2025 HIFILM Industry Conference | HIFF | Hawai'i International Film Festival

HIFILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE - Oct 24 - 26 @ Chaminade University

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Join us for the inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference, a groundbreaking three-day immersive event taking place during HIFF’s 45th Annual Fall Festival presented by Halekulani in October 2025.

The HIFILM Industry Conference is designed to offer a comprehensive and dynamic experience for all attendees. The conference is rigorous and wide-ranging in its approach, tackling pressing industry topics such as locating a global audience focused on Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika stories, while also offering rare opportunities to engage with visionary creators at the top of their game who will present this year’s keynotes – a Producer-of-the-Year and a Director-of-the-Year respectively.

Your HIFILM Industry Conference Pass grants you full access to all three days of the inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference, including panels, workshops, networking events, and special gatherings with industry leaders. Enjoy complimentary food and beverages throughout the conference, beginning with an opening night reception featuring elevated pūpū by Chef Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale. Passes are extremely limited, so secure yours early.

Become a HIFF HIFILM Industry Member for special access to year-round panels, workshops, networking events and more!

$ 125 All 3 Days

Many panels, workshops, networking events, and special gatherings with industry leaders
Networking with Film Industry Peers
Enjoy complimentary food and beverages throughout the conference

LIMITED Availability

All sessions and activities will take place at Chaminade University, October 24 – 26, 2025

FREE Parking, Meals Included

Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

All Weekend THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE:

Community Network Fair:

Resources & Connections for Hawai‘i Creatives

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE – Full schedule will be announced soon

DAY 1
Friday 10/24 4pm-7pm

Networking: Opening Night Happy Hour Reception

Opening Night Happy Hour Reception: Mix and mingle with conference attendees, speakers, and local creatives

Opening Remarks: Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF

We are honored to welcome Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), our presenting sponsor, to deliver the conference’s opening remarks.

Norman Chen is CEO of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) with three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community leadership across the U.S. and Asia. He co-founded the nonprofit LAAUNCH and helped create the landmark STAATUS Index on attitudes toward Asian Americans. Previously, he founded Asia Renal Care, co-founded DeltaHealth Hospital, and led life-science investments at Fidelity Asia Ventures and 6 Dimensions Capital. A MIT and Stanford MBA graduate, he serves on several nonprofit boards and lives in the Bay Area.

Enjoy Live Music by Singer/Songwriter/Farmer Hanale Bishop as well as Elevated Bites & Beverages Courtesy of Kapa Hale Chef, Keaka Lee

HIFILM Fiscal Sponsorship Spotlight

Filmmakers Kim Ly & Vince Keala Lucero share their upcoming film WISHFUL THINKING—set during the Lahaina fires and inspired by true events. Currently in pre-production, they’ll talk about navigating the fundraising journey with the support of the HIFILM/Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Artist-in-Residence Keynote: Glenn Gainor

Artist-in-Residence: Glenn Gainor: An in-depth dialogue with a trailblazing producer (former head of Amazon Movies, Physical Production), who just launched Hollywood Ventures Group, a diversified film production outfit and consultancy designed to meet the current moment in global filmmaking. Staffed with veterans from MGM, CAA and Universal Studios, Gainor’s new shingle will develop and produce “premium film and television content, cultivating international creative partnerships and shaping the future of entertainment.

DAY 2
Sat 10/25 10am-4pm

PANEL | Cinema Without Borders: The Power of International Co-Productions

Co-production treaties let films qualify as national productions in multiple countries, unlocking incentives, tax breaks, and broader distribution. They foster international collaboration and resource sharing between partner nations. Speak with Janice Chua (CRAZY RICH ASIANS) of her new company Third World Content & Joierie Ann Pacumio from Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Janice Chua

Janice Chua is the founder of Third Culture Content, a Los Angeles– and Singapore-based production company dedicated to bridging Asian and American stories for global audiences. She was an associate producer on Warner Bros.’ groundbreaking hit Crazy Rich Asians and later served as Vice President of International Development and Production at Imagine Entertainment, where she oversaw projects such as Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives and The Accidental Getaway Driver (Sundance 2023). Chua also co-produced Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice (Cannes 2023). She is committed to championing diasporic and cross-cultural narratives that amplify underrepresented voices and foster authentic collaboration.

Joierie Ann Pacumio

Joierie Ann Pacumio is the Executive Director of FilmPhilippines Office—a unit under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) that handles funding programs for local films and international co-productions, as well as on-ground assistance for location filming. She oversees the operations in providing financial incentives for various stages of film productions, and strategizing promotional activities to contribute in making the Philippines a viable destination for international projects.

