Maiki (pronounced ‘Mikey’) Kayo is a Japanese American writer-director raised in Honolulu and Tokyo. Maiki is interested in telling stories that explore the untraditional forms 'connection' can take, especially as it relates to culture, love, family, womanhood, spirituality, and nature.
Holding an MFA in Film Production (Directing) from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Maiki is trained in set protocol, directing, writing, producing, editing, digital workflow, production assisting, and more. Maiki is currently an intern with HIKARI (Rental Family, Beef), and a freelance director, writer, editor, and screen actor. She has also interned with Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger of Bona Fide Productions (Little Miss Sunshine, Nebraska).
Thus far, Maiki has directed six short films of which she's also written half. Maiki's most recent SAG Micro-budget short, Dokomademo (To Anywhere), is currently under consideration for 2026-2027 festivals and stars Yutaka Takeuchi (Shogun), Sachi Hayashi (Will & Grace), and Marcha Kia (Law & Order).
As a filmmaker, Maiki's particularly eager to support women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, student, and non-profit creatives and causes. Some avenues of storytelling she's currently interested in are digital medial, documentary, dance/movement, and music video.
Outside of film, Maiki has a background in Cultural Studies, Film Studies, and East Asian Cultural Studies through a BA from McGill University. She also has professional experience in 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
Yi Yi by Edward Yang, 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