HIFF’S YOUTH EDUCATION SCREENINGS

HIFF offers free youth education screenings of outstanding films that are rarely available in Hawai’i to schools providing a resource of filmmaking and storytelling to the local community. This program is open to classes grades 6 to 12 in Hawai’i.

This year all screenings will be held online. Classes will be issued a private code to access the film’s link on HIFF’s platform where they can watch the film on their own time, in the safety of their home, prior to the Education Q&A with the selected film’s director held on a private Zoom session for the class(es).

Teachers may sign their class up for more than one screening. We encourage teachers to incorporate these films into their classes, and whenever possible, HIFF invites the film’s director to participate in a post-screening discussion with students. Films will be available to access as early as November 5 when the Fall Festival kicks off online!

As the vanguard forum of international cinematic achievement in the Asia-Pacific region, HIFF endeavors to recognize new and emerging talent, promote career development and original collaborations through innovative education programs, and facilitate dynamic cultural exchange through the cinema arts.

For any questions, please email Education Coordinator, Jen May Pastores, at jenmay@hiff.org. 

YOUTH EDUCATION FILM SELECTIONS

To RSVP for an educational screening for your class please sign-up by October 16 at: https://tinyurl.com/HIFFEducationScreenings

FIRST VOTE

Directed by: Yi Chen 2020 | 59 min.

Countries: United States
Languages: Chinese, English
Genres: Documentary

Synopsis:

A soon-to-be first-time voter, the filmmaker’s thought-provoking journey into the American South and Midwest captures the ardent participation of four politically engaged Chinese American voters from both sides of the aisle during the 2018 midterm elections and explores issues of immigration, voting rights and racial justice.

https://vimeo.com/437027608

LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM

Directed by: Pawo Choyning Dorji | 109 min.

Section: Film For Thought
Premiere: Hawaii Premiere
Countries: Bhutan
Languages: Dzongkha, with English subtitles
Genres: Drama, Educational, Family Friendly

Synopsis:
Musician Ugyen struggles to excel in his teaching career, despite having one of Bhutan’s more coveted jobs. He is in fact so unmotivated, that his superiors decide to give him a special position – teach at the country’s most remote school for a year. When Ugyen arrives in Lunana, he can hardly believe his bad luck landing in such a backwater. However, the charm of the village, its people, and the majestic Himalayas, may just win him over after all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nZqpBCjVrY

WATER LIKE FIRE

Directed by: Mitchel Viernes | 88 min.

Section: Made in Hawaii
Premiere: World Premiere
Countries: United States
Languages: English
Genres: Drama

SYNOPSIS:
On her days off of work, Chanel finds herself at the beach. Her only source of comfort is between the waves and the sand. While surfing helps mend the emotional wounds of her parent’s death, Chanel still struggles to connect with her drug-addicted brother, Caleb. Then one day, Caleb is injured in a hit-and-run accident. While convalescing in the hospital, Chanel vows to help her brother heal his physical injuries and his drug problem. Memories of their parent’s surface while they are together and conversations about surfing binds them as one family. But while mending their broken relationship, another problem arises that challenges Caleb’s already broken spirit. WATER LIKE FIRE is a tale about the courage to walk through fire until you find peace.