been waiting for!!!
- PROP: A Bag from “Aloha Collection”
Prop Requirement
The prop must be used in a creative and intentional way, with a minimum of 5 seconds of on-screen time. It must be prominently featured within the scene (not placed passively in the background or on a shelf).
Use of the prop in any harmful or violent manner (e.g., as a weapon, for strangulation, etc.) is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
- MUSIC: San Minotauro “Solid Ground” Timestamp 1:13-1:23
Music Requirement
A minimum of 10 seconds of the designated track must be incorporated into your film. Extended use beyond 10 seconds is encouraged.
THEME: “A fish out of Water”
Show us your interpretation!!!
REMEMBER TO REGISTER YOUR TEAMS! ITS THE ONLY WAY TO RECEIVE THE OFFICIAL WAIVERS!
ALSO DOIBLE CHECK THE FULL LIST OF RULES ON ALOHATERMINAL.COM
Good luck story tellers! We’ll see you when you land!
Filmmakers this is your chance to show industry professionals what Hawaii’s got. You never know what a moment can do! Register your teams today at alohaterminal.com
Departing soon, THE TAKE OFF
Drum roll please. Filmmakers your 2nd judge for THE TAKE OFF is none other than cinematographer Brendan Uegama. Currently working on Netflix’s hit show Untamed. His work spans over decades working on a plethora of industry professional projects. This is your chance to have real Hollywood professionals see your work. Don’t wait, register your teams today at www.alohaterminal.com
TWO WAYS TO WIN TICKETS✈️ 🎟️✈️🎬
📍 The Take Off Premiere Night, May 2, 2026
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🎁 GIVEAWAY ~ WIN 10 TICKETS
Easy entry. Bring your crew.
TO ENTER:
1️⃣ Follow + 📲
2️⃣ Like + reshare 🔁
3️⃣ Comment “LET’S WATCH FILMS” 🎬 + tag 2+ friends 👯
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🎬 CREATIVE COMPETITION ~ WIN 10 TICKETS + $100
For the creators…
Replace the blue screen behind host Faidai Richmond with your most creative vision.
🎥 Post + tag +
🏆 Best edit wins:
💵 $100 cash
🎟️ 10 tickets
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⏳ Both winners announced on LIVE STREAM here IG
📅 4/19 at 4PM
This is for any film makers with questions about the competition.
Final call… ⏰ ✈️🌍
Arrivals. Connections. Departures.
Drum roll please. Filmmakers your first judge for THE TAKE OFF is none other than the Writer of the Oscar winning film the Revenant, Mark Smith. This is your chance to have real Hollywood professionals see your work. Don’t wait, register your teams today!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.