The Hug

Created for the inaugural Aloha Terminal “The Take Off” 7-Day Film Challenge, this short film was written, shot, and edited between April 23–30, 2026, before premiering on May 2, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Awards included Best Use of Prop and Best Use of Sound, alongside overall film honors. As part of the competition, filmmaking teams were challenged to create an original film 7 minutes or less while incorporating the official creative elements revealed at kickoff: • Theme: “Fish Out of Water” 🐟 • Required Song: “Solid Ground" by San Minotauro 🎶 • Official Prop: Aloha Collection bag 🌺 • Judges 🎥 Torry Tukuafu Torry Tukuafu is a Hawaiʻi-based filmmaker and creative producer, and the creator of the Showdown in Chinatown Film Festival, known for community-driven storytelling and collaborations that spotlight Pacific Island culture and emerging talent. Mark L. Smith Mark L. Smith is an American screenwriter and filmmaker best known for writing emotionally grounded survival dramas and literary adaptations, including The Revenant and Twisters. Aaron Kai Aaron Kai is a Hawaiʻi-born contemporary artist known for his signature wave-inspired murals and vibrant post-pop artwork influenced by surf culture, anime, and island life. Brendan Uegama Brendan Uegama is a Hawaiʻi-based cinematographer and photographer known for his visually immersive storytelling and is currently serving as cinematographer on the upcoming Netflix limited series UNTAMED. Daniel Percival Daniel Percival is a BAFTA-winning British director and writer known for acclaimed series including Untamed, The Man in the High Castle, and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. ━━━ An Original Film by Team: Da Poi Dogs Director / Writer / Producer: Joe Abella Cast: Alohi Vega Alvarado / Charles-Yale Tang / Xton James / Jackson Babine / Joe Abella Official Selection — Top 12 Finalist