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 »
(L to R) Directors Kimberlee Bassford (BEFORE THE MOON FALLS) & Marty Schweitzer (LAHAINA RISING) posing with their HIFF45 Made In Hawai‘i Awards at the HIFF45 Awards Ceremony, which was held at Halekulani October 23, 2025 (Honolulu, HI) – The 45th edition of the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF45) presented by Halekulani announced its jury
HIFF45 Announces Jury Award Winners Read More »
As HIFF45’s Closing weekend at Kahala is upon us, we’ve just added a few more screenings for closing weekend—especially our just announced HIFF45 Jury Award Winners. 10/24 4:30pm – BEFORE THE MOON FALLS Made In Hawai‘i Award Winner / Consolidated Kahala 6:15pm – LAHAINA RISING – Made In Hawai‘i Award Winner / Consolidated Kahala 10/25
Overwhelmed by the sheer number of sights to see at HIFF45? Your tour guides to all things film at the Festival, the HIFF programmers, have compiled lists of their personal top picks to help you get the most out of your cinematic journey. Anderson’s Recommendations FWENDS An occasionally awkward reunion between a pair of pals
HIFF45 Programmers’ Picks Read More »
In Richard Brody’s essay “In Defense of the Traditional Review” for The New Yorker, he delivers a compelling call to action for the preservation of written film criticism in an age increasingly dominated by short-form content, video essays, vlogs, and social media posts. Brody argues that the traditional written review remains essential—not only as a
HOCCI: HIFF45 screenings w/ Film Critic led After-Film Discussions Read More »
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
HIFF45 Spotlight on South Korea Read More »
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
European Cinema Premiering at HIFF45 Read More »
HIFF45 is excited to showcase a diverse selection of animated films from around the world. This year’s program features one of our most exciting animation lineups yet — a global and diverse showcase of films that premiered at major festivals like Cannes and Annecy. Featuring surreal sci-fi adventures and deeply personal stories, these films reveal how
HIFF45 Animated Storytelling from Around the World Read More »
HIFF45 is proud to showcase our selection of LGBTQIA+ film selections from international features from countries such as France, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia, with shorts from New Zealand, China, Taiwan, and Cambodia. We’re also excited to showcase shorts domestically from the United States and right here in Hawai’i. The LGBTQIA+ features and
Spotlight on Queer Films at HIFF45 Read More »
SPOTLIGHT ON THE PHILIPPINES celebrates Filipino American History Month (FAHM)with a dynamic showcase of new cinema from the Philippines and across the Filipino diaspora. In partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), this HIFF45 section premieres world renowned films produced in the Philippines while honoring the rich diversity of voices that span
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