MARINE DRIVE MAGAZINE
PUTTING GUAM ON THE MAP
By Rai Jai Babauta
October 2008, Issue 142, page 39

You know how there are some days when we get stuck in a rut and we feel like this island, which we call home, has nothing to offer us? You become irritated with your life or tired of the same routine. Then before you know it, you're packing up your quick dries and zories into an overweight duffle while smelling the barbecue organized in honor of your departure. MDM ran into two local brothers, Don and Kel Muna, who did just that. After an inspirational interview with the guys, we were touched to discover that they are trying to help inspire a whole new generation of Guam artists in any field to confidently pursue their creative dreams. Kel couldn't have said it better, "Guam is a state of mind and state of heart. It is what you make of it. If you feel trapped, it is because your mind has got you trapped. Guam for budding artists has a lot to offer."

The Muna brothers are the producers of "Shiro's Head", their first feature-length film shot on Guam utilizing cinematic visions and highlighting the talent from fresh, local faces. After placing their business, Rockford Images, LLC, on hold to travel 17 hours and 6,400 miles overseas from California back to Guam, the brothers had to fully believe in the idea of their movie. With no cast, crew and cash, this daunting venture did not deter the headstrong duo. They were determined to endure any unforeseen predicaments and face all trials in the name of artistry.

"We were scared but willing to take the risk. But I think I speak for both of us when I say that we were at the point in our lives when we were fed up with just talking about it," Don told MDM. His older brother Kel also added that they possessed a dauntless attitude and inner confidence so that no matter which way the tide turned, they knew they would finish the project. Don and Kel said that they banked on the local talent on Guam. They understood that the island does have great raw talent - a lot of people had something to offer, but just didn't have the resources. "We both wanted to come in and be that resource for them to have the chance to explore their artistic side and bring it to another level."

Sure in L.A. or New York, there are a myriad of hungry actors eager to get a hit in any type of film. The brothers knew the talent could be sourced on Guam, but how receptive they would be to their concept was another obstacle. Artists are about giving your whole self to whatever your craft is about. From the passion that Don and Kel displayed when talking about "Shiro's Head", it wasn't surprising the people they approached did not feel insecure about becoming involved in their project.

The guys call "Shiro's Head" a true grass-roots, do-it-yourself, independent project. How did they stay so focused? "Nobody will really 100% care for your project as an artist as much as you do. Nobody's really going to see the vision you have as an artist the way you would," says Kel. The guys also attribute their passion to their upbringing. Coming from a single-parent home with many siblings challenged their creativity as kids. "We had to entertain ourselves because we couldn't afford the toys. Being raised in an eclectic household caused us to be creative," Kel recalls.

Leaving the states and returning to Guam has been a great thing for the guys. "I am very happy with how 'Shiro's Head' has come to life. I am extremely thankful and grateful for what we've accomplished. I am very happy for the collaborative support. We did this for Guam, we could have made a movie about skaters in Santa Monica, but we didn't want to do that," Kel tells MDM.

"Shiro's Head" has gained some international recognition. It was officially selected to be screened during the Louis Vuitton 28th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival in Honolulu from Oct.9 to 19. The Muna brothers' production was screened at the first annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival on Sept. 3. (corrected: "Shiro's Head" will be screened on Saturday, October 11th at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival).

With their background and that intrepid mentality, the entire production took about four months to complete, starting January 2007 and wrapping in May. An additional year was needed to complete editing and other post-production applications. "Shiro's Head" is scheduled to be screened the first week of October, but the dates and venue have yet to be determined. A portion of the Muna Bros. profits will be benefiting Erica's House - a family visitation center. General admission viewings are scheduled on Oct. 4 and 5 at the Agana Shopping Center Stadium Theaters, but time slots are still in the works.

After all the hard work, traveling and uncertainty, MDM asked the guys how they felt about their experience. Being big fans of The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, the brothers recalled a quote from one of his episodes that said "Not dead, can't quit." Living life by this motto, the brothers have definitely overcome many obstacles. "Shiro's Head" is the first idea that they saw through from the beginning to the end.

"Words cannot do justice to explain my fulfillment. It's not that I don't care what people think, but it's a personal piece and I like it! Now I'm excited to get the next one started. I don't want to stop," said Don. If you have a passion regardless of age - follow it! Kel definitely advocates to parents to encourage their kids to follow their passion. The brother's mission: "A long story short...we want to keep making movies hopes that we can inspire someone to follow their dreams by utilizing our 'family resource model' of getting things done, creating jobs, giving back to our community and maybe someday make movies become one of Guam's biggest export". Don and Kel also express deep appreciation for the support from their cast, crew, family members, friends and all sponsors involved with the project.