The Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) has proudly announced the selection of its newest cohort for the 2026 PEAK Producer and Executive Fellowship. This initiative, crucial for nurturing Pacific Islander talent in Hollywood, offers a transformative experience, equipping fellows with essential skills to navigate the entertainment industry. The 2026 class includes Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Lowen Kainoa Rudolfo, Donato Fatuesi, Kayla Caldeira, and Anette Arinix Amazing Aga, who are set to take meaningful strides in the realm of production and executive leadership.
Empowering Pasifika Voices through Fellowship
The PEAK Producer and Executive Fellowship, funded by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), provides valuable opportunities for producers and development executives to engage directly with high-level industry creatives and executives. This program is uniquely crafted to enhance communication, networking, leadership, and project development skills, bridging the gap for aspiring Pacific Islander filmmakers. Founded by Averie Joy Maikalima O Makua Huffine, interim executive director of PEAK and producer at Humble Sandwich Productions, it remains the sole development program in Hollywood spearheaded by a Pasifika producer.
TAAF CEO Norman Chen expressed, “When we invest in the stories that move us and champion the creators who tell them, we give voice to our histories and lived experiences, and improve our sense of belonging. That’s why TAAF proudly funded the inaugural class of the PEAK Producer & Executive Fellowship, and we’re thrilled once again to support PEAK as it strengthens its efforts to train the next generation of talented Pacific Islander producers.”
A Surge in Applications and Expanding Initiatives
This year, the fellowship experienced a 150% surge in applications, signifying a growing interest and need within the community for such opportunities. Dana Ledoux Miller, PEAK board chair and “Moana 2” director and co-writer, remarked on the program’s high demand: “We received an overwhelming number of applications this year, a testament to the hunger within our community for opportunities like this program.” Thanks to strategic partnerships and the vision of PEAK’s founder and director, the program continues to pave the way for Pasifika storytelling in Hollywood.
Building on this momentum, PEAK plans to broaden its initiatives later this year. These include the third year of the PEAK Writers Fellowship, PEAK Reads featuring Pasifika authors and their IP, PEAK Catch-Ups with Pasifika creatives and talent, and community screenings in Southern California. There’s also excitement around upcoming industry partnerships that promise to expand opportunities for Pasifika voices.
Meet the Fellows
Celia Kaleialoha Kenney: A producer and storyteller from Honolulu known for her innovative approach. As a producer at Plate Spinner Productions, Celia has been instrumental in independent feature film development, with notable projects like “Hustle Mode” and “Loved One.”
Lowen Kainoa Rudolfo: A Native Hawaiian filmmaker dedicated to amplifying Pacific voices through impactful documentaries and narrative projects. With works like “Ancestral Ink,” Rudolfo’s commitment to reclaiming Hawaiian narratives is profound.
Donato Fatuesi: Known for centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, Fatuesi is a creative strategist and producer involved in diverse media projects like Island Fever Podcast and several short films.
Kayla Caldeira: An Asian-Hawaiian filmmaker focused on stories that foster empathy and highlight human-natural world intersections. Her portfolio includes projects with The Magnolia Network and The Washington Post Creative Group.
Anette Arinix Amazing Aga: A Samoan-Pasifika creative blending storytelling with comedy for cultural impact. As the mind behind Polynesian AF, her award-winning works focus on identity and belonging within the Pasifika community.
Through initiatives like the PEAK Producer and Executive Fellowship, the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti continues to play a pivotal role in elevating Pacific Islander voices within the entertainment industry. These fellows are poised to make significant contributions, promising a richer and more diverse narrative landscape.
