HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST runs April 8-13, 2025, in Honolulu at Consolidated Theatres Kahala
presenting 16 feature films, 6 shorts, and 56 student films
HONOLULU, HI (MARCH 10, 2025) – The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) unites its annual Spring Showcase, which brings the brightest new voices in international cinema ahead of its Fall Festival, with HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest that celebrates the future of film, showcasing Hawai’i’s young creatives, incorporating special industry guests, family-friendly film premieres, and panels for all ages that catalyze creative conversations around the next generation of storytelling, films, filmmakers, culture, and connection.
“HIFF’s 2025 ‘Ōpio Fest will continue to highlight the best in new international cinema that will include selections straight from Sundance, outstanding international programs, and advanced screenings of anticipated studio releases,” says Beckie Stocchetti, HIFF Executive Director. “In addition, we are showcasing films made by Hawaiʻi’s emerging voices and are excited to celebrate the next generation of storytellers.”
HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest, now in its second year, will screen 56 student short films from 41 different schools from Hawaiʻi and Alaska, selected from over 200 film submissions.
“The palpable excitement a young student feels when they see their work on the big screen with a theater full of people watching alongside them is inspiring,” says Jen May Pastores, HIFF’s Education Director. “It’s like the opening scene of their favorite movie, but even better, because it’s the moment their story as a filmmaker begins, and we get to be there to witness it with them.”
These student films will qualify for one of three awards competitions:
- The ‘ŌPIO JUNIOR SHOWCASE, sponsored by Island Insurance Foundation, showcases 13 short films created by young filmmakers from elementary and middle schools across Hawai‘i. All films qualify for the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest Best Junior Film Award, recognizing the outstanding creativity of Hawai‘i’s youngest storytellers. The winner will be announced live at the screening, immediately following a Q&A session with the students.
- The ‘ŌPIO NEXT GEN SHOWCASE, sponsored by Island Insurance Foundation, presents 22 original short films created by talented high school filmmakers from across Hawai‘i. All films qualify for the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest Best Next Gen Film Award, celebrating the next generation of filmmakers. The winner will be announced live at the screening, immediately following a Q&A session with the students.
- FUTURE FILMMAKER SHOWCASE sponsored by the Daniel K. Inouye Institute(DKII) highlights 21 inspiring short films created by middle and high school students from across Hawai’i and Alaska. These films explore the theme “Together We Thrive”, offering powerful stories that reflect unity, collaboration, and resilience. All films qualify for HIFF x DKII Future Filmmakers Awards, which will be presented at a private ceremony during the festival.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
OPENING NIGHT FILM – April 8th @ 7 p.m. Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Director: Andrew Ahn (in attendance for a post-screening Q&A)
Cast: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-Chan, Bobo Le, Camille Atebe, with Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-Jung
From Director Andrew Ahn comes a remake of the 1993 classic, a joyful comedy of errors about a chosen family navigating cultural identity, queerness, and family expectations. Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend and running out of time, Min makes a proposal: a green-card marriage with their friend Angela in exchange for her partner Lee’s expensive IVF. Elopement plans are upended, however, when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-Chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-Jung, The Wedding Banquet is a poignant and heartfelt reminder that being part of a family means learning to both accept and forgive.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM – April 12th @ 7:30 p.m. Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Director: Grace Lee (in attendance for a post-screening Q&A), Patty Ahn
From Seoul to Los Angeles, Texas to Mexico City, BTS ARMY is everywhere. FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG dives into the enthusiastic fandom that catapulted the K-pop band BTS into a global household name. We meet fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas, a dance teacher in Seoul that only teaches BTS choreography, and fans who have been organizing since 2013 to help BTS conquer the charts. Defying the stereotypes of pop fans, ARMY has evolved into an intergenerational, culturally savvy, and politically active movement that is as diverse as the world itself. FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivity that make ARMY a symbol of hope and unity in our ever-fractured world. Closing this year’s HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest, FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG is the latest project from celebrated documentary filmmaker Grace Lee, whose films have screened in several HIFF editions including AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY: THE EVOLUTION OF GRACE LEE BOGGS and THE GRACE LEE PROJECT. The Festival is excited to also host the filmmaker to present FWAY and participate in a panel about the current state of documentary filmmaking.
CENTERPIECE PANEL & SNEAK PEEK – April 13th @ 6 p.m. Consolidated Theatre Kahala
BRINGING LILO & STITCH TO LIFE – A UNIQUELY LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
This family friendly insightful panel discussion on Disney’s upcoming live-action reimagining of LILO & STITCH (out this May), features cast members from Hawai‘i who helped bring this beloved story to life. This conversation will explore the opportunity to retell a globally recognized Disney classic while infusing it with the richness, authenticity, and sensibilities of Hawai’i culture. Panelists will share their experiences in shaping the film’s representation of ‘ohana, the aloha spirit, and what they brought to their performances in bringing authenticity, as well as something new that may be a different take from the beloved animated original. From the importance of casting local talent to accurately portraying island life, this discussion will highlight the significance of cultural authenticity in mainstream pop culture.
