The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, presented by Halekulani Hotel, returns for its 45th year with events on Oʻahu, Maui, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Molokaʻi.
HIFF is the only Academy Awards-qualifying film festival in the state. This year, the festival's theme is "convergence."
The festival starts with events Oct. 15 to 26 in Honolulu and Oct. 28 to 30 in West Oʻahu. There will be screenings on Maui Oct. 19-20 and Nov. 8 to 9; Lānaʻi Oct. 21-23; Kauaʻi Nov. 1 to 3; Hawaʻi Island Nov. 7 to 9 and 13 to 16; and Molokaʻi Nov. 14-16.
“Held each year at the close of the calendar, HIFF serves as both a cinematic ‘yearbook,’ showcasing the standout titles from Sundance, Cannes, Toronto and Busan, and a festival of record for bold new voices from across the Asia-Pacific,” said Anderson Le, HIFF’s artistic director, in a written statement. “In the mix are also world and U.S. premieres from major films from the Asia-Pacific Rim that will screen at HIFF before their domestic releases.”
The festival will include 72 feature films and 143 short films. There will be 115 Hawaiʻi premieres and 36 world premieres. Passes start at $200 for weekend access or $500 for access to all screenings. Attendees can also purchase admission to individual films. Get tickets.
The festival opens with the Hawaiʻi premiere of “Rental Family.” The center piece film is “No Other Choice,” by director Park Chan-wook.
The event also includes the inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference, which runs Oct. 24- 26 in Honolulu, and features three days of panels, workshops and networking events focused on the state's film, television and creator industries.
"Our 2025 lineup celebrates bold storytelling from around the world, while the industry conference strengthens Hawai‘i’s place in the global film and media ecosystem,” said Beckie Stocchetti, the executive director of HIFF, in a written statement. “With this year’s theme of convergence, HIFF brings together filmmakers, thought leaders, and industry innovators from Hawai‘i, the Asia-Pacific, and beyond — continuing to serve as both a bridge between cultures and a launchpad for creative collaboration. HIFF has for over a decade stood as the nexus for creativity in the Asian-Pacific Rim and at HIFF45 we are proud to present a festival and conference that amplify HIFF’s mission to connect audiences, artists and ideas across the Pacific.”
HIFF will present seven awards for excellence in filmmaking. Two categories are Academy Awards-qualifying for Best short film.
A number of awards for vision and career achievement will be presented, including the HIFF45 Halekulani Vision in Film Award to Park Chan-wook, the HIFF45 Halekulani Golden Maile for Career Achievement Award to Melanie Lynskey, the HIFF45 Halekulani Vanguard Award to Yuriyan Retriever, the HIFF45 Halekulani Maverick Award to Kenji Tanigaki, and the HIFF45 Leanne K. Ferrer Trailblazer Award to Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, Jason Momoa, Brian Keaulana and their Pacific Islander team.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
