California Scenario is a 2026 American independent drama film directed by James Takata and co-written by Dara Resnik.
Contents
Premise
Divorced single parents Jacob Hara and Laura Acker search for truth in their diverse family narratives, and at Isamu Noguchi's timeless sculpture garden, find each other.
Cast
Will Yun Lee as Jacob Hara
Abby Miller as Laura Acker
Jon Huertas
Brooklynn Prince as Phoebe
Minnie Mills as Lexi
Jes Macallan as Kelly
James Saito as Bill
Jean Yoon as Nancy
Ellen Greene as Renee
Emmylou Diaz as Anna
Jack Stuart as Jack
Zhaleh as Stephanie
Dove Meir as Michael
Reema Zaman
Production
In February 2025, principal photography wrapped at the Isamu Noguchi's garden in Costa Mesa, California, with Yasu Tanida serving as the cinematographer, which marked this project as the first and only film to be shot at that location. James Takata directed and co-wrote an independent drama film with Dara Resnik, with Will Yun Lee, Abby Miller, Jon Huertas, Brooklynn Prince, Minnie Mills, Jes Macallan, James Saito, Jean Yoon, Ellen Greene, Emmylou Diaz, Jack Stuart, Zhaleh, Dove Meir, and Reema Zaman rounding out the cast. In February 2026, the film was revealed as a line-up for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Release
California Scenario premiered at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2026.