The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) announces that Executive Director Beckie Stocchetti has stepped down following a transformative nine-year tenure.
Since assuming the position in 2017, Stocchetti led HIFF through a period of significant organizational growth, financial recovery, and expanded reach locally, nationally, and internationally. When she stepped into the role, the organization faced substantial financial and operational challenges. Stocchetti’s leadership brought stability, meaningful partnerships, and remolded HIFF into a thriving institution.
Some of Stochetti’s many accomplishments include expanding the festival’s geographic reach across O‘ahu and statewide; introducing juried awards and cash prizes that support filmmakers; and launching key education initiatives and year-round programming that help HIFF connect with thousands of students and community members annually. Under her leadership, HIFF achieved Academy Award®-qualifying status for short films. Stochetti also increased visibility and exhibition opportunities for Hawai‘i-based filmmakers through a strategic partnership with Hawaiian Airlines that showcases local films via in-flight programming.
In parallel, Stocchetti was the architect of the organization’s growth and development, expanding HIFF from a small core team into a structured, year-round organization with dedicated focus areas across exhibition, industry, and education. She developed systems to balance creative ambition with sustainability and guided HIFF through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity and sustained community engagement.
Stocchetti’s relationship with HIFF began in 2009 as an intern. She later served as an Education, Development, and Program Consultant.
Said Stochetti: “I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished over my nearly two decades with HIFF. I approached this role with clear values and a deep sense of responsibility to both grow the organization creatively and ensure its sustainability and integrity. I led with a commitment to accountability and stewardship of the organization, and to supporting and connecting both local and international creative communities. That work required developing the infrastructure to support growth, making key decisions across the organization, and taking on significant responsibility behind the scenes to ensure its success. I am proud of what we created: an organization that is financially strong, operationally resilient, and deeply committed to supporting filmmakers, audiences, and the broader creative economy. I have sincere gratitude for those who were part of that journey,”
HIFF extends its deepest gratitude to Beckie Stocchetti for her years of leadership and lasting contributions, and wishes her all the very best in her next chapter.
The HIFF Board of Directors has launched a search for a new Executive Director. Director of Operations Aaron Hansen will serve as Interim Executive Director, working with the team to prepare for the 2026 Fall Festival Presented by Halekulani and to continue the organization’s year-round programming.
