meet melina

Melina is an Okinawan Japanese Greek-American artist from O’ahu, Hawai’i. She is an award-winning filmmaker, shooting primarily on celluloid film formats including Super 8mm and 16mm film. Her works explore themes surrounding memory, identity, perception and place.

Professionally, Melina works as a Film Programmer and Program Director. She is currently a Lead Programmer + Programming Manager at the Hawai’i International Film Festival, Director of Programming at Portland Panorama, and Shorts Programmer at the New York Asian Film Festival and CAAMFest. She also regularly consults for programming at other film festivals around the world.

With a BA in Film Studies, Melina is passionate about film, accessibility, artist support, community building and representation on both sides of the lens.