Mini-Panel: Storytellers Lab Presentation:

Join a selection of the 2025 HIFILM Storytellers Lab (HSL) cohort, a three-day retreat supporting filmmakers and writers in adapting Hawai‘i literary works into short screenplays. Participants will reflect on their creative journeys, share lessons learned, and chat with attendees about their experiences in the program which included mentors Rachel Kondo (Shōgun), Jordan Kendall (Moana), Alika Tengan (Moloka’i Bound) and Megan Leonard (SIFF)

PANEL | Beyond the Bubble: Navigating Indie Cinema’s Uncertain Path

From creative development to distribution in 2025 and beyond, this roundtable examines the state of independent filmmaking across narrative and documentary storytelling. Panelists will assess what has broken and what partial solutions are emerging—from shifting funding sources to regional coalitions and alternative distribution pipelines. Panelists Mynette Louie, Diane Quon and Eugene Yi are collectively at the top of the indie world game with Sundance, Tribeca, Busan, Berlin, SXSW credits, Indie Spirit Awards and Oscar nominations.

Mynette Louie

Mynette Louie is a New York–based, Emmy- and Spirit Award–nominated producer and educator. She won the Film Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for Land Ho! and the Piaget Producers Award, with additional nominations for The Tale and I Carry You With Me. Her filmography includes Children of Invention, The Invitation, Swallow, Catch the Fair One, and Rosemead. A founding president of Gamechanger Films and co-founder of The Population, Louie has premiered work at Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Toronto, and Tribeca. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Producers Branch and serves on boards and advisory committees at Film Independent, Sundance, and The Gotham. Currently, she is Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and co-Head of the Creative Producing Concentration at Columbia University’s Graduate Film Program. Louie is a Harvard graduate and former Hawaii Film Office executive, where she authored the state’s production tax credit.

Diane Quon

Diane Quon is an Academy Award-nominated producer who worked as a marketing executive at Paramount Pictures and NBC in LA before moving back to her hometown of Chicago. Diane has produced many documentaries including: Oscar and Emmy nominated, Peabody award-winning film, MINDING THE GAP (Hulu, POV); Emmy-nominated FINDING YINGYING (MTVDocs); Emmy-nominated WUHAN WUHAN (POV); 2022 Oscar-shortlisted BAD AXE (IFC FILMS); BREAKING THE NEWS (Indie Lens); AKA MR. CHOW (HBO) and THE ROSE: COME BACK TO ME (Tribeca 2025). Diane is producing the upcoming documentary THE UNTITLED SAM PROJECT, and is also developing the fiction films KAMPUCHEA written and directed by David Siev (BAD AXE), as well as HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET based on a NYTimes bestseller. Diane is an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences member, and a DPA and PGA member. She is the very proud mother of four.

Eugene Yi

Eugene Yi is a filmmaker and editor whose work spans music, history, and social justice. He co-directed and edited Free Chol Soo Lee (Sundance 2022), the acclaimed documentary about a landmark Asian American wrongful conviction case, which was released theatrically by Kino Lorber and broadcast on PBS Independent Lens. Most recently, Yi directed The Rose: Come Back to Me (Tribeca 2025), an intimate portrait of the South Korean indie rock band’s creative journey and global rise. With a background in documentary editing, Yi is committed to telling nuanced, emotionally resonant stories that amplify underrepresented voices and cultures.

Lunch + Coffee Talk

Informal Roundtable with Producers about Co-Productions. + Community Marketplace

PANEL | From Hawaii to Hollywood: A Fireside Chat with Kaliko Kauahi

NBCUniversal invites you to a special fireside conversation with actor Kaliko Kauahi, beloved for her standout performances in NBC’s hit comedy series ST. DENIS MEDICAL and SUPERSTORE. In this intimate discussion, Kaliko will reflect on her remarkable journey from her Hawaiian roots to the Hollywood spotlight. Through career highlights and personal insights, she will share the lessons she’s learned over the years and explore how inclusive storytelling continues to shape and elevate today’s television landscape. Fireside chat moderated by Jeanne Mau, EVP TV Programming Inclusion, NBCUniversal.

Kaliko Kauahi

Kaliko Kauahi is a Native Hawaiian actor best known for her breakout role as Sandra Kaluiokalani on NBC’s acclaimed sitcom Superstore. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, she has built a career in television with credits including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Raven’s Home, The Big Bang Theory, and Parks and Recreation. Most recently, Kauahi stars in NBC’s workplace comedy St. Denis Medical. Beloved for her sharp comedic timing and grounded performances, she continues to be an advocate for greater Pacific Islander representation in Hollywood.

