Sienna Nordstrom '25 on what makes La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls so special.

Meet Sienna, a proud graduate of the Class of 2025. During her years at La Pietra, she discovered new passions, formed lasting friendships, and found her voice through filmmaking. Alongside her classmates, she created “Book in Time,” a short film that was selected for the 2025 Hawai‘i International Film Festival ‘Ōpio Fest. Their success reflects the collaborative spirit and creative freedom our students experience every day. 

"Book in Time" tells the story of a teenage girl who, after discovering her grandmother’s old yearbook, is transported back in time to experience her grandmother’s senior year. Through this journey, she gains a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to give her the opportunities she has today.

"Our students put so much heart and dedication into bringing this story to life in what was our first ever Filmmaking & Production Class. I’m incredibly proud of the creativity and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the process," said Ixchel López, Filmmaking & Production teacher and executive producer of the film. "Having their work recognized by HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest is an incredible achievement, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience their vision on screen." 

Now a student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Sienna continues to pursue her love of local filmmaking.

Student filmmaker Sienna Nordstrom shares what inspired the film and the creative process behind it on Hawaii News Now - Sunrise.