Dream of Hawaii | A Journey of Connection, Creativity, and Farewell

This film captures a deeply personal chapter of my life — a time when the island of Oahu became more than just a tropical destination. It became the backdrop for a series of meaningful encounters, lasting memories, and emotional goodbyes.

I met Matthias, a fellow filmmaker, for the very first time in Hawaii — even though we’re both from Germany. We originally connected through the Kolder Creative filmmaking masterclass, and after one video call, it was clear that our bond went far deeper than just creative collaboration. Meeting in person, by pure coincidence on the other side of the world, felt like something that was always meant to happen. From day one, Matthias felt like the brother I never had — and in many ways, I became that for him too. We only had sisters growing up, and maybe that’s why this kind of connection felt so powerful.

Together, we spent several months on Oahu, focusing not just on filmmaking, but on human connection — meeting incredible people, exploring the spirit of the island, and grounding ourselves in presence.

This trip also marked the last time I ever saw my dear friend Kelan Dammers. We shared our final skydive together — a helicopter jump over the Hawaiian coastline. Later that year, Kelan tragically passed away during a wingsuit base jump. His presence in this film is a tribute to the light he carried and shared with the world.

Everything you see in this video was filmed on the Sony A7S III, FX3, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, and DJI Air.
The soundtrack, Memories of Paradise, was composed and produced by me, Jonas Dahlke, and will be available on all major music platforms soon!

This is more than just a travel video. It’s a memory, a farewell, and a celebration of brotherhood, creativity, and human connection.

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