Reviews | HIFF | Hawai'i International Film Festival

Portraying the Faces of the Climate And Housing Crises In RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE

Climate Gentrification, HIFF43, HIFILM, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

Filmed over the course of five years, RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE is a powerfully directed and insightful documentary that follows the redevelopment of New Liberty Square, a $300 million mixed income public housing complex, which begins with the demolition of Liberty Square. Liberty Square is a historically Black neighborhood of Liberty City located in Miami, Florida […]

Portraying the Faces of the Climate And Housing Crises In RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE Read More »

AN AUTUMN’S TALE Review

HIFF Selects, HOCCI, Reviews / By Sean Oketani

Although there have been countless romantic movies set in New York City over the years, Mabel Cheung’s AN AUTUMN’S TALE tells a less conventional story by focusing on immigrants in Chinatown. Released in 1987, the movie follows a young woman from Hong Kong who finds comfort, companionship, and belonging in an unlikely person who helps

AN AUTUMN’S TALE Review Read More »

Reflecting upon freedom of the press in BAD PRESS [Op-Ed]

Climate Gentrification, HIFF43, HOCCI, Op-Ed, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

The fragility of freedom of the press is at the forefront in the documentary feature BAD PRESS, which screened at this year’s Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF43). The unique precarity surrounding the issue is detailed onscreen as viewers follow Angel Ellis, a reporter for Mvskoke Media and part of the Muscogee Creek Nation, which is

Reflecting upon freedom of the press in BAD PRESS [Op-Ed] Read More »

Preserving ʻIke Kūpuna in HOMETOWN LEGENDS & ISLAND COWGIRLS

Hawai‘i Films, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews, Rise of Hawai‘i Cinema / By HIFF Programming

HOMETOWN LEGENDS and ISLAND COWGIRLS are two films that are preserving ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Knowledge) from nā kupuna (elders) themselves. It is tradition for nā kupuna to pass down knowledge to the younger generations by ma ka hana ka ʻike, learning by doing. In these films, the audience watches as nā kupuna reminisce on their

Preserving ʻIke Kūpuna in HOMETOWN LEGENDS & ISLAND COWGIRLS Read More »

UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL represents Maui’s resilience

#mauistrong, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

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 »

Women on the rise: REEL WĀHINE OF HAWAI‘I Season 4

Hawai‘i Films, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews, Rise of Hawai‘i Cinema / By HIFF Programming

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 »

RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE chronicles climate gentrification

Climate Gentrification, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

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 »

Riding the waves of resilience in UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL

#mauistrong, Hawai‘i Films, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

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’s DNA explored in THE SETTLERS (Los colonos)

Climate Gentrification, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

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 »

Ka Nani o Lāhainā (The Beauty of Lāhainā) in UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL & MY PARTNER

#mauistrong, Hawai‘i Films, HIFF43, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

The deadly fire in Lāhainā should have never happened. It could have been prevented if the ʻāina (land) had been properly cared for, as it once was before land changes occurred that made the area dangerously dry. Lāhainā is a very important place to Kānaka Maoli, it was once the capital of the Kingdom of

Ka Nani o Lāhainā (The Beauty of Lāhainā) in UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL & MY PARTNER Read More »