THE CAST
Meet the Cast of Just Kaz
KAZ
Played by Tai Leathem
KAZ is quiet kid with a camera and a storm in his chest. Kaz doesn’t say much—but he sees everything. He’s desperate to connect, but terrified of being smothered. Raised to hate part of himself, and afraid he’ll turn out like the father he secretly longs to know, Kaz is caught between rebellion and empathy. He blends in like wallpaper, but behind the lens, he’s wild, boundless, alive. What he wants is simple: to be seen without being swallowed.
HAN
Played by Mayumi Yoshida
HAN is Kaz’s mom. Think: messy glam, questionable parenting, and an unshakable belief that she’s the coolest mom alive (objectively). She talks like your best friend but hovers like a helicopter. Her parenting style? Mac n’ cheese, cigarettes, and slightly unhinged pep talks. She’s a lovable wreck who means well—just... too much.
PINEAPPLE
Played by Moheb Jindran
PINEAPPLE is a part-time rapper, full-time try-hard. Pineapple is all style, hype, and front—until the act cracks. He wants to be the guy with bars, swagger, and street cred, but he’s also the kid who crashes at whoever’s house has food. The gang is his family, his mixtape is his diary, and Kaz? Kaz might be the first real friend he’s had.
BLOOD ORANGE
Played by RJ Bahdadneya
BLOOD ORANGE is a teenage warlord with a God complex and a deeply buried mommy wound. Orange leads his prank gang like it’s a resistance movement—every act of chaos a masterpiece of vengeance. He’s funny, magnetic, and just scary enough to not be a joke. Underneath the menace is a kid so terrified of being abandoned, he became a myth instead.
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KIWI
Played by Shyia Gray
KIWI is a sharp dresser with a sharper mouth. Kiwi is all punk and polish, like if a fashion magazine and a protest sign had a baby. They don’t believe in leaders, but they’ll follow if they trust you (spoiler: they rarely trust). They hide their idealism under chains and sarcasm, but secretly? They’re the emotional radar of the group.
GUAVA
Played by Marcus Aurelio Jr
GUAVA is built like a linebacker, vibes like a cat dad. Guava’s the quiet type who can carry a couch and a moral crisis at the same time. Doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it’s weirdly profound. He just wants everyone to get along and maybe not end up in jail. The gang’s secret softie.
THE CREATORS
Shimon Machida
WRITER/DIRECTOR
Shimon was born in Tokyo and moved to Vancouver at age three, where he quickly developed a deep passion for storytelling through drawing and music. In high school, he played violin in the orchestra and painted intricate murals, while also gaining early industry experience by filming and editing live events at a local studio.
Shimon went on to study at Capilano University, earning a Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts. His short films were screened internationally, including at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY), the world’s largest youth film festival. His bold creativity and tireless work ethic led him to work with Rashad Haughton at Wonderstanding Japan Ltd., where he directed a range of projects from music videos to TV series development.
Now based in Vancouver, Shimon directs commercials and long-form branded content with a signature style marked by bold, high-contrast imagery and a dreamy, ethereal soundscape. His cinematic approach blends surrealist aesthetics with grounded, contemporary themes, creating a distinct visual identity. As a filmmaker of mixed Pakistani-Japanese heritage, who navigated life between cultures, Shimon infuses his work with deeply resonant themes of belonging and cultural unity—an exploration that gives his projects a compelling emotional depth and universal relevance.
Erica Papke
PRODUCER
Erica was born in Kelowna BC. With a background in various dance styles—ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and lyrical—and experience playing piano, her creative pursuits were diverse. An avid reader and an enthusiastic photographer, she developed a passion for storytelling early on. This love for visual narrative deepened during high school in her media arts class, leading her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Motion Picture Arts at Capilano University.
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After graduation, Erica started her career in the film industry as a Production Assistant on large TV productions, steadily advancing to the Assistant Directors department. In between union productions, she contributed to independent projects as a First Assistant Director and occasionally took on the role of Producer for commercials. Erica's journey has been driven by a deep passion for coordinating and bringing stories to life on screen, with a commitment to continually growing and creating within the industry.