HIFILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE - Oct 24 - 26 @ Chaminade University
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.
Passes are on sale in now for all HIFILM Industry Members receiving early access!
Space is limited, so sign up for a HIFILM Industry Membership today to get early access to the Industry Conference in addition to panels, networking events, HIFF’s Fiscal Sponsorship program, and more throughout the year.
HIFILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
ALL ACCESS PASS | 3 Days of Sessions and Activities-
Many panels, workshops, networking events, and special gatherings with industry leaders
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Networking with Film Industry Peers
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Enjoy complimentary food and beverages throughout the conference
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE – The following is a TENTATIVE schedule of the 3-day HIFILM Industry Conference.
Some guests/panels may change.
DAY 1
Friday 10/24 4pm-7pm
DAY 2
Sat 10/25 10am-4pm
DAY 3
Sunday 10/26 10am-7pm
DAY 1
Opening Night Networking Reception
Enjoy Live Music as well as Elevated Bites & Beverages Courtesy of Kapa Hale Chef, Keaka Lee
Key Note Speaker: Glenn Gainor
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.
All Weekend THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE:
Community Network Fair:
Resources & Connections for Hawai‘i Creatives
All sessions and activities will take place at Chaminade University, October 24 – 26, 2025
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
DAY 2
Good Morning Panel
Navigating the New Independent Film Landscape: From creative development to distribution in 2025 and beyond w/ Producer Mynette Louie (ROSEMEAD)
Panel: Cinema Without Borders
Cinema Without Borders: The Power of International Co-Productions. Janice Chua (CRAZY RICH ASIANS) & officials from Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)
HIFILM Storytellers Lab Mini-Presentation
Networking/Lunch @ Festival Lounge
+Community Network Fair
Artist Discussion
Rethinking Distribution: Karin Chien on the Future of Independent Film
Panel TBD
– Pending w/Major Network Sponsor
Key Note Speaker: Ben Proudfoot
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.
Industry Mixer:
Filmmaker Meet & Greet — Connect over drinks and snacks with fellow creatives and decision-makers
DAY 3
Good Morning Presentation
Narrative Sovereignty in Television: The Making of TANGATA PAI. Decolonizing the TV landscape, reclaiming Indigenous narratives, and crafting globally resonant, locally grounded storytelling
Panel: Brian Newman
Branded Content 2.0 with Brian Newman
This panel dives into the evolving trends in brand-funded storytelling
HOCCI COHORT Mini-Presentation
Networking/Lunch @ Festival Lounge
+Community Network Fair
Panel: Marie Jamora
Directing the Journey: Marie Jamora on Breaking Into TV
Panel | TBD
– Pending w/Major Streaming Hawai’i-Based Show
Closing Day Happy Hour Reception
Mix and mingle with conference attendees, speakers, and local creatives as we officially end this inaugural event
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS FROM HIFF44
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.