HIFF offers a community-based internship program to college students, during the summer and fall terms, with partnerships through Kamehameha School’s Kāpili ’Oihana and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Through 1-to-1 mentorship from HIFF staff, interns experience a unique opportunity to learn the mechanics of a film festival production and to make career connections in the creative industry. After the completion of an internship term, HIFF interns have the opportunity to join HIFF’s Student Filmmakers Committee, a group of dedicated students across Hawai’i, who contribute ideas that strengthens and enriches the student experience at HIFF.
Hi, Grace! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hey! I was born and raised in Kāne’ohe on O’ahu. I graduated from Castle High School and I am currently attending Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon studying Biology with a concentration in Ecology and a minor in Fisheries and Wildlife. I enjoy anything that has to do with the outdoors such as hiking or just going on adventures and I am interested in photograph, as well! I also like to volunteer at the Humane Society and the Wildlife Center in my college town and am looking forward to starting rowing in the fall.
How did you hear about the HIFF internship opportunity?
I heard about the HIFF internship opportunity through the Kāpili ‘Oihana program which is a part of Kamehameha schools. The HIFF internship stood out to me because although it has nothing to do with my major, I enjoy creating marketing content and HIFF seemed like a great way to get involved with my community back at home. I also thought it would be a great way to get valuable experience to be applied to my future career.
What most excites you about the work of HIFF?
What excites me the most about the work of HIFF is the way I can get involved within the community and local artists and films. So far I have enjoyed getting to see the works of local filmmakers and being able to support them through working with HIFF. I also have really enjoyed getting the opportunity to network with a variety of people within the professional community and have been introduced to a whole new creative environment. I hope to use the knowledge I acquire through this internship to hone my skills in media and collaboration which is important to have in almost any career and just learn how to get more involved with the communities around me.
