The Writers Guild Foundation, in partnership with Storyline Partners, hosts this virtual panel examining contemporary Pacific Islander storytelling and representations in film and television.
Panelists include:
Bryson Chun - Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.
Dana Ledoux Miller - Moana 2
Thomas Pa'a Sibbett - Chief of War
Moderated by Averie Joy Maikalima O Makua Huffine (Executive Director, PEAK).
Panel starts at 6PM Pacific Time.
RSVP for free or with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds benefit the Writers Guild Foundation’s future panels and events, community programs, and Library & Archive. After signing up, you’ll receive information on how to access the Zoom panel.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at events@wgfoundation.org.
About the Panelists
Bryson Chun is a Native Hawaiian screenwriter most known for Moana 2 and the Disney+ Series Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. He's worked in development with Mattel and Ubisoft and has produced award-winning short and feature films that have screened at Criterion, the Smithsonian, PBS, and beyond. Through the prestigious Black List organization, he's a two-time Indigenous List honoree and a CAPE list honoree for his pilot script Poi Dogs and the feature film Don't Freak (co-written by Tara Aquino). He's been a traveling writer and teaching mentor for Sundance, PEAK, CAPE, HIFF, The Native American Media Alliance, The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation, NW Film Camp, 'Ohina Labs, and The Institute of American Indian Arts, where he received an MFA in Screenwriting. He is proudly repped by VERVE Talent and Literary Agency.
Dana Ledoux Miller is a Samoan filmmaker who most recently Directed and Co-Wrote Walt Disney Animated Studio’s MOANA 2. Prior to that, she was the co-showrunner/creator of Netflix’s “Thai Cave Rescue” limited series, as well as a writer for AMC’s “Kevin Can F* Himself” and “Lodge 49,” ABC’s Designated Survivor,” Netflix’s “Narcos” and HBO’s “The Newsroom.” She is the co-founder of Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK), an organization dedicated to redefining and expanding Pasifika entertainment so that our creatives can thrive, evolve and drive innovative storytelling that honors the richness and diversity across Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
Thomas Pa’a Sibbett is a screenwriter and producer who most recently Created & Executive Produced the AppleTV+ series CHIEF OF WAR. Pa’a rose the ranks in film having penned several features including BRAVEN and THE LAST MANHUNT, in addition to developing the story on DC’s AQUAMAN & THE LOST KINGDOM. As a Native Hawaiian, his early life was marked by a deep connection to his Polynesian/Asian heritage. His family actively engaged in cultural activities, using art and dance to foster community and deter youth from gang involvement. Beyond his professional endeavors, Pa’a is committed to uplifting diverse narratives and voices in media. He emphasizes the importance of self-identity and aligning one's path with their own cultural values.
About the Moderator
Averie Joy Maikalima O Makua Huffine grew up in Costa Mesa, CA, is graduate of Chapman University, and is proudly hapa Kānaka Maoli. Starting her career as an NBC Page, Averie is now a successful TV Producer and Development Executive with her own company, having learned from industry leaders like Amy Pascal, Sara Colleton, and Nicky Weinstock. She has worked on shows for Disney+, Netflix, NBC, Peacock, 20th, Sony, Tristar, FX, CBS, Amazon, and HBO Max. She strongly believes in pulling up the next generation of creatives and executives, and she has done industry mentorships for Women in Film, Reel Champions, Film2Future, Outfest, PEAK and HRTS to fulfill that. She has been on the board of Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti since its creation, where she’s been a mentor, speaker, and panelist. In 2024, she designed and lead the the PEAK Producing and Executive Program with a grant from TAAF. In addition to PEAK, she’s an active volunteer and leader in her community, serving organizations such as Off the Page, Inevitable Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society, WUFAW, Adopt & Shop, LA Mission, Community Fridges, and Food Forward. She lives with her partner of 18 years in Highland Park. In her free time, she teaches people how to repair purses on TikTok and fosters dogs whenever Roofus, her curmudgeonly 13-year-old terrier, will allow.