An award-winning CSUN thesis short film written and directed by Maren Emiko Elardo. Based on true events from her mother’s childhood, Ikigai follows a young Japanese-American girl who learns to embrace and spread her culture despite being isolated in a new school primarily of white children.

Nominated for Best Production Design at the 2024 Indie Short Fest

Won Best Young Actress, Best First Time Female Director, and an Outstanding Achievement Award in Student Shorts at the 2024 Indie Short Fest