Filmmaker Christopher Yogi is trying to get funding for his latest short film “Obake”. In an effort to pay tribute to the Nisei and Sansei generations in Hawai‘i, this short film was inspired by the recent loss of his two grandfathers, the generation that built Hawai‘i into the place that it is today. This film is dedicated to them.

OBAKE is a ghost story but not in the traditional sense. It follows an old Japanese man living out his last days in his countryside home. As he lies ill, time becomes malleable, the past and present converge and we experience his life as a young man in 1930s Hawaii. As young Japanese teen, he must say goodbye to a young love whom is moving back to Japan for schooling. He doesn’t know this at the time but because of the outbreak of the war, he will never see this young woman again. Stylistically, the film will be a quiet and dream-like, weaving in and out of the past and present to capture the lyrical nature of time and memory.

This short film will run around 10-15 minutes and will be shot on-location in Hawaii, using local cast and talent. Post-production will be completed in Los Angeles. In addition to paying for equipment and travel, your pledges will go toward costumes, set design, insurance, food for the crew, and the myriad of small expenses that go toward bringing a high-quality film to life. You can help fund the project here.

Obake short film promo

Also support Hibakusha, an animated documentary about the atomic bombing of Japan.