About Tina Imahara

A fourth generation Japanese American, Tina received her MFA from the Editing Program at the American Film Institute (AFI) where she was the recipient of a full scholarship awarded to one student within the program. She also holds a BFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Art/Visual Communications//Documentary Photography.

In her 20 year career, Tina has edited over 60 films. GANG TAPES, A Lions Gate Production, received 9 nominations at the 2002 DVD Exclusive Awards including BEST EDITING. In addition, Tina has edited the compelling documentary, ON TIP TOE, the story of the Grammy Award winning South African Musical Group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and their rise above apartheid.

ON TIP TOE won the prestigious International Documentary Association (IDA) Award and was honored with ACADEMY AWARD and EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS.

Tina served as Lead Editor of FUEL, a feature documentary addressing America’s addiction to oil and the search for clean, sustainable energy. FUEL received a JURY PRIZE AWARD NOMINATION and won THE AUDIENCE AWARD for BEST DOCUMENTARY at the 2008 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL where it received 11 standing ovations. FUEL was also Short Listed for the 2009 Academy Awards.

In 2009, Tina edited HOUSE UNDER SIEGE, a dramatic thriller featuring Oscar nominated actress, Sally Kirkland. In 2010, Tina edited HARMONY, a documentary feature film and NBC Prime Time Special in collaboration with HRH The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) addressing climate change and innovative solutions to the global environmental crisis. HARMONY was presented by Prince Charles and Robert Redford at the opening of the newly established SUNDANCE LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 2012.

In late 2010, Tina co-edited, THE BIG FIX, a powerful, investigative reporting style documentary, revealing the corruption behind the BP Gulf Oil Spill. THE BIG FIX was honored as the only U.S. documentary to be an Official Selection at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 5 minute standing ovation from a sold out audience.

On Mother’s Day, 2013, Lifetime Network premiered DEAR MOM, LOVE CHER, a documentary produced by Cher, giving a peek to her family history, while honoring her vibrant and inspirational 86 year old mother, Georgia Holt. Tina served as editor.

Currently, Tina is editing, EAR BUDS: THE PODCAST DOCUMENTARY, a feature film exploring the unique personal connection between podcasters and their fans.