HIFF Programming

3rd Annual HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST(April 17-19) Lineup Announcement

‘Ōpio Fest, Education, Features, Film Festival News, Spring Showcase / By

The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) returns this spring to Consolidated Theatres Kahala for the 3rd annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest presented by Halekulani—a vibrant celebration of the future of film. Spotlighting Hawai‘i’s student creatives alongside special industry guests, family-friendly premieres, and all-ages panels, the festival sparks dynamic conversations about the next generation of storytelling, filmmakers, […]

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LĀHAINĀ RISING – Beyond the Flames

Hawai‘i Films, HIFF45, HOCCI, Reviews / By

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

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HIFF45 Audience Award Winners Announcement

Awards, Features, Film Festival News, HIFF45 / By

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

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HIFF45 Just Added Screenings — LAHAINA RISING, BEFORE THE MOON FALLS, REMATHAU, AWARD-WINNING SHORTS, LEFT-HANDED GIRL, KOKUHO

HIFF45, In Theaters, Programming Updates / By

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

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HOCCI: HIFF45 screenings w/ Film Critic led After-Film Discussions

HIFF45, HIFILM, HOCCI, In Theaters, Programming Updates, Uncategorized / By

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

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HIFF Extreme Cinema: Shipwrecked samurai, desert rave fests gone wrong & J-horror 2.0

Features, HIFF45, In Theaters / By

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

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HIFF45 Spotlight on the Philippines

HIFF45, In Theaters, Programming Updates / By

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

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HIFF45 Spotlight On Okinawa

HIFF45, In Theaters, Programming Updates / By

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,

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