A student film created at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has earned international recognition at the South Pacific International Film Festival. “Praying Mantis,” written and directed by UH Mānoa student Hulita Drake, was named among the winners of the 2025 festival in the zero budget category.
The film tells the story of a young woman who attends a college costume party dressed as a praying mantis, only to find herself out of place until a chance encounter changes the course of her night. What begins as a seemingly romantic connection unravels into disappointment, sparking a journey of obsession, prayer and unexpected action.
Drake collaborated with fellow UH students Lauren Piehler, who served as cinematographer, and AJ Taylor, who handled sound recording. The production also received support from other classmates, and community members Olivia Vela and Jase Andrews starred in leading roles.
Drake and members of the student team traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, for the festival’s October 7 celebration event. The trip marked an opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage while connecting with filmmakers from across the Pacific.
“Receiving this recognition at the South Pacific International Film Festival is an incredible honor,” said Drake, who earned a BA in theatre and is working on a second bachelor’s degree in digital cinema from the UH Mānoa School of Cinematic Arts. “It’s a testament to the creativity, dedication and collaboration of our entire UH Mānoa student team. Being able to share ‘Praying Mantis’ on an international stage and connect with filmmakers from across the Pacific has been an inspiring experience that I will always cherish.”
“Praying Mantis” is currently screening on the film festival circuit and isn’t yet available to the public, but Drake hopes to release it on YouTube in the future.
The South Pacific International Film Festival highlights emerging and independent filmmakers from across the region. This year’s slate featured winners from the U.S., New Zealand, Indonesia and Fiji. “Praying Mantis” was one of three films from the U.S. selected for recognition.
