Vicious zombies, grisly action set-pieces, and shocking gore are not a regular occurrence in Hawai‘i indie films. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, then DECADE OF THE DEAD is not for you. But for those who are able to stomach such intense visuals, and even enjoy them in a perverse […]
DECADE OF THE DEAD is the zombie bite that Hawai‘i indie filmmaking needs Read More »
Enemies to lovers is a romance trope that has run itself to the ground ten times over. Some movies do this well, but it always somehow feels a little familiar. So what better way to add some freshness to this genre than to make a Boys Love film set in Maui with two high schoolers
MY PARTNER is a necessary addition to the ‘Boys Love’ genre Read More »
KĀHULI, SEEING WITH HAWAIIAN EYES, and KEEPER OF THE BAY, all official selections of the 43rd Hawai‘i International Film Festival, are three documentaries bringing awareness to topics such as climate change, rapid extinction and decline of native plants and animals, sustainable Hawaiian practices, and some of the people who are working to preserve this ʻāina.
(L to R) The Rise of Hawa‘i Cinema HIFILM Panelists: Brian Kealana; Ty Sanga; Moses Goods; Ciara Lacy; Kristian “Krit” Fanene Schmidt; Kalikolehua Hurley I had the privilege of attending THE RISE OF HAWAI‘I CINEMA, a HIFILM Panel presented by Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK), which took place on October 9th during the 43rd Hawai‘i
Reflecting on the RISE OF HAWAI‘I CINEMA Panel Read More »
Bully Kotter, also known as ‘Uncle Bully,’ teaches children how to surf at a camp in Lahaina, Maui. He is the subject of the Hawai‘i International Film Festival’s co-opening film, UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL, a documentary by Maui-based filmmakers Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday which began shooting during the pandemic. One of the kids Bully
Lahaina doc UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL delivers message of hope Read More »
As part of HIFILM (HIFF43’s “Industry Hub”), comes the return of HOMETOWN HEROES, a now perennial panel that explores the “State of 808 State Filmmaking,” and it’s trajectory as a burgeoning and sustainable indie film & tv industry in the ideation and production of authentic local stories. This year’s HOMETOWN HEROES panel is a little
HIFILM spotlights upcoming film about Hawai‘i’s greatest night in sports history Read More »
THE WIND AND THE RECKONING was the Opening Night Film for the 42nd Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani. The film is currently in commercial release. The powerhouse duo, Jason Scott Lee and Lindsay Watson, take part in a masterpiece by bringing to light the incredible Hawaiian story of Koʻolau and Piʻilani with THE
HOCCI @ HIFF42: THE WIND AND THE RECKONING is epic, emotional, and authentic Read More »
THE WIND AND THE RECKONING was the Opening Night Film for the 42nd Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani. The film is currently in commercial release. Filmed in just 16 days during a worldwide pandemic, THE WIND AND THE RECKONING is a film I’ve anticipated for over a year. I first heard of it
HOCCI @ HIFF42: THE WIND AND THE RECKONING Review Read More »
HIFF42’s annual GREEN SCREEN presented by the HEI Charitable Foundation highlights new fiction and non-fiction features and short films that embed the urgent and critical theme of the climate crisis across a large swath of storytelling and genres; From animation zero carbon footprint in fashion to political protests led by First Peoples against post-colonialist governments,
HIFF42 GREEN SCREEN Films & New Shorts Competition Read More »
HIFF42 and Bishop Museum are partnering to present two new Hawaiian feature films “under the stars” at the historic museum’s signature event venue, the Great Lawn, on November 3rd and 4th. These HIFF42 screenings at Bishop Museum are made possible with support from Engaging The Senses Foundation. On Thursday, November 3rd, HIFF screens THE WIND
HIFF42 & Bishop Museum Outdoor Screenings Under the Stars Read More »
With aloha, HIFF acknowledges its occupation of ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Indigenous Hawaiian people, the Kānaka Maoli.
With gratitude, we honor the ʻāina itself and the generations who steward it.