MAISA

I was looking for parking at Ala Moana Center when I got the call. An old friend, Ty Robinson, and Michael Ceballos of Twiddle Productions were creating an animated short based on a Guam legend called "The Maidens That Saved Guam." It had a giant fish, a spunky heroine, and it would be the very first Chamorro language animated film.

They had me at giant fish.

This little short turned out to be a wonderful experience. I got to dip my toes in the process of animation and I had the honor of literally writing a piece of Guam history, working with the Guam Department of Education, Special Projects Division. The reaction to the film in Guam was overwhelming. As it screened in schools and theaters throughout Guam, we watched as it reignited excitement for Chamorro language and history. In the end, I couldn't be prouder to have written on a script that's had such a positive effect on the kids and culture of Guam.

And the giant fish was pretty cool too.