Aloha everyone! My name is Shaneika Aguilar and I am a Filipino-American photographer and filmmaker born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. My journey into the world of photography and filmmaking began in 2007, at the age of 13. My cousin picked media as her elective and it piqued my curiosity so I decided to follow in her footsteps, not knowing that this would chart the course for the rest of my life. I began as a media room assistant, operating the switcher for my middle school's morning bulletin. Shortly after, I started producing my own videos, with an early piece examining cellphone use in schools. Ever since then, the camera has become an extension of myself.

During high school, my exploration of filmmaking deepened. Here, I was blessed with peers and mentors who saw potential in me and generously dedicated their time to develop my skills, instilling the belief that my passion could also be my profession. My educational journey culminated at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Academy for Creative Media, where the academic study of cinematography, documentary, and narrative filmmaking refined my skills. It was there that my professor offered me a filmmaking position at NMG Network, where I eventually garnered 2 Emmy Awards and 5 Pele Awards from 2020-2021.

As a photographer and filmmaker, I find myself at the crossroads of many worlds—weddings, commercials, documentaries, and indie films. It's a life that takes me on adventures far and wide, which is what I cherish most about my profession. Every day presents a new chapter to film, from the intimate celebrations of love to powerful stories of social change. It's a gift to be invited into the lives of such a diverse group of people, each entrusting me with their personal stories. I find pieces of myself in their lives, growing richer in spirit with every person I meet.

At the core of my filmmaking is a deep belief that the most powerful films are rooted in authentic stories, lived experiences, and cultural histories. For me, filmmaking is not just about capturing images. It’s about fostering connection, amplifying voices, and inspiring systemic change. My work is dedicated to preserving culture and celebrating the richness of people and place, creating films that honor communities while sparking dialogue, action, and transformation that extend far beyond the screen.

I currently serve as the Film Production & Education Coordinator with Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking, where I support emerging filmmakers and provide education in the craft of filmmaking. I also collaborate with community organizations to tell local stories, preserve culture, and create meaningful impact. In addition to this role, I am actively in production on two feature-length documentaries and one narrative short film.