HONOLULU (KHON2) — Local and global films are hitting the big screen in honor of the 45th annual Hawai’i International Film Festival.
The events kicked off Thursday, Oct. 16, at Kahala Consolidated Theatres. From now until Oct. 26, the festival is expected to see more than 50,000 film enthusiasts attending screenings, exclusive premieres and filmmakers’ panels.
“It’s really the time to meet the brightest talent that we have in making films and telling stories in the state and we’re just honored to able to be a platform to showcase their work,” said Director of Communication and Partnerships at HIFF, Ross Matlin.
A variety of films are featured from all over the world, with a focus on Asia, the Pacific and made-in-Hawai’i films.
Matlin added, “At HIFF, our theme is convergence. In addition to the best of Hawai’i stories and Pacific stories, it really is the best in the world; you can see it all in this one venue.”
This event has a legacy of introducing the community to the future of filmmaking with an array of artists.
“Promising filmmakers started at HIFF, for example, Dustin Cretton, born on Maui… Dana Ladoux Miller, director of “Moana 2″… there are just so many success stories… This is where you can see really those who are on the verge of a breakthrough,” Matlin said.
The festival is an Academy Award-qualifying festival that presents a variety of awards to honor the most exceptional films and filmmakers. Those awards include Kau Ka Hōkū (International Feature), NETPAC, Made in Hawai‘i Short & Feature, Pasifika Short & Feature, Audience Awards Short & Feature, Best Short Film and University Short Film.
Passes are available for purchase on the HIFF website, along with further information on showtimes and festival events.
Not able to make it to Honolulu? Don’t worry, festival screenings will continue on all neighboring islands. Here is the schedule:
- Kaua‘i: Nov. 1 through 3 at KCC Performing Arts Center. View schedule and tickets here.
- Big Island: Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at Kahilu Theater in Waimea. View schedule and tickets here.
- Maui: Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center. View schedule and tickets here.
- Big Island: Nov. 13 through Nov. 16 at The Hilo Palace Theater. View schedule and tickets here.
- Moloka‘i: Nov. 14 through Nov. 16 at The Mango Theater. View schedule and tickets here.
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