California Scenario is a 2026 American independent drama film directed by James Takata and co-written by Dara Resnik.
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.
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.
California Scenario premiered at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2026.