Maui native wins supporting actress award for ‘Kahala Sunset’
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Maui native Cyndi Mayo-Akeo won the best supporting actress award at the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival for her performance in the Hawaii-produced independent feature film "Kahala Sunset."
The film, which was shot entirely on Oahu, features Hawaii-based actors and crew members from Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. The production is currently in the distribution phase, according to the filmmakers.
Set in Hawaii, the detective story follows a veteran investigator who transfers from the sex crimes division to homicide and becomes obsessed with solving the 30-year-old murder of an aspiring actress. Her investigation leads her to confront personal and family trauma.
The film also features Oahu’s landscapes and explores Hawaiian cultural values, including aloha, kuleana (responsibility) and 'ohana (family).
Award-winning cinematographer and television director Kurt Jones makes his feature film directing debut with "Kahala Sunset."
The film was written, produced and executive produced by Colby Haines, who also plays the lead role. Jacob Kamhis and Ian Petriello Eisenberg are also producers, while Shereen Balles serves as cultural adviser and kahu. Scott Lee Mason is the director of photography.
Hawaii entertainer Johnny Valentine and Hawaii News Now anchor Stephanie Lum also make appearances in the film.
"We are so proud of Cyndi's achievement," Haines said. "On behalf of the entire production and our supporters, we give our never-ending mahalo to the entire cast and crew for their dedication and talents. We hope we have made Hawai'i proud."
For more information about the film and its cast and crew, visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38570847/. A trailer is available at https://vimeo.com/1135231386.