A Unique Opportunity Backed by Industry Giants<\/h2>\n
Supported by Netflix<\/strong>, the PEAK Writers Fellowship<\/strong> is designed to guide emerging writers in launching their careers in television. This program empowers Pasifika voices by offering tailored mentorship and resources that are critically necessary in this competitive industry. Established by Dana Ledoux Miller<\/strong>, a co-founder of PEAK, and co-managed by program director Bryson Chun<\/strong>, this fellowship stands out as the only Hollywood writing program created specifically by a Pasifika storyteller.<\/p>\n The fellowship aims to facilitate the transition of talented writers into their first staff writing roles<\/strong>. Each fellow is paired with a seasoned mentor<\/strong> from the industry, who plays a significant role in refining the writers’ original scripts. The programming includes a series of informative panels<\/strong> and discussions featuring leading voices in film and television. This structure ensures that the fellows acquire the essential tools and insights necessary to thrive in the entertainment industry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The 2023 cohort will benefit from the guidance of noteworthy industry professionals: Migizi Pensoneau<\/strong> (\u201cReservation Dogs,\u201d \u201cAlien: Earth\u201d), Dre Ryan<\/strong> (\u201cLady in the Lake\u201d), Elsie Choi<\/strong> (CJ ENM America\/Studio Dragon Global), Alex Lazarowich<\/strong> (\u201cResident Alien\u201d), and Jody Lambert<\/strong> (\u201cPeople Like Us\u201d). Their diverse backgrounds and experiences are instrumental in helping each participant hone their craft.<\/p>\n Kristian Fanene Schmidt<\/strong>, executive director and co-founder of PEAK, expressed his admiration for Dana\u2019s ability to amplify the voices of up-and-coming writers. He emphasized the profound impact they can have on the industry and noted the incredible caliber of storytelling that this cohort brings. "They\u2019re a reminder of how promising our future is,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n Benjamin Pola is a proud S\u0101moan<\/strong> writer based in Long Beach, CA. His upcoming project, \u201cKinship<\/strong>,\u201d revolves around a Samoan teenager navigating the complexities of living with his Mormon uncle, relying on his charming personality and quick wit to adapt to his new surroundings. With a graduate degree from USC\u2019s Annenberg School, Pola shifted his focus toward screenwriting to harness the potent storytelling capabilities of media. He is also working on his short film<\/strong>, \u201cTuimaseve,\u201d set to premiere at the 2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Pingi Moli<\/strong>, a first-generation Tongan American<\/strong>, explores powerful familial ties in his project \u201cNorth Shore<\/strong>.\u201d The narrative focuses on the Kuali\u02bbi family, who are embroiled in a battle to defend their ancestral land against a myriad of forces. Moli, having gained a reputation in stunts through films like \u201cFast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw<\/strong>,\u201d continues to leverage his athletic background in his storytelling.<\/p>\n With a sharp tongue and a reluctant spirit, Ciara Lacy<\/strong> introduces a unique blend of comedy and insight in her project \u201cPet Psychic<\/strong>.\u201d This narrative explores the whimsical life of a reluctant pet psychic navigating Brooklyn’s eccentric pet owners. Lacy\u2019s impressive portfolio includes showcasing her works at prestigious festivals like Sundance<\/strong> and Berlinale<\/strong>, bringing forth powerful narratives that resonate widely.<\/p>\n Lauren To\u02bbomalatai<\/strong>, a S\u0101moan filmmaker<\/strong>, presents \u201cThe Moana Guild<\/strong>,\u201d which takes audiences on an exploration of family and legacy after the death of her protagonist\u2019s mother. As a lead programmer for the M\u0101sima Film Festival<\/strong>, To\u02bbomalatai is dedicated to elevating Pacific Island stories and voices within the industry.<\/p>\n Conrad Lihilihi<\/strong> uses his humorous lens to tackle contemporary issues in his project \u201cAloha, Please Hold<\/strong>.\u201d The narrative offers a comedic yet insightful peek into the dynamics of the hospitality industry in Hawaii. Lihilihi’s knack for genre blend aims to tackle cultural themes through an entertaining format that educates and informs.<\/p>\n The second cohort of the PEAK Writers Fellowship<\/strong> symbolizes a significant step forward in increasing representation and diverse storytelling within Hollywood. With the backing of seasoned mentors and a supportive framework, these five writers are poised to make substantial contributions to the entertainment industry. Their unique stories promise to resonate with audiences, ensuring that Pasifika narratives are heard and celebrated.<\/p>\nMentorship from Industry Leaders<\/h2>\n
Profiles of the 2023 Cohort<\/h2>\n
Benjamin Pola \u2013 \u201cKinship\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"Benjamin](\"https:\/\/variety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Benjamin-Pola-e1747755575479.jpg?w=500\")
<\/p>\nPingi Moli \u2013 \u201cNorth Shore\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"Pingi](\"https:\/\/variety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pingi-Moli.jpg?w=427\")
<\/p>\nCiara Lacy \u2013 \u201cPet Psychic\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"Ciara](\"https:\/\/variety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ciara-Lacy-e1747755558346.jpg?w=500\")
<\/p>\nLauren To\u02bbomalatai \u2013 \u201cThe Moana Guild\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/variety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lauren-Toomalatai-e1747755543210.jpg?w=500\")
<\/p>\nConrad Lihilihi \u2013 \u201cAloha, Please Hold\u201d<\/h3>\n
![\"Conrad](\"https:\/\/variety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Conrad-Lihilihi-e1747755517374.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n