Highlights from the 45th Hawai’i International Film Festival: Celebrating International Cinema, Pacific Island Storytelling, and Local Talent
The 45th Hawai’i International Film Festival recently concluded its awards ceremony at the Halekulani Hotel, where $58,000 in prizes were distributed across various categories celebrating international cinema, Pacific Island storytelling, and local Hawai’i talent. The Kau Ka Hōkū (Shooting Star) Award was presented to Leon Le’s “Ky Nam Inn,” a poignant drama set in Vietnam that explores grief and desire in post-conflict Saigon. The Pasifika Award went to Daniel H. Lin’s “Remathau: People of the Ocean,” a documentary following Micronesian explorer Nicole Yamase as she delves into her identity and ancestral legacies. In a rare tie, two films shared the Best Made in Hawai’i Feature honor: Matty Schweizter’s “Lahaina Rising” and Kimberlee Bassford’s “Before the Moon Falls.” Alexander Bocchieri’s “Dasher” won Best Made in Hawai’i Short, and Hao Zhou’s “Correct Me If I’m Wrong” took Best International Short.
The festival also presented special honors to industry figures, including Japanese director Kenji Tanigaki, comedian Yuriyan Retriever, and the creative team behind Apple TV’s “Chief of War.” Veteran actress Nina Paw was recognized as this year’s Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile. The BMW Hawaii Driven Student Filmmaker Award went to Tiffany Liu, with honorable mentions for Hunter Daru and Lucas Stenvens. The festival’s executive director, Beckie Stocchetti, highlighted the theme of convergence in this year’s edition, emphasizing the connection between stories, cultures, and generations through the shared language of cinema. Audience Awards for Favorite Narrative Feature, Documentary, and Short Film will be announced on November 17 following neighbor island screenings.
The 45th Hawai’i International Film Festival showcased a diverse array of films from around the world, honoring outstanding works in various categories and recognizing the talent and creativity of filmmakers. The award winners exemplify the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence, truth, community, and the spirit of aloha that unites us all.