What is Be Reel?

Be Reel Child & Youth Film Festival celebrates young voices through film. Over three days on Memorial Day Weekend 2026, our Maui community will gather to watch youth-created films, hear authentic stories and explore the issues that matter most to young people. 

Stories about sustainability, fairness, friendship, identity, mental health and belonging. Through a perspective that adults often miss.

Be Reel Child &
Youth Film Festival

Maui’s first film festival for kids, about kids and by kids.

When: Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2026
Where: Maui – More details to come

What you can expect:

Screenings of competition films made by Maui Youth Curated international cause-based children’s films Awards ceremony celebrating young filmmakers

Be Reel Film Competition

Screenings of competition films made by Maui Youth Curated international cause-based children’s films Awards ceremony celebrating young filmmakers

Make My Day Better

Not every young person wants to make a full film. Some might not be ready. Some might be too shy. But they still want to be heard. 

Make My Day Better gives everyone a voice. Just answer one question on video:

“What would make your day better?”

15–60 seconds. No competition. No judging.

 

Everyone who takes part gets the chance to appear in our Make My Day Better film that will premiere at the festival. Open to ages 6-20. Look for the launch February 2026.

Make My Day Better

For parents

Young filmmakers under 18 need parent or guardian permission to participate. Simple consent forms are part of the registration process for both the Film Competition and Make My Day Better.

 

We’re committed to keeping this safe, supportive and age-appropriate.

About Real Action for Kids

Be Reel is presented by Real Action for Kids (RAK), an initiative launched by Imua Family Services.

 

RAK works to raise awareness for the needs of Maui’s keiki and drive real action in our community. We unite individuals, businesses, nonprofits and community partners who believe Maui’s youth deserve every opportunity to succeed.

By championing youth storytelling through Be Reel, we recognize children and youth not just as future leaders, but as today’s changemakers.

Follow RAK:

About Imua

Be Reel is presented by Real Action for Kids (RAK), an initiative launched by Imua Family Services.

 

RAK works to raise awareness for the needs of Maui’s keiki and drive real action in our community. We unite individuals, businesses, nonprofits and community partners who believe Maui’s youth deserve every opportunity to succeed.

By championing youth storytelling through Be Reel, we recognize children and youth not just as future leaders, but as today’s changemakers.

Follow RAK:

Get involved

Want to support Be Reel? 

Interested in sponsorship or 

partnership opportunities?

Contact

Have any questions about the festival, competition or how to participate?

Contact: Brian Nagami Phone: (808) 244-7467 x302

Email: bnagami@discoverimua.com