Through heart-wrenching interviews and first-person footage, LĀHAINĀ RISING delivers an earnest account of the tragic wildfires that broke out on August 8th, 2023. When state, federal, and military entities failed to provide necessary disaster relief, residents from across Hawaiʻi gathered in Lāhainā to distribute essential resources. Thoughtfully crafted and brimming with emotion, LĀHAINĀ RISING captures […]
LĀHAINĀ RISING – Beyond the Flames Read More »
The votes have been tabulated and the audience has spoken. Here are the 45th Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani (HIFF45) Audience Award winners presented by Hawaii News Now: HIFF45 Audience Award for Narrative Feature: RENTAL FAMILY (USA, Japan) Director: HIKARI HIFF45 Audience Award for Documentary Feature: MĀLAMA MĀKUA (Hawai‘i, USA) Director: Mikey Inouye
HIFF45 Audience Award Winners Announcement Read More »
(L to R) Directors Kimberlee Bassford (BEFORE THE MOON FALLS) & Marty Schweitzer (LAHAINA RISING) posing with their HIFF45 Made In Hawai‘i Awards at the HIFF45 Awards Ceremony, which was held at Halekulani October 23, 2025 (Honolulu, HI) – The 45th edition of the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF45) presented by Halekulani announced its jury
HIFF45 Announces Jury Award Winners Read More »
As HIFF45’s Closing weekend at Kahala is upon us, we’ve just added a few more screenings for closing weekend—especially our just announced HIFF45 Jury Award Winners. 10/24 4:30pm – BEFORE THE MOON FALLS Made In Hawai‘i Award Winner / Consolidated Kahala 6:15pm – LAHAINA RISING – Made In Hawai‘i Award Winner / Consolidated Kahala 10/25
Overwhelmed by the sheer number of sights to see at HIFF45? Your tour guides to all things film at the Festival, the HIFF programmers, have compiled lists of their personal top picks to help you get the most out of your cinematic journey. Anderson’s Recommendations FWENDS An occasionally awkward reunion between a pair of pals
HIFF45 Programmers’ Picks Read More »
In Richard Brody’s essay “In Defense of the Traditional Review” for The New Yorker, he delivers a compelling call to action for the preservation of written film criticism in an age increasingly dominated by short-form content, video essays, vlogs, and social media posts. Brody argues that the traditional written review remains essential—not only as a
HOCCI: HIFF45 screenings w/ Film Critic led After-Film Discussions Read More »
When the sun sets at the 45th Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani, the real madness begins. This year’s Extreme and Midnight program dives headfirst into the wild, the weird, and the pulse-pounding. From blood-streaked vengeance to surreal comedy, these late-night gems are made for cinephiles who crave adrenaline and audacity. Leading the charge
HIFF Extreme Cinema: Shipwrecked samurai, desert rave fests gone wrong & J-horror 2.0 Read More »
SPOTLIGHT ON THE PHILIPPINES celebrates Filipino American History Month (FAHM)with a dynamic showcase of new cinema from the Philippines and across the Filipino diaspora. In partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), this HIFF45 section premieres world renowned films produced in the Philippines while honoring the rich diversity of voices that span
HIFF45 Spotlight on the Philippines Read More »
SPOTLIGHT ON OKINAWA honors the enduring ties between Okinawa and Hawai‘i as we mark the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to the islands. This special Hawai‘i International Film Festival section presents three brand-new films—each making their International premiere—that showcase the rich culture, resilience, and contemporary voices of Okinawa. Celebrating shared history and deep community roots,
HIFF45 Spotlight On Okinawa Read More »
Instagram Facebook Youtube HIFF and papa johns pizza night fundraiser The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) is excited to announce a special collaboration with Papa Johns Hawai‘i! From Tuesday, September 9 through Monday, September 15, you can support HIFF simply by enjoying your favorite pizza at home. Here’s how it works: Place your order online
HIFF45 Papa Johns Fundraiser Read More »
