Maiki (pronounced ‘Mikey’) Kayo is a Japanese American writer-director raised in Honolulu and Tokyo. Maiki is passionate about telling stories that explore the untraditional forms 'connection' can take, especially as it relates to culture, love, and family.
Holding an MFA in Film Production (Directing) from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Maiki completed industry-standard training in set protocol, directing, producing, writing, editing, digital workflow, production assisting & coordinating, and more. Maiki has been mentored by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever), Pavel Jech (The Prague Orgy), and Rob Bailey (CSI, The Wire), and has also completed an internship in Production Development with Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger of Bona Fide Productions (Little Miss Sunshine, Nebraska).
Thus far, Maiki has directed several award-winning short films, working with SAG-AFTRA productions and talent. Her most recent SAG Microbudget short, Dokomademo (To Anywhere) (2025), is currently under consideration for 2026-2027 festivals.
Currently, Maiki works primarily as a freelance director, writer, editor, producer, assistant, and screen actor, working with a variety of filmmakers across the US. She’s particularly eager to support women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, student, and non-profit creatives and causes.
Outside of film, Maiki has a background in Cultural Studies, Film Studies, and East Asian Cultural Studies through a BA from McGill University. Professionally, Maiki also has experience in creative direction, content management, teaching, event planning, and Japanese/English interpretation. In her free time, Maiki loves to cook, read, enjoy parks, find the best mom and pop shops in town, and spend time with her loved ones.
Favorites:
Aftersun by Charlotte Wells, Persona by Ingmar Bergman,
anything Trixie and Katya, Ladybird by Greta Gerwig
Currently reading:
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
「キッチン」吉本ばなな/著