The VFX-heavy YIN YANG MASTER ZERO presents itself as an exhilarating roller coaster, topped with all the bells and whistles, but the ride itself may not be enjoyable for everyone. Although director Shimako Sato attempts to breathe new life into the historical characters, the high-fantasy elements and big budget do most of the heavy lifting
Ever wondered what it felt like to be on the frontlines of Polynesian wartime? The latest of Māori magic to be showcased on the big screen is none other than KA WHAWHAI TONU: STRUGGLE WITHOUT END. This two-hour feature film reveals the true accounts of indigenous resistance in Aotearoa during the 1864 battle of Ōrākau.
The votes have been tabulated and the audience has spoken. Here are the 44th Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekulani (HIFF44) Audience Award winners presented by Hawaii News Now. HIFF44 Audience Award for Narrative Feature: ABOUT FAMILY (South Korea) Director: YANG Woo-suk HIFF44 Audience Award for Documentary Feature: SHAKA, A STORY OF ALOHA (Hawai‘i,
I’m notorious for talking myself out of rooms before I’ve even gotten out of bed. And there in bed I sat, slouched over my HOCCI application in the middle of my inner saboteur’s best speech: I am a film noob. What position was I in to critique it? As it turns out, the perfect position.
Based on Takashi Imashiro’s manga of the same name, GHOST CAT ANZU directed by Yôko Kuno & Nobuhiro Yamashita is a beautiful animated film that is a remarkable example of what is possible when excellent writing, directing, production, and performance all come together. GHOST CAT ANZU is Beautiful, but Boring The film’s production was tremendously
“I wish I could be as brave as you, Ms.” It’s remarkable how, even at our lowest, we can still be seen as strong, brave, and inspiring to others. In Miki Magasiva’s directorial debut, TINĀ, we are taken on a heartfelt journey that brings joy, laughter, and tears. The film follows the story of Mareta,
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.
