The HIFF ONLINE CREATORS & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) program supports sustainable film criticism in Hawai‘i through mentorship and paid career opportunities. The mission of HOCCI is to broaden diversity in film criticism across the Pacific region and use influencer branding strategies to spark career opportunities in Hawai’i, not be hampered by oceans, state borders and distance, because geography is no longer a barrier. Officially launched in 2022 with ten young mentees, HOCCI is a reimagining of the former Roger Ebert Young Critics Initiative.
Community leaders are unsung heroes. Oftentimes, they are unfortunately left unrecognized by those outside of their sphere of influence, no matter how much good they contribute. Bull Kotter, lovingly known as Uncle Bully, is one of Maui’s heroes, and the documentary UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL tells his story so that his goodwill may never be […]
UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL represents Maui’s resilience Read More »
In the intricate tapestry of cinematic storytelling, the role of women filmmakers is an essential thread that weaves narratives of diversity, creativity, and perspective. Historically underrepresented in various aspects of the film industry, women have, nonetheless, made indelible contributions that have shaped the cinematic landscape. Their voices, both in front of and behind the camera,
Women on the rise: REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI‘I Season 4 Read More »
HOCCI’s Sean Oketani sits down with Laurel Tamayo to discuss her short film, GEN Z MENTAL HEALTH: CLIMATE STORIES, which was a part of the official selection for HIFF43 in the Environmental Shorts Program. Here is the synopsis for the film: A short documentary that explores the mental health impacts of the climate crisis on
Liberty Square was a poor community that became rich. That may sound like a dream come true for its residents, but in truth, what is happening there is a slow nightmare that is forcing people out of their homes and community. It is a part of Liberty City in Miami, Florida, a place populated by
RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE chronicles climate gentrification Read More »
HŌKŪLEʻA: FINDING THE LANGUAGE OF THE NAVIGATOR is the latest film directed by Kanaka Maoli filmmaker Ty Sanga. Having its North American premiere at HIFF43, the film would win the Made in Hawai‘i Best Jury Award for Best Feature, and deservedly so. The documentary centers around a conversation, first started in 2006, between wayfinder and
HŌKŪLEʻA: FINDING THE LANGUAGE OF THE NAVIGATOR – A Symbol of the Hawaiian Renaissance Read More »
Directed by Liz Barney and Alison Week, documentary feature ISLAND COWGIRLS brings viewers a unique look at the lives of two different paniolos, or Hawaiian cowgirls, on Hawai‘i Island. They are each part of ranches on the island with longstanding family ties. In the film, high school senior Laʻi Bertelmann wrestles with the decision of
ISLAND COWGIRLS spotlights paniolos, precarity of land leases Read More »
UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL was one of the most anticipated films of HIFF 43. Directed by Todd Soliday and Leah Washawski, the uplifting documentary features Bull Kotter, a surf instructor, affectionately known as “Uncle Bully”. Raised in Maui, Bully’s passion for surf education and community development in Maui is a guiding light for youth during
Riding the waves of resilience in UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL Read More »
Climate gentrification is omnipresent. With rising sea levels, people are forced to move further inland and the housing market must turn elsewhere. This search for new land to “develop” leaves many minority groups out of a place to live in favor of the upper and middle classes who can afford new, up-to-date housing. And though
Climate gentrification’s DNA explored in THE SETTLERS (Los colonos) Read More »
This year’s HIFF not only featured a number of films “Made in Hawai‘i” in its programming, but also spotlighted a new filmmaking initiative and shared perspectives on the current status of Native Hawaiians in the industry. One of the films discussed in HIFF’s panels this year is MAKAWALU, a project in development. MAKAWALU is a
MAKAWALU, the current status of Native Hawaiians in the industry & future outlook Read More »
HOCCI’s Sean Oketani sits down with filmmaker Hunter Naho‘oikaika to discuss her film, SEEING WITH HAWAIIAN EYES, an official selection of the 43rd Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani (HIFF43) and screened in the Kānaka Maoli Legacy: New Hawaiian Docs program. Here is the film’s synopsis: Lehia establishes an indigenous farm with her partner
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.
