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HIFF'S MISSION

HIFF hosts the premier cinematic event in the Pacific and operates year-round, supporting film and filmmakers since 1981.

HIFF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization driven to entertain, enlighten, and inspire through film and creative content from around the world with a special focus on Hawai’i-made, Asian, and Pacific Rim cinema. HIFF undertakes this via three distinct arms of the organization: Exhibition, Education, and Industry.

Exhibition includes free year-round community screenings, the spring ‘Ōpio Fest focusing on the Future of Film, and the annual Fall Festival. The Fall Festival is HIFF’s anchor event which has run consecutively for 45 years across Hawai’i, showcasing over 200 films on 6 islands. HIFF is the sole event in Hawai’i that brings international attention to Hawai’i’s creative industry, storytellers, and local creative economy as the only Academy Award®-qualifying festival in the world that focuses on Kānaka Maoli and Hawai’i-made content.

Education offers multiple programs that are free to students across the state, serving over 10,000 annually. These initiatives serve to equip and inspire the next generations of creatives and promote media literacy for students on all islands. These completely free programs include guest filmmaker visits, exclusive student screenings, and student film showcases. Nowhere else do students of all ages have access to high-level local, national, and international filmmakers; thought provoking, culturally engaging films; and exciting cross-cultural discussions and networking opportunities.

Industry through HIFF’s “HIFILM” wing provides unparalleled professional development opportunities for creatives, local filmmakers, and underrepresented voices served by HIFF. Through HIFILM, HIFF hosts dozens of panels and networking events every year and also directly supports local film productions through Fiscal Sponsorship and Filmmaker Labs. Additionally, HIFF’s MAKAWALU Project, co-directed by eight Native Hawaiian filmmakers, is currently in production as the largest independent project entirely created by Kānaka Maoli talent.

Your support makes it possible for HIFF to uplift Hawai’i’s stories and creative talent to the highest levels of entertainment. Your tax-deductible donation is a direct investment into a sustainable local film industry through HIFF’s programs that educate emerging creatives, empower filmmakers through professional development opportunities, and position Hawai’i as a special hub of international cinema.

HIFF in 2024

50,569

Attendance

11,468

Students served through free education programs

$4,430,000

Direct expenditure into Hawai’i economy

332

Films screened

55

Countries represented

42

Made in Hawai’i films supported

87,697,323

Total digital reach

6

Hawaiian Islands served by HIFF screenings

1,996

Filmmakers supported through HIFILM Industry Initiatives

THREE WAYS TO DONATE

PHONE

Call Josh Nye, 
HIFF Festival Manager 



MAIL

Payable to: 

Hawai‘i International Film Festival

3512 Waialae Ave,
 Honolulu, HI 96816

Thank you for your consideration. All gifts will be acknowledged and are fully tax-deductible. Gifts made online will be confirmed electronically within 24 hours. You will not receive any goods or services in exchange for your gift. Your contribution is separate from the purchase or renewal of a membership.
Privacy Statement: Your financial information and e-mail address are completely confidential and will not be shared with any third party.

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT

ENDOWMENT FUND

Make a long lasting gift, become part of our future, and preserve your love of film through HIFF’s Endowment Program. When you give stocks, securities, life insurance, property, or a bequest through your will or trust, you are helping strengthen HIFF for our future generations.

MEMBERSHIP

Join an active, vibrant community of film-lovers and provide valuable recurring support of HIFF’s programs. HIFF’s members gain exclusive access to advance screenings every month, special events, and much more throughout the year.

PRODUCERS CIRCLE

The Producers Circle is a special program for our most generous patrons, offering high-level benefits and recognition at HIFF’s premier events throughout the year. As a 501(c)(3), your contribution is partially tax deductible.

SPONSORSHIP

Corporate sponsorship is another avenue to support HIFF for businesses and other organizations to receive marketing placements, event access, and more in exchange for cash or in-kind services.