HIFF45 Events
Official HIFF45 Events are listed below. Some are only open to select passholders and RSVPs will be sent out via email. Please RSVP to links below where available.
HIFF45 Anchor Events
OPENING PARTY
Wednesday, October 15
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
@ Capitol Modern
250 S Hotel St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
Attire: Aloha Chic
“Raise a glass and roll the reel – HIFF’s 45th is here!
Join us for the HIFF45 Anniversary Festival Kick-off Party and the Opening Night Celebration of the 45th Annual Hawai’i Internatioanl Film Festival presented by Halekulani. For the first time ever, HIFF opens at the iconic Capital Modern venue, setting the stage for a month of films, festivities, and fresh stories from around the world happening statewide across Hawai’i.
This special evening will feature an exciting introduction to the Fall Festival program and an opportunity for HIFF’s community of supporters to gather in celebration. Limited entry – RSVP to be part of this historic moment and join us for this milestone celebration!”
Attendees will receive one complimentary ticket for a specialty cocktail; a no-host bar will also be available. Limited pupus.
Honoree Gala
Friday, October 17
5:30pm Red Carpet | 7:00pm Dinner
@ Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kālia Rd,
Honolulu, HI 96815
Attire: Black Tie
See the HIFF45 Honorees and Awards Juries
Join us as we celebrate 45 years of cinematic innovation and cultural impact at the 45 Annual Hawai’i International Film Festival Honoree Gala presented by Halekulani.
Recognized as the most prestigious red carpet event in the Pacific, the HIFF45 Gala honors distinguished honorees, visionary artists, and cultural icons whose work has left an indelible mark on global cinema. Be part of an unforgettable night of tribute and celebration as we reflect on the Festival’s legacy of shaping film and storytelling across the globe while supporting HIFF’s mission for the next generation of storytellers.
Five Course Dinner, all-inclusive
Reserve your table or seat today for this exclusive fundraising gala and join us in this milestone celebration.
AWARDS Reception
Friday, October 23
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
@ Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kālia Rd,
Honolulu, HI 96815
Attire: Island Elegance
The 45th Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani culminates with the HIFF45 Awards Ceremony and Reception, a distinguished evening honoring cinematic excellence from Asia, the U.S., and the Pacific.
As an Academy Award®-qualifying festival, HIFF showcases the year’s most exceptional films and filmmakers, presenting top honors including Kau Ka Hōkū (International Feature), NETPAC, Made in Hawai‘i Short & Feature, Pasifika Short & Feature, Audience Awards Short & Feature, Best Short Film, and University Short Film.
Guests will enjoy a celebratory evening of awards, gourmet bites, and live music, mingling in true red-carpet fashion on Halekulani’s stunning outdoor lawn as the sun sets – an elegant gathering under the stars. Join us for a reimagined reception, bringing together the entire film industry of the Pacific for an unforgettable night of connection and celebration.
Hosted bar and Heavy Pupus from Halekulani’s award-winning chefs
Receptions & Parties
CAPE Pop-Up Mixer in Honolulu
Sunday, October 6
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Join CAPE for a Sunday nightcap after a packed opening weekend at HIFF! CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) will be hosting a casual pop-up to meet our friends in Honolulu. We’ll have a table reserved at Aloha Beer Co. Come by to say hi, learn more about our organization, and network with other API professionals in entertainment!
LOCATION: Aloha Beer Co (700 Queen St, Honolulu, HI 96813)
Food and drinks available for purchase at Aloha Beer Co.
HIFF44 Spotlight On Hong Kong Reception
Friday, October 11
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Open to Jury Pass holders, Filmmaker Pass holders, Board Pass holders, and limited HIFF Sponsors.
@ Prince Waikiki
100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815