Meet Hau’oli Carr | Filmmaker & Performance Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hau’oli Carr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hau’oli, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think the simple answer is this: I was nurtured by my family and friends to believe that I could. It’s no secret that carving out a space for oneself as a career artist—whether that be filmmaking, performing, writing, whatever—is no easy feat. Anyone who makes that decision is by definition a “dreamer”, but I was fortunate enough to be showered with so much love and support as a child that I looked at my dreams as goals. Not just attainable, but almost inevitable—just as long as I keep going. I also grew up in a very creative family. My sisters are both accomplished performers and our lives have always been filled with dancing, drawing, painting, acting, singing, you name it. Luckily for me, I didn’t just have to imagine what it would be like to succeed at something like that, because I had my very own heroes to look up to. They’ve both been able to leave their mark on the world through something that speaks to their soul and I sincerely hope to do the same.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As cliché as it sounds, I just want to make art that makes you feel something. I think it’s such a gift to be able to feel our emotions–good and bad, and it’s such a beautiful thing to feel them through a work of art. As an actor and dancer, I love a good challenge. It’s our literal job to feel things wholly and to be vulnerable in front of an audience–physically and emotionally. It can take a lot out of you, but nothing feels better than being able to give your all to a character and their story.

I developed my love for acting through educational theatre at a very small private school on the island of O’ahu. My first ever role in a production was actually playing a ten-year-old boy, Jack, in the Jr. version of the Stephen Sondheim classic, “Into The Woods”. Though the memory produces a chuckle, it kickstarted an undeniable passion. Each semester following through middle and high school would be largely defined by which play or musical was slated for our intimate stage. Our drama department was not only our school’s pride and joy, but it became a second home that allowed me to develop my skills as a thespian, choreographer, and director.

Moving away to attend college marked my hiatus from theatre, but it pushed me to explore acting for the camera. During the summer between my freshman and sophomore year at SDSU, I returned home to shoot a small role in a feature film on the North Shore. It was one of those defining moments in life that tells you so clearly, “Yes, you are exactly where you need to be”. From there, I knew that studying Television and Film Production, while still allowing some room for acting and dancing, was the right path.

Though still early in my professional career, I’ve gotten the chance to work with directors who are intentional, patient, and compassionate in their collaboration. I’m grateful for their trust in me, and hope that I have been able to inspire the same sentiment in the actors who I’ve directed.

When I look toward the future, I see myself creating more film projects that incorporate music and dance. It’s such a special and fulfilling feeling when all your favorite artistic mediums can come together in one. I draw major inspiration from director Damien Chazelle and his collaborations with choreographer Mandy Moore and cinematographer Linus Sandgren. “La La Land” is the perfect example of this and something I could rewatch and rehash thousands of times.

As a proud kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) woman, I am also intent on advocating for Pacific Islanders and other underrepresented cultures alike to tell our stories authentically, unapologetically, and openly. I even simply just want to see more of us on screen and behind the scenes–and have it be known that we are worth the “risk”. Given our unique histories and perspectives, I think our peoples have a voice that offers so much richness and empathy to the entertainment and media spaces. Right now, we are slowly seeing the tide beginning to turn in terms of Pasifika visibility and I am so excited to be able to contribute to the industry in this way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being from Hawai’i, it’s no surprise that my first recommendation is It’s Raw Poke Shop in Ocean Beach. Their poke reminds me of home and is just simply ‘ono (delicious). They also sell some specialty items like kūlolo (taro dessert) and have a selection of hot dishes as well. Pro tip: grab a poke plate and drive over to Sunset Cliffs to enjoy your meal with the perfect view. My favorite concert venue in San Diego is The Observatory North Park. They always have a great lineup of artists performing and the space is beautiful. It’s intimate, but you’ve still got room to dance if you want! For drinks, make sure to visit a hidden gem called Part Time Lover. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, so I’ll leave it at that. Some popular but certainly notable mentions when visiting San Diego are: Balboa Park, Convoy Asian Cultural District, La Jolla Cove, and Seaport Village.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everything I am and my accomplishments so far have been made possible by the support of my ever-growing village. My family and friends are my rock and deserve all possible praise. Two amazing educators who have propelled my journey as a creative are my former theatre director Brandi Dul and my dance/life mentor Erick Mijares. I would also like to shoutout the Television, Film, and New Media department at San Diego State University for giving me a group of likeminded creatives who inspire me to always be a student and to uplift my peers in any way that I can. TFM alumni are some of the most generous, talented people and we truly have so much to offer. Lastly, I’d like to shoutout all of the Hawai’i-nurtured talent (directors, singers, actors, writers, dancer, choreographers, etc) who have come before me. I am so proud of where I come from and look up to those who spread the aloha spirit through their art.

Website: imdb.me/hauoli

Instagram: @spiritanimal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hauoli-carr-808/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hauolicarr

Other: https://linktr.ee/hcarr