The 44th Hawaii International Film Festival: A Celebration of Film and Art

The Hawaiian International Film Festival (HIFF) is a unique treasure trove of entertaining and artistically stimulating works of art. This year, the HIFF will mark its 44th edition with none other than Miki Magasiva’s debut drama “Tinā” as its opening feature, while Sori Fumihiko’s “Hakkenden: Fiction and Reality” wraps up the grand event.

The two features sandwich a convoy of 92 other influential feature films and 114 remarkable short films. Amid the festivities, the event will also felicitate guests such as the esteemed Jimmy O Yang, Hong Kong-based actress Sandra Ng, and the star documentarian Stanley Nelson, with numerous awards.

HIFF is not merely a platform for showcasing films; it plays a significant role in stirring cultural dialogue and intellectual conversations. This year, the organization takes a step further in highlighting the vast selection of indigenous Hawaiian films in their competition – the largest in the festival’s history, proving it to be a testament to the region’s narrative sovereignty. Not only this, but a new spotlight is ready to shine on the best of television, in an endeavor to bridge the divide between cinema and television, as stated by Beckie Stochetti, HIFF executive director.

Spotlight On: Miki Magasiva’s “Tinā”

From the shores of New Zealand, enriching the linguistic diversity at HIFF with dialogues in English and Samoan, “Tinā” graces the silver screen. The film, directed by Miki Magasiva, portrays Anapela Polata’ivao as an esteemed and talented vocal coach who navigates through a tragic family incident only to step out of her comfort zone and find solace in the most unexpected place – an elite, all-white private school, as a substitute teacher.

In contrast, we end the ceremony with “Hakkenden: Fiction and Reality,” where Yakusho Koji of ‘Perfect Days’ fame immerses us in the life of a legendary writer who conceives a colossal fantasy masterpiece as his life’s work and narrates his tale to his closest friend as his eyes start to fail him.

HIFF’s Centerpiece: ” Moloka’i Bound”

HIFF’s Centerpiece Presentation will be Alika’s Tengan’s “Moloka’i Bound”, one that follows the journey of a down-on-his-luck Hawaiian man who struggles to adapt to life post his release from years-long incarceration. Even though he treads down the wrong path, it is his righteous intentions for his family that acts as the catalyst for his transformation.

There are a range of noteworthy feature films also competing this year from across the globe such as Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbó’s “Agent of Happiness” from Bhutan, Luka Yang Yuanyuan’s “Chinatown Cha Cha,” from China and the U.S., and many more.

Anderson Le, HIFF’s artistic director, believes that with the advent of digital streaming platforms, the distinction between cinema and television has diminished. To underscore this thought, the HIFF hosts its inaugural ‘Prestige TV Series Panorama’ with impressive selections that include revisiting old favorites like “Lost” and exploring new horizons with Hulu’s “Interior Chinatown” and FX’s epic “Shōgun.”

The HIFF continues to push boundaries by creating dialogues based around social issues, cultural backgrounds, and authentic narratives. For cinephiles and the general audience alike, the HIFF reasserts that film is not merely a commodity, but an instrument for expressing diverse perspectives and promoting human connection.

The festival congregates on the Hawaiian islands from October 3 to October 10 in Honolulu and West Oahu, with continuing screenings throughout October and November across Maui, Lanai, Kauai, Molokai, and the Big Island.
So if you’re a movie buff or simply curious about the world of cinema, mark your calendars; the Hawaii International Film Festival is an event not to miss out on!

FAQs

– What is the schedule for the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF)?
The festival runs from October 3-13 in Honolulu and October 15-17 in West Oahu, followed by screenings on other Hawaiian islands throughout October and November.

– What is the opening feature for HIFF this year?
The HIFF will open with “Tinā,” a drama film by Miki Magasiva.

– How many films are in competition this year?
This year, the festival will feature a total of 92 feature films and 114 short films in competition.

– What kind of films does HIFF showcase?
HIFF showcases a diverse collection of films from across the globe, with a particular emphasis on indigenous Hawaiian films, perspectives, and narratives.


Credit: variety.com