Jeanne Mau, Moderator

Jeanne Mau, born and raised on Oʻahu, has spent more than 20 years championing underrepresented talent on both sides of the camera in television. She has helped launch the careers of numerous writers and directors, first at CBS and now at NBCUniversal, where she works closely with creative executives and producers to ensure that stories from marginalized communities are told and celebrated. In September 2021, Mau became the first DEI leader with oversight of NBCU’s linear entertainment networks and Universal Studio Group. She also created NBCU LAUNCH, the umbrella brand for the company’s television artist services initiatives.

Panel | The Manager’s Playbook: An Onstage Conversation with Range Media Partners

In today’s volatile entertainment landscape, the role of the literary manager has never been more vital. What does a manager actually do for writers and creators in both feature film and television? How do they navigate shifting studio priorities, guide career strategy, and advocate for authentic voices when industry structures are constantly in flux?

Managers Tanya Cohen and Michael Kagan of Range Media Partners will participate in an onstage conversation, moderated by MOANA screenwriter and HIFF board member Jordan Kandell, who just so happens to be their client. They’ll break down the essential functions of literary management—from developing and positioning material to building long-term careers—while addressing current market trends, the appetite for different types of content, and how diverse and independent projects can continue to thrive.

Michael Kagan

MANAGER, RANGE MEDIA PARTNERS

As a literary manager at Range Media Partners, Michael represents a range of writer/showrunners & directors, including Jenji Kohan (Weeds, Orange Is The New Black), Misha Green (Lovecraft Country), Ildy Modrovich (Lucifer), Christian Linke (Arcane), Meredith Lavender & Marcie Ulin (Flight Attendant), Steven Lilien & Bryan Wynbrandt (La Brea, Quantum Leap), Aaron & Jordan Kandell (Moana), Lukas Reiter (The Blacklist), Justin Piasecki (Relay), Ric Roman Waugh (Greenland, Shotcaller) and Eric Warren Singer (American Hustle, Top Gun: Maverick). Michael began his career working in the digital group at UTA and then transitioned to the literary group at CAA, where he worked for a senior literary agent and then the department head. He then followed Peter Micelli to eOne where he was promoted to an executive in the TV development department. Michael was one of the first employees at Range Media Partners where he has proudly been a manager for over 5 years. A graduate of Indiana University, Michael has degrees in Psychology and Sociology.

Jordan Kandell

Moderator

Jordan Kandell, along with his twin brother Aaron, are screenwriters and producers best known for their work on the survival-romance ADRIFT, and Disney’s MOANA. Born and raised in Hawai’i, the Kandells were brought on to deepen the emotional arcs and are credited with developing the relationship between Moana and Maui, creating the prologue, the Cave of the Wayfinders, the Kakamora and Tamatoa. The Kandells are known for their inspirational tone and world building and have developed a number of notable projects for legendary directors, including: Jon M. Chu, Destin Daniel Cretton, Robert Zemeckis, Clint Eastwood, Chris Columbus, Peter Farrelly, and Ron Howard. And have written feature film and television projects for Disney, Warner Brothers, Fox, Paramount, HBO, Apple, and Netflix.

PANEL | DIRECTING THE JOURNEY: BREAKING INTO TV

Filmmaker Marie Jamora shares her inspiring path from the Philippines to becoming a sought-after TV director in Hollywood. From graduating AFI to joining Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY program, Jamora has carved out a dynamic career directing hit network series while staying rooted in her unique voice and perspective. She is joined by Hawai‘i born filmmaker Erin Lau, who also recently started her journey in TV directing with RESCUE HI-SURF. This candid conversation explores the craft of TV directing, breaking into the industry as an indie filmmaker, and navigating the evolving landscape of episodic storytelling.

The panel is moderated by Emmy, Golden Globe, and Producers Guild Award–nominated producer Joseph Incaprera (THE WALKING DEAD, RESCUE HI-SURF, 13 REASONS WHY, TULSA KING, THE WIRE).

