In this video essay, HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) mentee Elise Hatsuko explores the transformative power of international film festivals like HIFF in supporting diasporic communities. By showcasing films from diverse cultures, these festivals serve as agents of language justice and representation, allowing communities to see their languages and stories on screen. From
Sometimes a fire needs to be set. WE WERE DANGEROUS (2024) is a piece on girls finding support and freedom within a community of “undesirables.” Winner of the HIFF44 PASIFIKA award, this New Zealand film directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu celebrates the strength of young Maori women and a wider take on girlhood. Placed in
HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) mentee Sho Araiba reviews ASHIMA, a documentary from director Kenji Tsukamoto that follows Ashima Shiraishi, one of the world’s youngest elite rock climbers, as she embarks on an incredible journey with her biggest supporter and coach, her dad. Together, they set out to conquer a V14 boulder climb in
There is something about eating dumplings that is almost ethereal. I remember my first time having soup dumplings – the puncture felt like piercing a veil. The burst of warm soup disrupted all I had known about soup and dumplings separately, and by some well-executed design, it was all happening in one spoon. Chewing on
Instagram Facebook Youtube The HIFF Fall Festival is more than a celebration of films – it brings a premier red carpet experience to the islands for all to enjoy. Now in our 44th year, there are so many special memories from those in the HIFF community. Let’s take a look back at some of those
WOVEN is an indigenous short film directed by Vilsoni Hereniko and Alex Cantatore. It tells the story of an incident involving an indigenous basket weaver (played by Vilsoni Hereniko) trying to complete the traditional art of basket weaving but struggling to do so in a world where that custom is being forgotten. This film explores
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.
