Three seniors from Mid-Pacific Institute's film program had their work screened in New York, a win for young Pacific Islander filmmakers trying to break into a tough industry.

• The students showed their films at the Angelika Theater in Manhattan as part of the Pacific Island Film Festival.
• One film used an unusual aspect ratio, so the theater screen opened wider to fit it.
• Seeing other Hawaii filmmakers and Pacific Islanders working in the industry made film school and industry jobs feel reachable.
• The trip was paid for by Mid-Pacific and the Kūhiō Lani Foundation, which backs Native Hawaiian arts, culture, and businesses.
• Recent graduates of the program have gone on to Chapman, Loyola Marymount, and UH Mānoa, and one is already working in New York.

Outlook: The program plans to keep sending students and their Hawaii stories to bigger festivals.