Marie Jamora

Born and raised in Manila, Marie Jamora was the Producer/Director on the UNT. AVA DUVERNAY PROJECT for Starz. Marie recently directed an episode of the MATLOCK reboot starring Academy Award and Emmy winner Kathy Bates, as well as GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES for Paramount+. Her short film, FLIP THE RECORD, won the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Short at Urbanworld and was shortlisted for the 90th Academy Awards. Her other short film HARANA was made at AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women and won the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Narrative Short at the Sarasota Film Festival. Her first feature, WHAT ISN’T THERE (ANG NAWAWALA), premiered at Slamdance is considered a cult classic coming of age film in the Philippines. Her TV directing credits include QUEEN SUGAR (OWN), THE CLEANING LADY (FOX), ALL RISE (OWN), THE RESIDENT (FOX), and both seasons of FIRE COUNTRY (CBS).

Erin Lau

Erin Lau: Native Hawaiian filmmaker Erin Lau has dedicated her life to creating stories for her community, exploring empathy, redemption, and legacy. She has grown through opportunities with the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Studios, Film Independent, Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative, and more. Her films have screened in over 50 festivals across the world and have been featured on the Criterion Channel, Netflix, and PBS. Notable directing works include THE MOON AND THE NIGHT, ALL I EVER WANTED, and INHERITANCE. Erin also directed for FOX’s RESCUE: HI-SURF and contributed to multiple award winning documentaries including STANDING ABOVE THE CLOUDS.

Joseph Incaprera

Moderator

Joseph Incaprera is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Producers Guild Award–nominated producer and President of Shorehouse Productions, currently developing the TV series Vendor for HBO. In 2024 he produced Rescue: HI-Surf for FOX, and in 2022 served as Co-Executive Producer on season one of Paramount+’s Tulsa King. He was Executive Producer for Seasons 10–11 of AMC’s The Walking Dead and has Producer credits on Tell Me Your Secrets for Amazon, The First for Hulu , 13 Reasons Why for Netflix, Quarry, The Messengers, and American Horror Story: Coven, which earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Prior to that he produced four seasons of HBO’s the Emmy nominated Treme and was the Unit Production Manager on five seasons of The Wire. A former Assistant Director on numerous films and series, Incaprera is a Directors Guild, Producers Guild, Writers Guild and Television Academy member. Based in Hawaiʻi, he lives with his wife Catharine, a costume supervisor, and their daughter Chloe who is graduating this year from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

DAY 3
SUNDAY 10/26 10am-4pm

Panel | AI and Indie Film: Legal, Creative, and Production Realities

Can AI and human creativity truly coexist? For independent filmmakers, AI offers powerful tools to lower costs, streamline production, and expand creative freedom—democratizing access to filmmaking like never before. Yet these opportunities also raise pressing questions around job displacement, monetization, intellectual property, and ownership.

This panel examines the evolving role of AI in indie cinema—from development through production, sales, and distribution—while exploring new modes of release and the legal implications, including chain of title. Join industry experts, Peter Berquist and Alan Pao, to navigate the promises and pitfalls of an ever-changing landscape.

Peter Berquist

MediaLink

Peter Berquist is a Vice President at MediaLink (a UTA Company). He joined MediaLink in 2022 and is based in the Los Angeles office. He specializes in corporate strategy and M&A advisory work within the media, entertainment, and advertising industries. Prior to joining MediaLink, Peter held roles at Accenture, BOND (an entertainment marketing agency), and The Walt Disney Company. Peter has an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MPA and an MS in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Alan Pao

Producer

Alan Pao is CEO and co-founder of Tunnel Post, a leading Santa Monica–based full-service post-production house he established in 2005. Under his leadership, Tunnel has guided hundreds of films and TV projects through end-to-end post workflows, pioneered a proprietary digital intermediate finishing pipeline, and orchestrated over $150 million in film financing—including titles like It Follows, The November Man, Gook, and The Chair Rooted in Peace. In 2024, Pao launched Scriptini, an AI-powered suite of filmmaking tools designed to empower both emerging and established storytellers. A UCLA alumnus, his visionary work continues to shape post-production innovation and creative infrastructure for the industry.

HOCCI Cohort Mini Presentation

Join the 2025 2025 HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) cohort — a dynamic program supporting emerging filmmakers, critics, and storytellers through workshops, screenings, and mentorship. Cohort members will reflect on their creative journeys and share insights and lessons learned, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their experiences in the program.

Panel | Narrative Sovereignty in Television: The Making of TANGATA PAI

Explore narrative sovereignty in television through the lens of TANGATA PAI, a powerful new cross-cultural thriller from Aotearoa New Zealand. Created by Kiel McNaughton—an alum of the CAPE Showrunners program—and produced by the acclaimed team behind WARU and VAI, the series confronts colonial trauma and centers Māori rights within a gripping genre framework. Join the creative team as they discuss decolonizing the TV landscape, reclaiming Indigenous narratives, and crafting globally resonant, locally grounded storytelling.