‘Ōpio Fest Guests include:
ANDREW AHN is a queer Korean American filmmaker born and raised in Los Angeles. Ahn’s latest feature, THE WEDDING BANQUET, premiered at Sundance and is HIFF’s Opening Night film at ‘Ōpio Fest. Ahn has directed fiction and documentary television for Netflix, FX, HBO Max, CBS, and the Sundance Channel. He has promoted diversity in the arts by mentoring youth filmmakers through programs like Pacific Arts Movement’s Reel Voices, Outfest’s OutSet, and the Sundance Institute’s Native Filmmaker Lab. He graduated from Brown University and received an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
DISNEY’S LILO & STITCH (2025) cast members will share invaluable advice about raising filmmakers and emerging talents at HIFF’s Future Filmmakers Awards Ceremony, made possible through our partnership with the Daniel K. Inouye Institute. They will also light up the stage with an exciting public panel discussion, inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
- SYDNEY ELIZABETH AGUDONG is an actress, singer, and professional songwriter, born and raised on the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i. After graduating high school, Sydney moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for acting and singing. She stars at the beloved character of “Nani Pekelai” in Disney’s live action film reimagining LILO & STITCH, scheduled be released exclusively in theaters worldwide Memorial Day weekend on May 23, 2025.
- KAIPO DUDOIT is a Native Hawaiian actor, hula dancer, and model, plays ‘David Kawena’ in LILO & STITCH. He has also appeared in MY PARTNER, and Magnum P.I. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Kaipo is a proud kanaka ʻōiwi. In addition to his work in film and television, Kaipo finds purpose in connecting with his culture through his art forms, whether it is dance, acting, or modeling. Raised on a strong foundation built by his family and mentors, Kaipo embraces the values of his heritage and is dedicated to uplifting the lāhui and the people of Hawaiʻi through his creative pursuits.
GRACE LEE, whose career began with a passion for uncovering untold stories, often centering on Asian American experiences, politics, and social justice. From her early work THE GRACE LEE PROJECT, which playfully examines the cultural assumptions behind her common name, to AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY: THE EVOLUTION OF GRACE LEE BOGGS, an intimate portrait of the legendary activist, her films consistently challenge narratives and elevate underrepresented voices. In her latest film, and HIFF’s Closing Night Film, FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG, she turns the cameras to the BTS fans aka Army, and the impact that this global fandom has had for their love of K-pop. Grace is also a co-founder of A-DOC, a national network that works to increase the visibility and support of Asian Americans in the documentary field.
STRAIGHT FROM SUNDANCE AND OTHER MAJOR FILM FESTIVALS
HIFF’s 2025 ‘Ōpio Fest includes the best early-year cinema, showcasing the most acclaimed films straight from premieres at Sundance—including Opening Night film THE WEDDING BANQUET, SXSW—including Closing Night film FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG; and recent fall festivals Venice, Toronto, Tokyo and Busan Film Festivals.
Straight from Sundance:
This film chronicles the eight-day protest by students at Gallaudet University in 1988 — when they demanded the appointment of a Deaf president — ultimately forcing the board of trustees to select Dr. I. King Jordan as the first Deaf president of the university, marking a significant victory for Deaf rights and representation; A pivotal moment in Deaf history, the documentary highlights the student activists, their tactics, and the impact of their movement on the broader Deaf community.
Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure was a secret. Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied their 27 years together.
Five high school students hone their craft, vying for glory in a prestigious global speech contest. Showcasing their personal stories and tackling important social issues through their powerful speeches, including topics like anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and school shootings, these ambitious teen orators prepare to showcase their talents on the ultimate stage.
An expansive and revelatory inside look at the 18 months John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent living in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s, ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO delivers an immersive cinematic experience that brings to life electrifying, never-before-seen material and newly restored footage of Lennon’s only full-length, post-Beatles concert. With mind-blowing remastered audio overseen by their son, Sean Ono Lennon, the film is a seismic revelation that will challenge pre-existing notions of the iconic couple.
A sinister twist on the classic Cinderella story,, THE UGLY STEPSISTER follows Elvira as she prepares to earn the prince’s affection at any cost. Resorting to extreme measures in a kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira desperately competes with the beautiful and enchanting Agnes to become the belle of the ball.
