COMPONENTGEEK

Aloha All!

The KoAloha Ukulele Story is an animated documentary film short about Hawaii’s very own Renaissance man and inventor Alvin Okami and his amazing story about how he changed his plastics company into one of the worlds most admired and respected ukulele companies.

I had recently touched base with Alvin’s son Alan Okami VP of KoAloha Ukulele about the possibility of putting together something special for the 15th Anniversary of KoAloha.

I've had the idea for a while of sending a HD video camera to trusted individuals who would film themselves telling a story, playing a song and perhaps giving their own testimonial about their own KoAloha story.

The project is called "My KoAloha Story".

I was really moved by people’s reactions to our little animated film and how it was an opportunity for people to share their own personal stories and experiences about how they found the ukulele and found a connection to the Okami and KoAloha family.

I've had this concept set for ukulele for a while and tested it out last year with a local community project in Philadelphia working with NYC based artist Taiyo Na using his beautiful song "Lovely to Me (Immigrant Mother)".

I put the camera in the hands of the community and youth and various individual members filmed their moms and grandmothers.

I just finished it for Mothers Day and you can view it here:

Taiyo Na – Lovely to Me (Immigrant Mother) – Mothers Day Version

I hope this gives you an idea of the simple and profound concept of putting the camera in the hands of the community. My KoAloha Story is not only a celebration of KoAloha’s 15 years but a unique opportunity to connect and celebrate the whole ukulele community.

Since the KoAloha anniversary event is just around the corner I’m hoping to move quickly with this and do a short version first selecting up to seven individuals with a long form slated to finish later this year.

I have been very blessed to work with the Okami family and have had the humble honor of making a documentary animated story about Papa KoAloha that I hope captures the heart of what they do best and that's sending love out to the world with their beautiful instruments.

Papa KoAloha's story was just the seed. And I hope that you can help me by being a part of this project.  If you are a KoAloha player with your own special story to tell please share and be a part of this project. Whether you are a novice ukulele player or master, this is an opportunity to share your story and to celebrate a unique and inspirational ukulele company.

If you would like to be a part of this project or have any questions please feel free to contact me at gary@componentgeek.com.

Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Gary San Angel
Director
The KoAloha Ukulele Story