Featured articles, opinion pieces and reviews by select HIFF staff, interns and content providers.
There are certain people who become so much a part of HIFF that it is difficult to imagine the Festival without them. Isoo “Dick” Oshima was one of those people. For decades, Dick was a member of the HIFF ʻohana: a longtime board member, generous supporter, mentor, patron of the arts, and one of the
Remembering Dick Oshima: A true patron of the arts Read More »
Wimal Dissanayake with Hong Kong film icon Cheng Pei Pei (COME DRINK WITH ME) during HIFF 2016 The Hawai‘i International Film Festival mourns the passing of Dr. Wimal Dissanayake (September 6, 1939–August 7, 2026), a pioneering scholar of Asian cinema and communication whose intellectual legacy is deeply connected to the origins of HIFF—and to Hawai‘i’s
In Rememberance of Wimal Dissanayake Read More »
Update: The Full HIFF46 Lineup is now live at boxoffice.hiff.org HIFF46 Opens with the World Premiere of THE NAVIGATOR at the Historic Hawai‘i Theatre Center and Presents the Hawai’i Premiere of Sung Kang’s DRIFTER as Centerpiece 84 features and 86 shorts include 34 World, 6 North American, 12 U.S., 3 International Premieres; 30 Made
HAWAI’I INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY HALEKULANI ANNOUNCES 2026 LINEUP Read More »
Consolidated Theatres and the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) are launching HIFF WEDNESDAYS, a new biweekly theatrical series bringing Hawai‘i-made films to audiences across O‘ahu and creating a year-round platform for local filmmakers beyond the annual Festival. Beginning Wednesday, September 2, every other Wednesday at 7:00 PM, a specially curated film will screen simultaneously at
HIFF WEDNESDAYS BRINGS HAWAI‘I-MADE FILMS TO CONSOLIDATED THEATERS Read More »
The HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) returns for its fifth year in 2026, continuing its mission to cultivate the next generation of film critics and cultural voices in Hawai‘i. Powered by Critical Minded, HOCCI supports sustainable film criticism through mentorship, professional development, and paid career opportunities. Designed for Hawai‘i-based AANHPI critics and creators,
HOCCI PROGRAM RETURNS FOR HIFF 2026 — OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN Read More »
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) today announces its First Wave of Films for the 46th edition of the Festival (HIFF46 presented by Halekulani), taking place October 21–November 5, 2026 on O‘ahu, followed by screenings across the Neighbor Islands. HIFF46 PASSES ON SALE NOW This first look at HIFF46 previews 15 films representing
The First Wave: 15 Films Coming to HIFF46 + Passes On Sale Now Read More »
“Tell me about a complicated man.” Those are the first words of Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey, lauded for its strikingly inventive interpretation of a thousand-year-old text—so much so, in fact, that in eight years it’s already become the definitive edition of Homer’s epic. You’ve got a copy, I have one sitting at home;
Christopher Nolan Sees THE ODYSSEY With One Eye Read More »
The 2026 HIFILM Producers Lab marked an exciting evolution of our lab programming, shifting focus from story development to the vital, often under-recognized role of the producer.
HIFF 2026 HIFILM Producers Lab Recap Read More »
The third annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest, presented by Halekulani, celebrated Hawai‘i’s student filmmakers on Saturday, April 18, and announced this year’s jury award winners and honorable mentions. The festival showcased two short film programs that highlighted the talent of Hawaiʻi’s emerging voices: the ‘ŌPIO JUNIOR SHOWCASE, which presented 13 short films created by young student
3rd Annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest: JUNIOR & NEXT GEN HONORABLE MENTIONS & AWARD WINNERS Read More »
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,
3rd Annual HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST(April 17-19) Lineup Announcement Read More »