"Every Day in Kaimukī," which is having its world premiere at Sundance, is one of those low-key gems that are wonderful to discover at a festival. It is a small, slice-of-life debut film co-written and directed by Alika Tengan, and featuring a charismatic performance by co-writer Naz Kawakami, playing a version of himself. Set and shot in Honolulu during the pandemic (but not about the pandemic) the film has a scrappy indie feel that is endearing. This was obviously a labor of love for Tengan and Kawakami, and viewers who are fortunate to see it and sink into its everyday rhythms will appreciate its modest charms.
In the film, Naz (Kawakami) is spending his last weeks in Honolulu as he and his girlfriend, Sloane (Rina White) are planning to move to New York City. The 20-something Naz works as a DJ for the local community radio station, KTUH, and skates with his friends — who have a bet going whether Naz will actually leave. Much of "Every Day in Kaimukī" features scenes of Naz hanging out and planning the move; he says he feels stuck in Honolulu because he does not feel he belongs in this city where he was born. How Naz confronts the decision point regarding his departure shapes the drama and provides its poignancy.
