Showdown in Chinatown Filmmaking Competition Returns After 10 Years

The local competition that challenges filmmakers to create short films in just 48 hours is set for July 26.

July 22, 2025

James Nakamura,

First launched in 2006, Showdown in Chinatown has been a steppingstone for Hawai‘i’s creative community, challenging filmmakers to create a short film (5 minutes maximum) within a 48-hour timespan. And after a 10-year hiatus, the event returns July 26 to commemorate NextDoor’s 20th anniversary.

Three prompts will be revealed on July 24. From there, competing teams and individuals will write, shoot and edit their cinematic projects, then ten finalists will screen them before a panel of notable judges and an audience of cinephiles on the evening of July 26 at NextDoor. Judges include Henry Ian Cusick of the former TV series Lost; Anderson Le, director of programming at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival; and actor/writer Moses Goods of the new TV series Chief of War.

Chris Kahunahana. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

We spoke to filmmaker Chris Kahunahana, director of the acclaimed film Waikīkī and one of the coordinators of the event, on what to expect:

Why did you decide to bring back Showdown in Chinatown?

Our industry has been taking a lot of hits lately, with strikes and then tax credit issues, as well as the loss of TV and film productions. Showdown felt like a great opportunity for us filmmakers to not wait for the rebound, but to green light ourselves and do what we love—make films.

How does the event work?

Teams prepare for the three-criteria announcement on July 24 at 5 p.m., then they write, shoot and edit a 5-minute film to be delivered in person on July 26 between 4 to 5 p.m., with a hard cut-off at 5. All submissions are welcome and will be reviewed, and the ten best will be selected for a live screening that night to an audience of peers and judges. There will be a judge’s award, audience award and a jury award from the other competitors.

What are you expecting to see in this year’s crop of filmmakers?

Like years past, we expect to see films that push boundaries by being audacious and creative. Strong artistic choices, technical excellence and powerful and nuanced performances by up-and-coming actors. We expect to be wowed, thrilled, entertained and inspired.

Any advice for future contestants?

Be bold, take chances, network, build, experiment. Make as many films as possible. These people you work with today are the ones you’ll build your career and community with. Never let anyone tell you can’t. Go and make films by any means necessary.