Director, Screenwriter, and Editor

Kalani is a New York based writer and director whose work explores identity, trauma, and representation. Growing up in Connecticut, she developed an intense fascination with storytelling, which only deepened after attending a NYC film summer camp. A year later, her film was selected to premiere at the Junior Tribeca Film Festival.

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She went on to attend a performing arts magnet high school, where she built a strong foundation in film. For her senior thesis, she directed Imprisoned, a psychological short about a group of high schoolers trapped in a science laboratory. This project sparked her interest in the psychological genre, as she became captivated by crafting characters and placing them in environments that push the boundaries of their minds.

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Now studying at Pratt Institute, Kalani continues to refine her filmmaking skills, exploring different forms of storytelling through narrative shorts, music videos, and short documentaries. Through creating these films, she rediscovered her intrigue for psychologically driven stories that examine identity, memory, and emotional resilience. A common thread she found in her work being the exploration of the human experience. Throughout this journey, Kalani has found her passion for using film to connect communities by shedding light on underrepresented realities and reminding others they are not alone in their struggles.