Featured articles, opinion pieces and reviews by select HIFF staff, interns and content providers.
We’re excited to welcome three interns to the HIFF team this summer: Roma, Levi, and Cyris! MEET ROMA LERNER Hello! My name is Roma Lerner, and I am currently a student at Colgate University where I am double majoring in Film and Media Studies as well as Environmental Studies. I grew up on the North […]
Meet HIFF’s 2025 Summer Interns Read More »
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
HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST FUTURE FILMMAKERS JURY AWARD WINNERS Read More »
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
HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST JUNIOR & NEXT GEN HONOREES & JURY AWARD WINNERS Read More »
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.
Programmer’s Picks: THE UGLY STEPSISTER Read More »
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
HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – HAWAI’I SCREENWRITING PANEL Read More »
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
HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – ACM ACCELERATOR SHOWCASE Read More »
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
Don’t Miss These Films at ʻŌpio Fest! Read More »
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
HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION PANEL Read More »
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
Programmer’s Picks: STATE OF STATELESSNESS is an anthology of Tibetans in exile Read More »
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
Programmer’s Picks: THE SHROUDS is David Cronenberg’s most personal film Read More »