PEAK Writers Fellowship 2026 Class: Pasifika Storytellers Kanani Koster, Erin Lau, Sean Oketani, Neil Tinkham & Pouariʻi Tanne Selected by Netflix-Backed Program

The Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) has announced its third annual PEAK Writers Fellowship cohort, naming five emerging writers of Pacific Islander descent: Kanani Koster, Erin Lau, Sean Oketani, Neil Tinkham, and Pouariʻi Tanne. Supported by Netflix, the fellowship aims to elevate Pasifika voices in the entertainment industry by offering mentorship, professional development, and industry access to writers whose work reflects Pasifika experiences. This year’s class joins a growing network of storytellers committed to authentic representation on screen. The program’s backing by a global streaming giant underscores the industry’s increasing investment in diverse narratives, and the selected writers are poised to bring fresh perspectives to mainstream media. As Pasifika stories gain visibility, initiatives like PEAK are critical for building sustainable careers and challenging Hollywood’s historically narrow portrayals of Pacific communities. The 2026 fellowship signals a continued push for inclusion behind the camera, where authentic voices can shape the stories that reach audiences worldwide.