MAHALO FOR A GREAT HIFF40 DKII FUTURE FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE!
Congratulations to all the student finalists!
2020 Contest Theme: “A Message to the President: Transitions in Democracy.” HIFF DKII Future Filmmakers Student Film Initiative
The Hawai’i International Film Festival will always be an international lighthouse to present cinema for social change. As we partner with organizations like the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, we work to build a better future by working with students and young filmmakers who have a powerful voice to reimagine a new world.
As the nation experiences turbulent times and historic challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing dialogue around systemic racism through the lens of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, what is resonating with our youth? What messages and hopes do they have when reflecting on their own view of social injustices? Through their eyes and in their words, what does America need most right now?
Senator Inouye served in the United States Congress through twelve American Presidents. To them, he was an advisor, a mentor, an interrogator, and a friend. From Watergate to Iran-Contra, Senator Inouye held our country’s Presidents and their appointments accountable to their decisions and to the people, earning him praise as “Hawaii’s Quiet Voice of Conscience in the Senate.” In 2010, Senator Inouye was named President Pro Tempore by his peers, becoming third in line for the American Presidency.
A time-honored tradition, the outgoing President leaves a handwritten letter to his successor, offering encouragement, words of wisdom, and support. Regardless of political party, winners or losers, these letters have become a symbol of transition in our American democracy, and an opportunity to reflect on the grace and wisdom of those who serve as Commander in Chief.
Using examples from past Presidents, what would your letter say to the 46th President of the United States of America?
Above is a letter written by George H.W. Bush to President Bill Clinton.
Q&A with Phillipa Soo & Awards Ceremony | Monday, November 9, Noon – 1:30PM
Finalists of this contest will have an opportunity to have a private Q&A during the online DKII Future Filmmakers Awards Ceremony. This year, HIFF and DKII are honored to host actress Phillipa Soo, who will participate in a live-streamed discussion moderated by Philip W. Chung, the creative director of the YOMYOMF Foundation. Soo will discuss her career, the importance of civic engagement and how young filmmakers and creatives can help shape their world for a better future.
Soo is best known for originating the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in Broadway’s critically acclaimed HAMILTON, garnering her numerous industry awards and a Tony Award nomination. She can currently be seen in the film version of HAMILTON, on Disney+. Soo co-starred on Broadway in THE PARISIAN WOMAN, as well as playing the title role in the Broadway musical AMELIE. She also originated the role of ‘Natasha Rostova’ in NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812. She made her feature film debut in HERE AND NOW. On the small screen, she was previously a series regular on THE CODE, and was featured in SMASH. This fall, Soo will voice a lead role in Netflix’s animated film OVER THE MOON She can also be seen in Sony’s THE BROKE HEART’S GALLERY and in Disney’s THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN.
FUTURE FILMMAKERS Q&A ON ZOOM | FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020, 3 – 4pm
Mahalo for a great online session! Middle and high school students and teachers joined us for the Future Filmmakers Q&A Panel on Zoom to connect, get ideas and tips for their submission to the DKII Future Filmmakers Open Call, and learn from local award-winning Documentary Filmmaker, Ciara Lacy, and past high school student winners, Magnolia Basoc and Jessie Hearther, of previous Future Filmmakers’ film contests.
Missed the session? You can watch a recording below.
Video tutorial created by Phoenix Maimiti Valentine.
ABOUT OUR PARTNERS
The Daniel K. Inouye Institute was established in 2013 to preserve Senator Inouye’s papers and tell his life story; support STEM education, civics learning and international educational-cultural exchanges; and establish a repository of the Asian American/Pacific experience.
