HPU ALUMNA ASSOCIATE-PRODUCES FILM ON ORIGINS OF THE SHAKA GESTURE IN HAWAI'I

HPU alumna Rebecca Teresia served as associate producer on the exciting new documentary film Shaka: A Story of Aloha that is set to be released in winter 2024. The film, directed by Alexander Bocchieri and produced/written/narrated by Steve Sue, explores the origin, meanings and uses of the iconic shaka gesture.

In partnership with several Hawai’i organizations, the production team, under Sue's leadership, shot the film over a five-year period and is now heading to the film festival circuit with a completed feature-length film. Even before the film’s release, a budding movement around the shaka has begun with Sue’s 501C3 production non-profit successfully gaining approval for an official Hawai’i DMV Shaka license plate program that raises money for the cause while reducing road rage and increasing aloha.

On June 21, 2024, the ID8 team also made history when Governor Josh Green signed a bill into law that adopts the shaka as the official state gesture of Hawaiʻi. State Senator Glenn Wakai marked the occasion, stating, "Hawai’i is proud to name the Shaka the first-ever State gesture in America," emphasizing the Shaka's symbolic role in expressing the state's welcoming spirit and communal pride.

“Dare to dream and work towards your dreams. It pays off. As a foreigner in the tropics of Hawai’i or in Hollywood, it's not easy. Breaking into the circles has required courage and determination. I am happy to have joined the production of the shaka documentary. It has been fantastic to be part of a prestigious production team. We have wanted to spread the message of shaka and honor Hawaiʻi's rich cultural heritage,” said Teresia.

Born and raised in Finland, Teresia moved to Hawai‘i at the age of 17 as an exchange student. She enrolled at HPU’s College of Business and studied international business and finance, graduating in 2015 with her bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA). Soon thereafter, Teresia enrolled in HPU’s MBA program and earned her degree in 2018. She always had a love for film, and it was while studying for her MBA that she began acting in and creating short films.

“HPU Professor Pete Britos encouraged me to be in his film production classes,” said Teresia. “That’s how it all started. I learned a lot from him, both technical and theoretical skills. HPU created a safe environment for me to start something new. It was wonderful. Unique. I am grateful for that because HPU let me explore different areas of study that I was also interested in as a business student.”

Teresia has garnered acclaim as a producer for her work on the Korean-American film Junho and as co-producer of the Cuban short film Wake, collaborating with Emmy-nominated producers Bochen Cheng and Avi Youabian. Her diverse portfolio includes creating compelling commercials, music videos, and the television show Fashion Sense by Valerie Joseph on Spectrum OC16.

Teresia has also made significant contributions to local productions such as Hawaii Five-O, Magnum PI, and Rescue HI Surf, showcasing her versatility both behind the scenes and on screen. Additionally, she is the creator behind “The Filmmakers PauHana,” a pioneering platform that unites filmmakers worldwide.

“My studies in International Business at HPU have deepened my passion for producing culturally rich projects and managing diverse teams,” Teresia said. “The profound meaning of aloha, which I came to understand during my time in Hawaiʻi, has inspired me to share this beautiful ethos with the world. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of the amazing team behind Shaka: The Story of Aloha, allowing us to spread the spirit of aloha globally.”

Shaka: The Story of Aloha is currently being shared in private test screenings before its global release later this year. To organize a test screening, please apply through the official Shaka website: www.shakafilm.com/test-screenings.

 

All photos taken by Vitamin B.