Meet the Team

Matthew Schweitzer

A third-generation Maui local, Matty brings a wealth of experience as a filmmaker, cinematographer, and co-director to our documentary team. Beyond his technical skills, Matthew is a community leader and activist, pivotal in catalyzing grassroots disaster relief efforts in Lāhianā. His strong media presence, including features on FOX, NBC, HBO Sports, among many more, has amplified the urgency of the situation in Lāhainā and garnered crucial support. In our documentary, Matty’s perspective and dedication offers viewers powerful insight into the resilience of the community and the importance of collective action in times of crisis.

Blake Ramelb

A vital member of our filmmaking team and multi-generational Lāhainā descendant, Blake has transitioned from commercial camera work to grassroots journalism and activism following the devastating fires in Lāhainā, Hawaiʻi. Through his social media platform, Blake has become a beacon of reliable information amidst the confusion of mainstream media, providing a steady stream of relevant updates to his community. His tireless efforts have not only empowered community members to take direct action in addressing the tragedy of the Lāhainā fires but have also elevated our team’s storytelling by amplifying voices and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. Blake’s dedication and passion for his work make him an invaluable asset to both our team and to the community we serve.

De Andre Makakoa

As a resilient advocate and community leader whose family has been in Lāhainā, Hawai’i for over 15 generations, De Andre brings invaluable insight and passion to our filmmaking team. Having tragically lost his home to the fire on August 8th, De Andre’s role as a prominent figure in the Lāhainā Strong movement underscores his unwavering commitment to his community. His grassroots journalism, which sheds light on the pressing social and environmental challenges faced by Lāhainā, has not only sparked local change but has also resonated on the geopolitical front. De Andre’s profound dedication and storytelling prowess enrich our team, ensuring our films capture the depth and urgency of the issues we confront.

Phil Schlieder

Phil is an Oahu-based Hawaiʻi producer and filmmaker with over a decade of experience in the film industry, specializing in both documentary and narrative films. His extensive portfolio includes domestic and international projects, many of which have enjoyed successful runs at prestigious film festivals. Phil’s work has been featured on prominent platforms such as National Geographic, Outside Television, Amazon Prime, HBO, Hulu, Hawaiian Airlines, and in Surfer Magazine. Throughout his career, Phil has maintained a strong focus on themes of ocean conservation, community development, and the celebration of cultural diversity. His commitment to these causes is reflected in the impactful stories he tells, striving to inspire and educate audiences worldwide through the power of film.

Nina Yang Bongiovi

Nina Yang Bongiovi is a BAFTA-nominated, award-winning film producer who alongside Forest Whitaker founded Significant Productions, focusing on multi-cultural narratives with an eye on authenticity, diversity, and inclusion; a producer with stellar reputation for having in-depth knowledge of film financing, creative and physical producing, and a knack for discovering talent.

Nina has produced critically acclaimed, monetarily successful motion pictures such as Fruitvale Station by Ryan Coogler (2013), Dope by Rick Famuyiwa (2015), Songs My Brothers Taught Me by Chloe Zhao (2015), Roxanne Roxanne by Michael Larnell (2018), Sorry to Bother You by Boots Riley (2018), Passing by Rebecca Hall (2021) and more recently, Fancy Dance by Erica Tremblay (2024) -- launching some of the most prolific, auteur filmmakers’ careers through their feature directorial debuts, which all premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival within the last decade. She also executive produces the premium tv series, “Godfather of Harlem,” which is in production on its 4th season at MGM+/Amazon.

Nina is on the board CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and is a voting member of both The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences’ (AMPAS) Producers Branch and the Television Academy; she also serves on the advisory committee for Gold House’s Creative Equity Fund. Nina received her master’s degree at USC in Entertainment Management at The Annenberg School and is currently the Associate Chair of the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, shepherding the next generation of producers. Notably, Nina was awarded by Variety, the Creative Impact Award in Producing in 2023.