Maiki (pronounced ‘Mikey’) Kayo is a Japanese American writer-director raised in Honolulu and Tokyo. Holding an MFA in Film Production (Directing) from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Maiki completed industry-standard training in directing, set protocol, producing, writing, casting, production coordinating/assisting, editing, and digital workflow. Some of her mentors include John Badham (Saturday Night Fever), Pavel Jech, Rob Bailey (The Wire, CSI), and Nana Greenwald (Seven). Maiki has also interned for Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger of Bona Fide Productions (Little Miss Sunshine, Nebraska) as a production development intern.
As a writer-director, Maiki is passionate about telling stories that explore the untraditional forms 'connection' can take, especially as it relates to culture, love, and family. Maiki has directed SAG-AFTRA productions and talent, with several of her films being Official Selections and Honorable Mentions at both domestic and international film festivals. Her most recent SAG Micro-Budget film, Dokomademo (To Anywhere) (2025, Pre-Premiere), is currently under consideration for 2026-2027 festivals.
Currently, Maiki works a freelance director, writer, editor, producer, assistant, and screen actor. She’s particularly passionate about supporting women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, student, and non-profit creatives and causes. As a filmmaker, some themes she’s currently interested in are heritage, nature, embodiment/the body, and comedy, and some avenues of storytelling she’s interested in are documentary, digital media, and dance/movement.
Outside of film, Maiki has experience in creative direction, content management, teaching, event planning, and Japanese/English interpretation. In her free time, she loves to cook, read, enjoy parks, find the best mom and pop shops in town, and spend time with her loved ones.
Maiki also holds a BA in Cultural Studies, Film Studies, and East Asian Cultural Studies from McGill University.
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
“Kitchen” by Yoshimoto Banana