HIFF will present the sixth annual MADE IN HAWAI‘I FILM AWARD this year to continue our focus on the dynamic and flourishing local independent film scene that strives onward here in the Hawaiian Islands. Select fiction, non-fiction and short films that are made by locally-based filmmakers or involve locally-based stories are spread out throughout the 2023 film program to stand alongside works from around the world. HIFF’s decision to include this competition was an easy one, as the Festival has an illustrious history of providing a forum for Hawai‘i-made films for its 43 year history. As the media landscape changes, along with the democratization of ‘filmmaking’ itself via digital technology, the rise of local cinema artists has drastically increased. At the same time, creative content produced by indigenous people around the world, including Native Hawaiians, is on the rise. With this in mind, the intent of the MADE IN HAWAI‘I FILM AWARD is to provide accolades to films that our esteemed jury feel offer significant representation of stories that authentically reflect the unique, yet universal experiences of ourselves. 

Recipients of HIFF’s Best Short Film Award and HIFF’s Best Made in Hawai’i Short Film Award are eligible for consideration in the Animated Short Film/Live Action Short Film category of the Academy AwardsⓇ