Other Major Festival Highlights:
11 REBELS (Japan) — Tokyo International Film Festival Premiere
Amidst the Boshin War’s brutal conflicts, a motley squad of criminals and samurai undertakes a desperate defense of a fortress, their stand triggered by clashing interests of the Shibata clan, the shogunate, and the new government. Bloody bushido action pieces and plenty of thematic thunder distinguish director Kazuya Shiraishi’s energetic film that harkens to THE DIRTY DOZEN.
GLORIA! (Italy) — Berlinale & Busan Film Festival Premiere
Venice, 1800. What happens when an ancient music school receives a newly invented musical machine that everyone calls pianoforte? Will it be the starship to freedom for our girls, five blooming young musicians? Baroque goes pop in this neo-feminist tale that transmutes AMADEUS and SISTER ACT into a costume drama full of ebullient musical sequences.
MIYAZAKI, SPIRIT OF NATURE (France) — Venice Film Festival Premiere
A documentary exploring the life and influential works of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, known for films like MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO and SPIRITED AWAY, focusing on his passion for animation and advocacy for the natural world.
ON SWIFT HORSES (USA) — Toronto & SXSW Festival Premieres
Muriel and her husband Lee are about to begin a bright new life, which is upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother. Muriel embarks on a secret life, gambling on racehorses and discovering a love she never thought possible. Starring Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calles.
THE SHROUDS (Canada, France) — Cannes & Toronto Film Festival Premieres
Inconsolable since the death of his wife, Karsh, a prominent businessman, invents a revolutionary and controversial technology that enables the living to monitor their dear departed in their shrouds. One night, multiple graves, including that of Karsh’s wife, are desecrated, and he sets out to track down the perpetrators. Switching the grisly for the abstruse and philosophical, THE SHROUDS is David Cronenberg’s most contemplative work to date. Starring Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger and Guy Pearce.
SNEAKS (USA) — US Premiere
In this new animated feature from the creator of THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, comes the adventures of Ty, a misguided designer sneaker who doesn’t know life outside the comforts of his velvet-lined shoe box. After his sister is stolen by a shady collector, Ty must venture into NYC to find and rescue her. In his adventure, Ty meets a rag-tag group of footwear friends from all walks of life who help him find the courage to step outside of his shoe box and find his “sole-mate.” Starring Laurence Fishburne, Roddy Ricch, Anthony Mackie, Macy Gray, and Chris Paul and music supervision by DJ Mustard.
STATE OF STATELESSNESS (India, USA, Vietnam) — Busan Film Festival Premiere
The first-ever Tibetan-language anthology feature film, exploring the profound themes of statelessness and migration through four poignant stories of Tibetans living in exile. Directed by Tibetan filmmakers in India, America, and Vietnam, the film captures the painful realities of a scattered people, from a father’s tale of the Mekong River to a son’s discovery of a family secret in Dharamshala.
TAKI RUA THEATRE — BREAKING BARRIERS (Aotearoa, New Zealand) — North American Premiere
Taki Rua Theatre is the unofficial national indigenous Māori theatre company of Aotearoa New Zealand. As the latest ensemble of young artists travel across the motu (country) performing Taki Rua’s latest Māori language theatre production in schools, we witness the deeply personal and politically visionary story of a 30-year struggle to create a truly bi-cultural force in the world of live theatre, and society. Starting from humble beginnings, Taki Rua has nurtured a depth of talent powerful enough to take the voice and stories of native Māori to the world.
For more information about the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest schedule, special guests, ticket purchases and more, visit www.HIFF.org.
HIFF FESTIVAL EVENT LISTING
What: HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST — presented by Halekulani (HIFF)
When: 04/08/25 to 04/13/25 at Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Festival Passes and individual ticket purchases are available online at hiff.org.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HIFFHAWAII
X: @HIFF
Instagram: @HIFFHawaii
PRESS CONTACTS
TLC PR
Lance Rae
(808) 781-1743
About Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani (HIFF)
Established in 1981, the Hawai‘i International Film Festival is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of cultural exchange and media in the Pacific Rim. HIFF is a premier international film event that has won the praise of international filmmakers, scholars, educators, governments, programmers, and film industry leaders across the globe. HIFF’s programming has two mandates: to be a festival of record for emerging films from Asia, the Pacific, and North America and to present the top festival films from around the world, annually screening films from over forty-five countries. HIFF’s Industry and Education programs present free content and panels in the fields of film, virtual reality, new media entertainment, and more. These programs reflect HIFF’s commitment to exhibiting innovative creative content coming from the Asia Pacific Rim and commitment to establish a pipeline of creative industry talent in Hawai‘i. HIFF is an Academy Award®-qualifying Festival in both its Best International Short Film and Best Made-In-Hawaii Short FIlm award categories. For more information, visit www.HIFF.org.
HIFF’s key presenting sponsor is Halekulani. Major sponsors are: Consolidated Theaters, Hawaiian Airlines, Middle Management, Star Advertiser, and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
###
