As part of our HIFF 40 For 40 Fundraiser, where our goal was to raise $40,000 by the end of HIFF40, some of our major sponsors culled together an amazing sweepstakes awards package to encourage donations. The awards package included 120,000 Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles, a two night suite stay at the premier Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, and a VIP pass to HIFF’s 41st annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival in November 2021.
The prize was pulled through a random drawing and we have a winner! Congratulations to Yvonne Toyoshima of Aiea for winning this coveted awards package! When we notified Yvonne via e-mail, she couldn’t believe it and had to make sure it wasn’t a scam. After verification with our Festival manager Joshua Nye, she gladly and excitedly accepted the prize.
We briefly interviewed Yvonne about her winnings and her continued support of HIFF over the years.
1. How does it feel to win 120k Hawaiian Airlines Miles, a 2-night stay at Halekulani and a HIFF 2021 VIP pass?
My first thought upon receiving the notification email was, NO WAY. But, after getting confirmation from Josh, disbelief turned into quiet shrieks of joy (because I was at work).
2. What will you do with your winnings?
Absolutely planning a staycation & when it is safe, definitely planning a trip.
3. What do you like about HIFF?
Oh, there are so many reasons why I enjoy HIFF. Here in Hawaii, we have only a few opportunities to see foreign films & HIFF brings in so many. Then there is the camaraderie at the festival. while waiting for the films to start, there is a lot of lively conversations going on, not to mention the sharing of snacks. I have made many friends through the festival.
4. Do you recall your memories or experiences of your very first HIFF?
It’s been so long since my first HIFF but I think I can never forget how friendly and helpful the staff is, as well as other members were to a newbie like me, who was overwhelmed by the lines of people.
5. What are some of your favorite HIFF movies from this year? What are your favorite movies in general?
There were several films I really liked this past festival: LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM, AINU MOSIR, LUMPIA WITH A VENGEANCE, HOKUSAI, SHADOW IN THE CLOUD, GUNDA, TUPAIA’S ENDEAVOR… It is a learning experience for me watching foreign films especially when they are from a country I have never been to and probably may never get a chance to visit. I feel that I am learning a bit about the people and their culture. It is mind opening. Thank you to everyone for your hard work bringing these films to us!
As for the 40-For-40 Fundraiser, we made our $40,000 goal! Even though we reached our goal, please still consider making a donation today and help sustain HIFF’s important mission to bring the cinematic arts to Hawai‘i.
Mahalo to Halekulani and Hawaiian Airlines for their generous contribution to HIFF 40-For-40 and for their ongoing sponsorship and support of HIFF.
We Have a HIFF40-For-40 Fundraiser Giveaway Winner!
