“SHAKA, A Story of Aloha” Set for Digital Debut on VOD Platforms Jan. 16, 2026
Los Angeles, CA – December 30, 2025 – Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, proudly announces the acquisition of VOD rights to the documentary SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA, which will be available to rent/own on North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as DVD, starting January 16, 2026.
SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA explores the mysterious origins of Hawaii’s iconic hand sign. The film opens at a Shaka Contest and follows Steve Sue as he investigates its roots across surfing, politics, pop culture—even war. His five-year quest leads to kupuna Aunty Kekela Miller and a trail of clues spanning Miss Universe, Elvis, leprosy colonies, and ancient photo archives. The journey ends with the story of Hamana Kalili, a beloved North Shore figure whose missing fingers and wave inspired generations. Framed as a lighthearted “who dunnit,” the film reveals how the Shaka became a global symbol of Aloha—and launches Project Shaka to keep it going. The film features original music by Henry Kapono and includes performances by Tavana, Kimee Miner, Kealoha, Ana Vee, Angela Escontrias and the Kailua School of Music.
Produced and written by Steve Sue and directed by Alexander Bocchieri, SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA was produced by ID8, a Honolulu-based 501C3 non-profit and was executive produced by Steve Sue and Bryan Spicer.
“SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA is a quest to discover the secrets to creating paradise,” said filmmaker Steve Sue. “I am hopeful that this film offers a much-needed antidote to the challenges left by the pandemic and recent acidic politics. The goal of it is to inspire, uplift, and unite people through the spirit of Aloha.”
SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA was an official selection at numerous film festivals, winning awards including Peopleʻs Choice Award for Best Feature Documentary at Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF).
Freestyle Digital Media negotiated a deal to acquire SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA directly with the filmmakers and Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films.
Key Assets:
SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/q21n7Fjz2MA
SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA key art: https://app.box.com/s/wb0mmpoqt69icj0c9rbfpt8g50vqofio
SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA stills: https://app.box.com/s/evnytd9m2oz0amd6c2cvivvo5uj70jpe
SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA: www.shakafilm.com
About ID8
Founded in 2012, ID8 grew from a lemonade stand contest at ʻIolani School into a Honolulu-based 501(C)(3) that fosters ideation and expression to create positive impacts. See ID8.org
Media Contact:
Steve Sue
(808) 220-6449
@histevesue (all social channels)
steve@id8.org
About Freestyle Digital Media
The digital distribution unit of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, Freestyle Digital Media, is a premiere multi-platform distributor with direct partnerships across all major cable, satellite, digital, and streaming platforms. Capitalizing on a robust infrastructure, proven track record, and a veteran sales team, Freestyle Digital Media is a true home for independent films. Recent releases include ALLSWELL IN NEW YORK starring Emmy award-winning actress Liza Colón-Zayas from the hit FX series THE BEAR, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES starring Josh Radnor and Rob Huebel, the drama based on a novel THE GHOST TRAP starring Zak Steiner from EUPHORIA and Greer Grammer of AWKWARD, and the Weekly World News horror-comedy THE ZOMBIE WEDDING. Other Freestyle Digital Media titles include THE ROAD DOG starring comedian Doug Stanhope, SURVIVE starring HBO’s GAME OF THRONES star Sophie Turner and Corey Hawkins, the music documentary profiling blues guitar legends Jimmie Vaughan and Stevie Ray Vaughan, BROTHERS IN BLUES, DEAR ZOE starring Sadie Sink from the hit Netflix series STRANGER THINGS, Jessica Capshaw and Theo Rossi, the teen musical BEST SUMMER EVER featuring a fully integrated cast and crew of people with and without disabilities, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary Steenburgen, and Ted Danson, and THE WEDDING YEAR starring Sarah Hyland and Anna Camp.
For more information, visit:
www.allenmedia.tv
www.freestyledigitalmedia.tv
Contacts:
Eric Peterkofsky / Sarah Madden
Allen Media Group/Freestyle Digital Media
eric@es.tv
sarah.madden@es.tv