We love horror at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) and have shown our fair share over the years in sections aptly titled Extreme Asia, Dark Wave, and now, HIFF Extreme. We’ve presented the U.S. premieres of JU-ON: THE GRUDGE and SHUTTER and delved into French extremity like HAUTE TENSION (High Tension) just to name […]
Here’s your HIFF Halloween viewing playlist Read More »
MRS. NOISY Director: Chihiro Amano Cast: Yukiko Shinohara, Yoko Ootaka, Takuma Nagao, Chise Niitsu, Taichi Miyazaki, Raiki Yonemoto Language: Japanese with English subtitles Synopsis: A small quarrel between two neighbors quickly snowballs into a major internet frenzy. Based on a brilliant script by the writer director Chihiro Amano, this modern-day comedy takes an unexpected turn
MRS. NOISY | Q&A with Chihiro Amano & HIFF Programmer, Anna Page Read More »
As of May 2022, GIRL, INTERRUPTED is streaming on NETFLIX and PlutoTV. Upon first look, GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999) appears to be the sister film of the critically acclaimed ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (1975). The way Lisa (Angelina Jolie) enters the ward, kicking and screaming, marks her as GIRL, INTERRUPTED’s McMurphy and the force
GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999): A Gap Year at the Psych Ward Read More »
DONBASS, an absurd, political satire that takes place during the wake of Russia’s 2014 invasion of the Eastern European region actually was released stateside in 2019 (after its debut at Cannes 2018). Watching it now as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is unspooling on our TV screens on a daily basis, lends an unnerving, heightened resonance
DONBASS (2018): WHY WE LIKE THIS FILM // HIFF Selects Read More »
I started the pandemic (remember those days?) determined to not let it get the best of me. I did work outs in my kitchen. Kept the fridge and pantry perfectly stocked. Dutifully stayed in my apartment, the cement walls giving a sense of safety, albeit loneliness. It would only be a few weeks…but weeks turned
BATTLE OF THE BINGE (Spoiler: the algorithm wins) with Ciara Lacy Read More »
WATCH A TALE OF LOVE AND DESIRE ON HIFF SELECTS DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH Lust is always a major factor in the typical coming-of-age story. It’s a tired trope that always falls into the usual cliches. Been there, done that. But rarely are they outlined with the same sincerity and sweetness as in
HIFF SELECTS MARCH: A TALE OF LOVE AND DESIRE Read More »
NIGHTMARE ALLEY: A Time-Ambitious Trip Into Film Noir Camp As of February, 2022, NIGHTMARE ALLEY is streaming on HBOmax and HULU. NIGHTMARE ALLEY (2021) is a monster of a movie standing at 150 minutes long. Despite being longer than most audiences are comfortable with – even fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have mixed feelings
NIGHTMARE ALLEY /// A Review by Kanani Sato Read More »
HIFF41’s TOP STAFF PICKS We asked our HIFF staff to pick their favorite films from this year’s festival program. Here’s our top films, that you need to check out before online access closes on November 28. Watch these films now at watch.hiff.org and check out our official TOP FILMS list on LETTERBOXD at https://letterboxd.com/hiff/list/hiff41s-top-films/ MAD GOD MAD
HIFF41’S TOP STAFF PICKS Read More »
As a non-profit, cultural organization, HIFF’s mission is to be as inclusive as possible for film enthusiasts, from keiki to seniors, to be engaged, entertained and inspired. Every year, the Festival offers a myriad of film screenings, family-friendly content, panels and workshops and a major XR showcase ALL FOR FREE. All in all, HIFF41 presents
November is American Indian Heritage Month and its only apropos that we celebrate the works of First Nations filmmakers, including Pasifika and Kanaka Maoli artists, at #HIFF41. We continue our annual partnership with Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) with PACIFIC SHOWCASE, presenting new features and shorts from Pacific Islander filmmakers, as well as Hawaiian filmmaking
Sterlin Harjo & Indigenous Filmmakers Spotlight at HIFF41 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.