“Ohana is a Hawaiian word—well known to fans of the film Lilo & Stitch—and it means family,” Bernabei explained. “It will be a family for those who work with me, a family for those who watch the series and films we will create. And, as in every true family, no one will be left behind.” In an interview with La Stampa, Bernabei revealed that the idea of creating a new company had been in the works for some time. Initially, the launch was planned for a few years down the line, but as he put it, “I simply brought the timeline forward.”
According to Tivù, Bernabei emphasized that the productions of Ohana will pursue a different path from those he oversaw at Lux Vide. The new company's core values will center on "respect" and the central role of the family, not just as a storytelling theme but as the fundamental building block of society and institutions. Ohana Productions already has projects in development, both in Italian and English, all with international ambitions.
Reflecting on his journey with Lux Vide, Bernabei wrote on LinkedIn: "I am stepping away from the helm of the most extraordinary production company in Italy. Today, I leave behind a Lux that is full of projects, extraordinary talents, and countless opportunities for the future. I want to thank my team—those who remain—and this incredible crew of pirates who helped me bring ashore projects that sometimes seemed impossible."
He added: "Now, I’m sailing just a few miles further north, still doing what I love, what I’ve been called to do, and what my mentors taught me: producing stories for people who need to laugh, cry, and dream."
As Tivù reports, with Ohana Productions, Bernabei is charting a new course where creative freedom, emotional storytelling, and a sense of community will be the compass guiding his future projects.
photo FabioIovino
