Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring Yokai to life.
 

Logline

A Japanese American witch, trapped in 1942, must join forces with her grandfather to stop a world-threatening wizard, all while facing the horrors of a WWII incarceration camp.

Synopsis

Yokai is a proof of concept short film for a series where a Japanese American witch, Kimmie Takahashi, gets trapped in 1942 during an attack by an evil wizard, KuraKage, a man inflamed with fury to take over the world. Kimmie teams up with her grandfather, Barry, who she cannot escape his shadow, to track him down. But before they can stop him, time runs out when they are placed in an incarceration camp Manzanar. KuraKage unleashes evil monsters throughout time and space, leaving Barry and Kimmie to fix the mess that he started. In the series, Kimmie keeps her identity a secret and struggles to find her confidence. She finds her footing with the help of Barry as they move through time to capture what was unleashed.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Mary Tamura — Creator/Writer/Executive Producer
Introducing Mary Tamura from Majikku Media, the writer and producer behind Yokai! A proud Japanese American and native Angeleno, Mary is a passionate storyteller with a love for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror. With her production company, Majikku Media, she’s on a mission to bring more diversity to Hollywood and empower AAPI voices. Mary’s writing has been recognized in top screenplay competitions, and her journey has been highlighted in ShoutoutLA, VoyageLA, and Bold Journey. Through Yokai, Mary hopes to inspire the AAPI community to keep sharing their stories.

Christine W. Chen — Director
Christine W. Chen is our director. She is an Academy qualified film producer, director and writer. Since 2010, Christine has made over 15 short films, 2 feature films, and helped to produce, direct, and edit many others. Christine’s films have played at New Orleans Film Festival, Hollyshorts, and Bermuda International Film Festival. Her most recent project, a feminist thriller swamp mermaid film, Erzulie, is now available on video on demand. In addition to directing, she is a full-time DGA QL 1st Assistant Director in the industry since 2016. Her newly self-published book for aspiring filmmakers, Get Reelisms, was released in 2019.

Temitope Oguntolu — Producer
Temitope Oguntolu, a CSUN business grad, steps into her first producer role with Yokai. Temi has been there to read all of Mary’s writing and has experience as a talent manager and production assistant. Temi and Mary have been friends since high school and are excited to bring this project to life.

Taylor Hampton — Producer
Taylor Hampton, a CSUN Cinema and Television Arts grad, is jumping back into the world of freelance producing. Mary and Taylor first met as Warner Bros. tour guides and have collaborated on projects such as Look-a-Likes for AGBO’s No Sleep Til. Taylor has helped Mary develop Yokai over the years and is happy to see it come alive.

Gabriel Arajulo — Director of Photography
Gabriel Arajulo is our Director of Photography. Growing up in Massachusetts as a first-generation child of Brazilian immigrants, films became Gabriel’s companions, paving the path to his love for visual storytelling. He’s on a mission to merge diverse influences into his cinematic narratives and believes in authentic storytelling that resonates deeply, capturing candid human moments while preserving the beauty of each frame.

Mari Takahashi — Actor
Meet Mari Takahashi, who will be playing our main protagonist, Kimmie. Mari is a Japanese-American actor, award-winning host, and gaming pioneer. A classically trained ballet dancer turned digital trailblazer, Mari seamlessly blends traditional entertainment with online media. From her YouTube OG roots to hosting for Netflix, and even modeling for Minecraft, she’s redefining the future of entertainment with her bold, innovative approach. Whether on screen or online, Mari lights up every project with her unique blend of artistry and creativity, inviting everyone to live a life less ordinary.

Make a donation to Yokai.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.