The premier cinematic event of the Pacific, the 44th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) Fall Festival will feature an exciting slate of screenings to showcase feature and short film premieres from around the world with a special focus on Asia, the Pacific, and made-in-Hawaiʻi productions.

HIFF is a desired destination for local and visiting industry professionals, emerging artists, and film enthusiasts. Enjoy screenings of all the best festival films at Kahilu along with filmmaker Q&As for select programs.

MADE IN HAWAI‘I SHORTS — This feature length program of HIFF44 short films has been specially curated for Kalihu Theater audiences, which includes several films produced exclusively on the Big Island. 

(2024, USA, trt: 100 min)

THE ADVENTURES OF KAI

(2023, USA, 11 minutes)

Director: Timour Bourtasenkov

Producer: West Hawaii Dance Theatre

Cast: Derek Daniels, John Fontinelli, Amar Ramasar, 'Ailani Martinson, Amelie Noro, Kainani Basque-Becklund

This is a tale of time travel and powerful ancient soul connection. A young soul washes up on the shore. His chance encounters lead him to important learning lessons. As his power builds, he unpacks the spirit of ancestral dignity.

KŪKINI

(2024, USA, 25 minutes)

Director: Mitchel Merrick

Screenwriters: Mitchel Merrick, Paula Fuga

Producers: Gerard Elmore, Chris Kahunahana, Brian Keaulana, Paula Fuga, Cheryl Hirasa, Linda Nichols, Robert Nichols, Mitchel Merrick

Cast: Inane Goodhue, Danielle Zalopany, Elijah McShane, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu

In 1790 Hawaiʻi, an elite warrior must leave his family behind when sent on a deadly mission to report on the bloody war waged by Kamehameha against Maui. When captured by the enemy, he is miraculously saved by someone who has a message for him of their own.

THE QUEEN’S FLOWERS

(2024, USA, 12 minutes)

Director: Ciara Lacy

A magical take on a true story, THE QUEENʻS FLOWERS is an animated short adventure for kids that follows Emma, a native Hawaiian girl in 1915 Honolulu, as she makes a special gift for the last monarch of Hawai`i, Queen Lili`uokalani.

RECLAIM

(2024, USA, 26 minutes)

Directors: Geeta Gandbhir, Justyn Ah Chong

Producer: Justyn Ah Chong, Anya Rous, Beth Miranda Botshon, Lisa Diamond

Honor follows in the footsteps of his older brother Hanalei in learning the Hawaiian tradition of hula. The young brothers are proud of their role in reclaiming Hawaiian heritage, not just through dance but also the meaningful power of language and custom. Hanalei is selected to dance at Merrie Monarch, a prestigious competition considered the “Olympics of Hula.” Along with the rest of their family, Honor cheers Hanalei on as he takes the stage and plays his part in sustaining the practice of hula — one that has stayed resilient in the face of cultural erasure and colonization.

TWO BREATHS

(2024, USA, 16 minutes)

Director: Kateryna Kurganska

Screenwriters: Kateryna Kurganska, Myka Arakawa, Timur Guseynov

Producers: Kateryna Kurganska, Don John, C Craig, Timur Guseynov, Valerie Delahaye, Nick Brooks

Cast: Romeo Garcia, Maia Ann Pu’uwai

Set in the not-too-distant-future (think THE LAST OF US meets WHALE RIDER): After a man-made disaster decimates an evergreen island, a stranded 11-year-old girl must find the tenacity to leave behind her home with the help of an unlikely friend. Shot entirely on the Big Island, TWO BREATHS is ambitious and beautifully shot with amazing performances by Romeo Garcia and Maia Ann Pu’uwai. 

WATER BODIES

(2024, USA, 10 minutes)

Director: Karly Noetzel

Cast: Kapulei Flores, Chelsey Dickson

Two women explore the spiritual significance of water in their hometown, Waimea, Hawaiʻi, through the story of Manaua, the sacred guardian of water.

Mahalo to our Film sponsors for the 2024/25 Season: Marsha & Tom Kerley, Mimi & Brian Kerley, Lex & Ebby Pinson, and John C. Ryan