Having a hard time figuring out which films to watch? Looking for something to put you on an emotional roller coaster? The Pacific Showcase will have you laughing and crying with its diverse selection of movies to choose from! Check out these 5 amazing films from the Pacific Showcase presented by Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC). To get the most bang for your buck in watching HIFF online, consider purchasing a HIFF40 ALL-ACCESS PASS!
HAWAIIAN SOUL
Hawai‘i
Against the backdrop of the 1970s native rights movement, George Helm, a young Hawaiian activist and musician must gain the support of kūpuna (community elders) from Maui to aid in the fight of protecting the precious neighboring island of Kahoʻolawe from military bombing.
BABY DONE
New Zealand
Executive produced by Taika Waititi (JOJO RABBIT, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE), this Kiwi-infused amalgam of SHE’S HAVING A BABY and GIRLS stars comedienne Rose Matafeo (THE BREAKER UPPERS). Wannabe-adventurer and free spirit Zoe freaks out when she falls pregnant to her long-term boyfriend Tim. As Tim embraces the prospect of fatherhood, Zoe attempts to rush through her dreams. BABY DONE is a semi-autobiographical story inspired by their own reaction to starting a family.
LOIMATA, THE SWEETEST TEARS
New Zealand
While confronting intergenerational trauma, Ema Siope battles a terminal illness. LOIMATA, THE SWEETEST TEARS follows the final years of the waka builder and captain, Ema who attempts to spiritually heal her family and herself. Known as the woman who possesses the strength of three men, Siope gathers her family from New Zealand to journey to her mother’s birthplace in Samoa. Their journey through memories, spirituality, healing, and voyaging culminates in Loimata where Ema seeks redemption.
THE HEALER AND THE PSYCHIATRIST
Tonga, United Kingdom
In the South Pacific Island group of Vava’u (Tonga), the traditional healer Emeline Lolohea treats people affected by spirits. One day away by ferry, the only Tongan Psychiatrist, Dr. Mapa Puloka, has established a public psychiatry well known across the region. Though they have never met in person, this film creates a dialogue between them on the nature of mental illness and spiritual affliction. Their discussion offers challenges and opportunities to help address the growing global mental health crisis.
A CONVERSATION WITH KEALA SETTLE (PIC TRAILBLAZER AWARD HONOREE)
HIFF40 and Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) are honored to present the annual PIC Trailblazer Award to singer and actress Keala Settle. In this one hour conversation, we discuss Settle’s humble beginnings growing up on the North Shore of Oahu and her trajectory in becoming an accomplished stage actor on Broadway. We also discuss her eventual segue to the big screen with her Earth-shattering performance in THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, which would led her to perform the Academy Award nominated song “This Is Me” to millions of viewers on Oscar night in 2018. We also talk about the serious health scare that almost sidelined her permanently and her outlook on pay parity, especially for BIPOC artists. It is an enlightening, funny and, at times, tearful conversation moderated by HIFF executive director Beckie Stocchetti and PIC executive director Leanne Ferrer.
View the A CONVERSATION WITH KEALA SETTLE on HIFF’s Facebook Page
HIFF40 Limited and All-Access Passes provide the best value to view as many films online via HIFF’s streaming platform. Buy your pass today!
