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Features

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

HIFF WEDNESDAYS BRINGS HAWAI‘I-MADE FILMS TO CONSOLIDATED THEATERS

Features, Hawai‘i Films, In Theaters / By

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

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HOCCI PROGRAM RETURNS FOR HIFF 2026 — OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Education, Features, HIFF46, HIFILM, HOCCI / By

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,

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The First Wave: 15 Films Coming to HIFF46 + Passes On Sale Now

Features, HIFF46, Programming Updates, Vilcek / By

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

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Christopher Nolan Sees THE ODYSSEY With One Eye

Features, In Theaters, Reviews / By

“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;

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3rd Annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest: JUNIOR & NEXT GEN HONORABLE MENTIONS & AWARD WINNERS

‘Ōpio Fest, Awards, Education, Features / By

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

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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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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 Spotlight on South Korea

Features, HIFF45, Programming Updates / By

Korean cinema takes center stage this year with an exciting lineup featuring world and international premieres that demonstrate Korea’s unparalleled range and creativity. Leading the lineup is acclaimed auteur Park Chan-wook with NO OTHER CHOICE (어쩔수가없다), alongside Ra Hee-chan’s BOSS (보스) and Kim Mi-zo’s THE JOURNEY TO GYEONG-JU (경주기행). The program also includes Lee Hwan’s

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European Cinema Premiering at HIFF45

Features, HIFF45, Programming Updates / By

HIFF45 brings a stunning collection of European storytelling that spans from the landscapes of Italy to the stark beauty of Norway. France leads with two distinctive entries, the psychological mystery, A PRIVATE LIFE and the animated film, ARCO. The France-Spain co-production SIRÂT, set in Southern Morocco, bridges cultural borders. British cinema makes its mark with

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