Kutturan CHamoru Foundation

Gi Hiyong I Gima'
(Outside the House)

Production Team for The Stirring Place Hosts Energetic Table Read in Long Beach

February 20, 2026

On Saturday, February 7, the creative team behind The Stirring Place, a feature film rooted in the stories and spirit of Guam and the Marianas, gathered for an exciting milestone: the project’s second table read. Cast members, crew, and community supporters filled the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PieAM) in Long Beach, CA, where the script came to life through lively performances and plenty of laughter at the story’s timely punchlines.

Writer/Director Niel Tinkham guided the session, offering insight and direction as the actors brought the story off the page. Reflecting on the morning, he shared, “It was great hearing the reactions from people and it showed us they were really connecting with the story.” Writer Freddie Guttierez, a former dancer with Kutturan CHamoru Foundation, echoed that sentiment, noting how impressed he was with the cast’s energy and delivery throughout the read.

Producer Lailanie Gadia expressed her excitement about how far the story has evolved since its early drafts, adding that its themes feel universal and will resonate deeply with Indigenous communities around the world. PieAM Director Frani Lujan also shared her enthusiasm for hosting the event, saying, “We’re so happy to have the production utilize the space, and after hearing the story, there is no other place more fitting for The Stirring Place than PieAM.”

Stay connected for more updates by following @thestirringplacemovie on Instagram.

Echoes of Inafa’maolek: Teddy Salas’ Art of Sound

November 17, 2025

Teddy Salas exemplifies how CHamoru talent thrives far beyond the stage. A seasoned sound engineer, Teddy has built an impressive career at Sony Pictures Studios as a Re recording Mixer, Mix Stage Engineer, and Mix Technician. Since joining in 2018, he has contributed to the audio excellence of major film and television productions, earning recognition from the Cinema Audio Society and nominations at the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards.

His commitment to cultural preservation is equally profound. Teddy played a pivotal role in the Guam Museum’s I Hinanao ta permanent exhibit, designing the ambient soundscape and opening video sound design that immerse visitors in Guam’s history and environment. Through this work, he ensured that the voices and rhythms of the island resonate with every visitor.

Originally from the villages of Santa Rita and Agat, Teddy embodies the CHamoru value of inafa’maolek “harmony and mutual respect”. His journey reflects how professional excellence and cultural pride can walk hand in hand, inspiring others to pursue their passions while staying rooted in identity and tradition.

Kutturan CHamoru Foundation (KCF) proudly supports “The Stirring Place”

November 17, 2025

As part of our mission to preserve and uplift CHamoru culture through the arts, KCF is honored to serve as the fiscal sponsor for “The Stirring Place” movie. This powerful project is led by a production team with deep roots in Guam and the Marianas, and by supporting their vision, we continue our commitment to sharing and celebrating CHamoru identity with the world.

Established in 1993 and based in Long Beach, California, KCF has spent the past 30 years preserving CHamoru heritage through song, dance, language, and career guidance. Since becoming a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008, we’ve expanded our reach to support cultural projects like this film.

As fiscal sponsor, we are excited to announce that all donations made are “tax-deductible”. If you haven’t had the chance to contribute yet, now is the perfect time to help bring this story to life.

We are proud to stand alongside the filmmakers of “The Stirring Place” and invite our community to join us in supporting this important cultural work.

Donate today and be sure to select “The Stirring Place” so your contributions directly support this production. Every dollar helps us uplift CHamoru voices and bring this important story to our community.

From Guam to the Garage: Culture in Motion

November 17, 2025

Johnathan Tedtaotao’s artistry extends far beyond a KCF Dance Dad, finding expression in the custom designs of his cars. As the founder of the Islanders Car Club, Johnathan has built a community where automotive creativity and Islander identity come together. For him, each car is more than transportation, it is a canvas. Through custom paintwork, detailing, and design, he transforms vehicles into rolling works of art that reflect both individuality and cultural pride.

Deeply proud of his Islander roots from Guam, Johnathan carries his heritage into every aspect of his work. Alongside his wife Nia, who is from Samoa, he celebrates the shared values of family, resilience, and artistry that unite Pacific Island cultures.

Under Johnathan’s leadership, the Islanders Car Club has become more than a showcase of cars; it is a gathering place where families connect, younger generations are mentored, and Islander culture is proudly represented in the broader automotive world. His journey shows that CHamoru and Samoan pride can thrive in unexpected spaces, proving that culture is not limited to performance, it can be lived, driven, and displayed with every custom design.

From Fafa’någue to Hall of Fame

November 17, 2025

She’s no stranger to breaking barriers. This year, our fearless leader, Heidi Chargualaf-Quenga was the first CHamoru inductee into the San Francisco Pacific Islander Sports & Fitness Hall of Fame (2025), a recognition that cements her legacy as one of the most influential voices in Pacific Islander arts and culture.

But Heidi’s impact goes beyond titles. From leading community response teams in Southern California, serving as Vice President of the Pacific Islander Health Partnership, and mentoring cultural houses from San Diego to Texas and beyond.

Her induction into the Hall of Fame is a celebration of CHamoru resilience, artistry, and leadership on a national stage. Heidi Chargualaf-Quenga reminds us that culture is preserved, along with being lived, shared, and honored.