Lunch + Coffee Talk

Networking and further conversations with the morning’s panelists.

Panel | From Seed to Screen: Crafting CHIEF OF WAR for Apple TV+

Join co-creator and writer Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett for an inside look at the creative journey of CHIEF OF WAR. From its earliest conception to its realization as a sweeping Apple TV+ series, this panel explores the challenges and breakthroughs of dramatizing Hawai‘i’s complex history for a global audience. Sibbett will share insights into story development, collaboration, and bringing a bold vision to the screen.

Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett

Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett is a writer and producer whose work spans action, drama, and epic storytelling. He co-created, wrote, and executive produced the Apple TV+ series CHIEF OF WAR, an ambitious saga starring Jason Momoa that brings Native Hawaiian history to the global screen. Sibbett’s earlier credits include writing the feature films BRAVEN (2018) and THE LAST MANHUNT (2022), both showcasing his talent for character-driven action. In 2023, he contributed as a writer on AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM, starring Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson. With a growing body of work across film and television, Sibbett continues to craft bold narratives that merge high-stakes adventure with authentic cultural perspectives.

Jordan Kandell

Moderator

Panel | From Protocol to Production: Cultural Consultation in CHIEF OF WAR

Director-in-Residence: Ben Proudfoot

Join 2 time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ben Proudfoot for an in-depth conversation on the art and impact of short-form storytelling. Known for his innovative approach to documentary shorts and game-changing FYC campaigns, Proudfoot shares how he discovers powerful subjects, crafts compelling narratives, and builds visibility for meaningful work. He’ll also discuss his transition to long-form storytelling with his latest feature THE EYES OF GHANA, executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. A must-attend for anyone passionate about purpose-driven filmmaking. Moderated by Nina Yang Bongiovi, award-winning producer and advocate for emerging filmmakers.

Ben Proudfoot is an Academy Award–winning filmmaker and founder of Breakwater Studios, renowned for his short documentaries that spotlight extraordinary lives and overlooked histories. He won the 2022 Academy Award for The Queen of Basketball, about trailblazing athlete Lusia Harris, and has earned multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody, and IDA honors for his deeply human storytelling. Proudfoot’s films have premiered at Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride, and have been featured by The New York Times and The Atlantic. His work spans subjects from civil rights icons to everyday heroes, all unified by an intimate, cinematic style. Most recently, he directed The Eyes of Ghana (screening at HIFF), a feature documentary executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, continuing his commitment to using film as a catalyst for empathy and change.

Moderated by Nina Yang Bongiovi

Nina Yang Bongiovi is an award-winning producer dedicated to championing underrepresented voices in film and television. With producing partner Forest Whitaker through their banner Significant Productions, she has produced acclaimed works including Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station (Sundance 2013), Rick Famuyiwa’s Dope (2015), Chloé Zhao’s Songs My Brothers Taught Me (Cannes 2015), Roxanne Roxanne (2017), Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You (2018), and Rebecca Hall’s Passing (2021) and Molokai Bound (2024). Her latest, Lucky Lu, world premiered at Cannes and is screening at HIFF. Bongiovi’s projects consistently launch groundbreaking talent while reshaping the cultural landscape, reflecting her commitment to authentic storytelling, equity, and social impact.

Closing Night Happy Hour Reception

Mix and mingle with conference attendees, speakers, and local creatives as we officially end this year’s HIFILM Conference.

INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS FROM HIFF44

Team Deakins at HIFILM Cinematography Panel

Roger Deakins at the 44th Hawai’i International Film Festival

HIFILM Filmmakers gather for Moloka‘i Showcase

Special screening and Panel with cast and crew of RESCUE HI-SURF

MOANA directors Ron Clements and John Musker, MOANA producer, Osnat Shurer with HIFF Board Members and Punaho Grads, Aaron and Jordan Kandel

2025 HIFILM Industry conference sponsors

Major

PREMIERE

SUPPORTERS

Be Part of the Scene! Sponsor HIFF’s HIFILM Industry Conference

We are seeking forward-thinking sponsors and partners to support this landmark event and align with Hawai‘i’s growing creative economy. Your sponsorship will provide unparalleled brand visibility, direct engagement with industry leaders, and access to an influential audience of filmmakers, producers, and decision-makers.

Let’s build the future of storytelling together in Hawai‘i. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact us below for more information.

HIFILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE - Oct 24 - 26 @ Chaminade University

HIFILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE