SPOTLIGHT ON THE PHILIPPINES celebrates Filipino American History Month (FAHM)with a dynamic showcase of new cinema from the Philippines and across the Filipino diaspora. In partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), this HIFF45 section premieres world renowned films produced in the Philippines while honoring the rich diversity of voices that span
SPOTLIGHT ON OKINAWA honors the enduring ties between Okinawa and Hawai‘i as we mark the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to the islands. This special Hawai‘i International Film Festival section presents three brand-new films—each making their International premiere—that showcase the rich culture, resilience, and contemporary voices of Okinawa. Celebrating shared history and deep community roots,
Instagram Facebook Youtube HIFF and papa johns pizza night fundraiser The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) is excited to announce a special collaboration with Papa Johns Hawai‘i! From Tuesday, September 9 through Monday, September 15, you can support HIFF simply by enjoying your favorite pizza at home. Here’s how it works: Place your order online
Friday August 29, 2025 // Honolulu, Hawai‘i — The 45th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani (HIFF45) will light up screens across the islands with an exhilarating program of screenings, the inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference, special events. The festival runs October 15–26, 2025 in Honolulu; October 28-30 in Kapolei; November 1–2 on Kaua‘i;
The 2025 HIFILM StorytellersLab (HSL), sponsored by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), brought together a dynamic group of filmmakers and writers for a transformative retreat at the historic Nutridge Estate. Designed to support the development of short screenplays adapted from original Hawai‘i literary works—including books, plays, poems, short stories, and moʻolelo—HSL was a rare opportunity to
We’re excited to welcome three interns to the HIFF team this summer: Roma, Levi, and Cyris! MEET ROMA LERNER Hello! My name is Roma Lerner, and I am currently a student at Colgate University where I am double majoring in Film and Media Studies as well as Environmental Studies. I grew up on the North
The HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) program, powered by Critical Minded, supports sustainable film criticism in Hawai‘i through mentorship and paid career opportunities. The mission of HOCCI is to broaden diversity in film criticism across the Pacific region and use influencer branding strategies to spark career opportunities in Hawai’i, not be hampered by oceans, state borders and distance, because geography is no longer a barrier.
The 2024 HOCCI supports Hawai‘i-based AANHPI critics to be a HIFF44 press cohort to cover films, panels, or filmmakers at the 44th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani. Film criticism will consists of four different focuses: writing, podcasting, video essays, and vlogs.
