I recently saw August at Akiko's at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. The screening was packed and the movie went on to win the festival's "Best Cinematography" award.
I really enjoyed the film. The director, Christopher Makoto Yogi, has a unique voice and filmmaking style, one that is uncommon among mainstream cinema today. August at Akiko's follows a young musician named Alex who is searching for family, but more broadly interpersonal connection. His journey leaves him looking for answers and direction on the big island of Hawaii, allowing both the film and Alex to meditate on the gorgeous and tranquil scenery of the island that is shown in a refreshingly authentic way. Yogi mentioned in his Q and A that giving an authentic portrayal of real Hawaii, both in terms of the island's appearance and the people living there, is a goal of his, and it struck me as very refreshing to see something that didn't feel like a postcard of Waikiki or an episode of Hawaii Five-O. I don't want to say too much about the plot so as not to spoil anything, but I believe that August at Akiko's is one of those truly great film festival discoveries.
I'd highly recommend August at Akiko's to anyone, like me, who is looking for refreshingly different films, wants to see a new side of Hawaii on screen, or just simply likes well made movies. 10/10
I really enjoyed the film. The director, Christopher Makoto Yogi, has a unique voice and filmmaking style, one that is uncommon among mainstream cinema today. August at Akiko's follows a young musician named Alex who is searching for family, but more broadly interpersonal connection. His journey leaves him looking for answers and direction on the big island of Hawaii, allowing both the film and Alex to meditate on the gorgeous and tranquil scenery of the island that is shown in a refreshingly authentic way. Yogi mentioned in his Q and A that giving an authentic portrayal of real Hawaii, both in terms of the island's appearance and the people living there, is a goal of his, and it struck me as very refreshing to see something that didn't feel like a postcard of Waikiki or an episode of Hawaii Five-O. I don't want to say too much about the plot so as not to spoil anything, but I believe that August at Akiko's is one of those truly great film festival discoveries.
I'd highly recommend August at Akiko's to anyone, like me, who is looking for refreshingly different films, wants to see a new side of Hawaii on screen, or just simply likes well made movies. 10/10