Features

Featured articles, opinion pieces and reviews by select HIFF staff, interns and content providers.

HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST FUTURE FILMMAKERS JURY AWARD WINNERS

The second annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest celebrated the outstanding efforts of student filmmakers in middle school and high school from across Hawai’i and Alaska in this year’s FUTURE FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE. In partnership with the Daniel K. Inouye Institute (DKI Institute), the program features the best submissions of short films from middle school and high school students […]

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HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST JUNIOR & NEXT GEN HONOREES & JURY AWARD WINNERS

The second annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest celebrated the exceptional talent of Hawai’i’s young filmmakers on Saturday, April 12, with the announcement of this year’s jury award winners and honorees. The festival showcased outstanding short films across two categories: the ‘ŌPIO JUNIOR SHOWCASE featuring promising elementary and middle school creators, and the ‘ŌPIO NEXT GEN SHOWCASE

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Programmer’s Picks: THE UGLY STEPSISTER

The Brothers Grimm were sadistic perverts in their moral fables for children that in reality were  pure, sadistic subterfuge. Hyperbolic? Yeah, sure, but this new take on CINDERELLA, is at times, more brutal than THE BRUTALIST.   HIFF is honored to present the Hawai‘i premiere of THE UGLY STEPSISTER, after its wild Sundance world premiere. 

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HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – HAWAI’I SCREENWRITING PANEL

Hawai’i Screenwriting: Craft and Breaking Through   In this panel, presented as part of the Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) ‘Ōpio Fest, HIFF brings together three of Hawaiʻi’s most accomplished screenwriters for an illuminating conversation about craft, career, and cultural representation. Join Chris Kekaniokalani Bright (LILO & STITCH), Bryson Chun (MOANA 2, DOOGIE KAMEALOHA, M.D.), and

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HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – ACM ACCELERATOR SHOWCASE

ACM Accelerator Showcase: Stories In The Making The Hawai’i International Film Festival and Academy for Creative Media System are proud to present an engaging opportunity to experience the next generation of storytellers at the upcoming ACM Accelerator Showcase on April 12 at 2:00 PM, held at Consolidated Theatres Kahala. This public presentation will feature a

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Don’t Miss These Films at ʻŌpio Fest!

With the plethora of film releases happening every year, some films are unfortunately bound to  not receive the recognition they deserve. Though contrasting in culture, influence, and medium, these films meet at the epicenter of a thoughtful story. The following films have traveled far and wide, some from the coveted Sundance Film Festival, others from

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HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION PANEL

Empowering The Next Generation: Navigating The Future of Film in Hawai’i’s Film Community Mahalo to our panelists who shared about their organization and the resources available for the next generation of storytellers Hawai’i. From mentorship programs and hands-on media workshops to production resources and funding opportunities, these community programs play a virtal role in shaping

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Programmer’s Picks: STATE OF STATELESSNESS is an anthology of Tibetans in exile

The first-ever Tibetan-language anthology feature film produced is screening in the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest after its world premiere at the Busan Film Festival. STATE OF STATELESSNESS: TALES FROM THE TIBETAN DIASPORA is comprised of four short segments directed by Tibetan filmmakers living in exile in India, America and Vietnam. Each film delves into the profound

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Programmer’s Picks: THE SHROUDS is David Cronenberg’s most personal film

David Cronenberg’s THE SHROUDS is a conundrum of a film. First off, it is a poignant departure from his traditional body horror oeuvre, delving deep into the realms of grief, mortality, and the intertwining of technology with human emotion. This film offers a contemplative exploration of how we confront death in an age dominated by

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HIFF’S SPRING ‘ŌPIO FEST COMING APRIL 8 – 13

Aloha HIFF ʻOhana, As we enter our 45th year and reflect on the legacy and bright future ahead for HIFF, it is my honor to announce the next exciting evolution of the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival: HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest presented by Halekulani. This rebrand of our signature spring event will maintain all the acclaim of

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