The HIFF44 UNIVERSITY SHOWCASE, a selection of the best original shorts made by student filmmakers from post-secondary schools across Hawai’i, premiered earlier this week on Tuesday, October 8th, with 11 outstanding shorts from Leeward Community College, Hawai’i Community College, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, University of Hawai’i West O’ahu, and Hawai’i Pacific University.
The following day, on Wednesday, October 9th, two student filmmakers were recognized as honorees and one student filmmaker was awarded the 2024 HIFFxBMW HAWAII DRIVEN STUDENT FILMMAKER AWARD and a $3,000 cash scholarship. This award and cash scholarship, provided by HIFF and BMW Hawaii, is dedicated to celebrating, uplifting, and supporting the next generation of local filmmakers.
HIFF’s Student Advisory Committee, made up of students across the state, were given the opportunity to curate the HIFF44 University Showcase and select the ‘best short film’ of the Program.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Student Advisory Committee at HIFF awards WHERE DO BUTTERFLIES GO WHEN THEY DIE? and ANXIOUS each an honorable mention for their poignant storytelling that tackles sensitive issues and resonates with a broad audience.
WHERE DO BUTTERFLIES GO WHEN THEY DIE?, directed by Steven Loya Montoya, , poignantly explores themes of grief while celebrating the beauty of life and love through its genuine characters and evocative storytelling.
The short documentary, ANXIOUS, directed by Josiah Castillo, presents a deeply vulnerable and expressive narrative that captivates viewers with its striking visuals and immersive storytelling. The compelling narration and alluring cinematography work together to create a lasting impression on its viewers.
HIFF x BMW DRIVEN STUDENT FILMMAKER AWARD
The Student Advisory Committee at HIFF selected STITCHES, directed by Alexander Cleary, for its complex themes, world-building, and sheer innovation and technical execution in combining various media. A wonderful blend of humor, heartbreak, and family, STITCHES provides audiences with an intimate perspective into biracial identities and multicultural families. Deeply relevant in the world today, the story is both a wonderful form of entertainment while also being didactic.
