Hawaii International Film Festival

I have been coming to the HIFF for the last several seasons now and I’ve never been disappointed by the quality of the movies that they have been bringing in. It’s also a great opportunity to see movies that would never be able to see on the big screen here in the states. Now and then you’ll also be lucky to hit a movie and some of the film’s producers, the director or even the stars will be on-​hand after the movie to take questions and photos. Highly recommend you consider going and if you already haven’t joined as a member, if you plan on going regularly you should consider joining!

Don’t worry it’s just so filmfest was a nonprofit organization which relies on attendance and donations to survive. I have been a member and donated my time as a volunteer during most of their festivals and are always have so much fun and meet great people. Not only the volunteers are ready and willing to help you, as well as a staff, but the customers seeing movies are always willing to help you out with your schedule, suggest a movie, or even sometime save you a seat if you’re running late. A great selection of movies, the staff worked hard all year long to make their two festivals the best in town.

For any of you who aren’t sure what HIFF is or have never attended, all I can say is you need to a big HIFF of what’s going on!
Hawaii International Film Festival, features movies from around the World. These aren’t your main stream movies and that is why I love it!
This season of HIFF has been the most active for me. Yep, I watched a whopping two shows! I wanted to watch more, but I forgot that HIFF was playing. Thank you to Unilocal for their screening of Midnight Diner or I would have missed the whole event!
If you love movies I highly recommend attending a few of HIFF’s movie offerings. Most are in a foreign language but all have subtitles. HIFF features all categories of films from comedy, drama, action to real life issues like The Hunting Ground. A movie based on the widespread rape epidemic, with real testimonies.
I cannot wait until the new season of HIFF rolls around in November. I plan on becoming a member and watching everything I can. Awesome festival, I am so proud that Hawaii has this world renowned festival.
I’m still bummed that I missed Granny’s Got Talent.
Come join me in November and get HIFF wasted!

HIFF is a great way to see international films. Some of them are better than u think. I was surprised the last time I came here I thought the film was gonna be boring but it was a good movie. I’m going to be coming to these often.

What’s the difference between the movies that we watch in the big theaters to the ones shown at HIFF? What kind of movies do they show at at Hawaii International Film Festival? It’s how much?
Yeah…that was me questioning what HIFF was years ago. «Indie films» is what they are popularly known as and I wasn’t hip to slang that until 2009. I realized quickly that although I didn’t know that there was a slang used for the type of movie I prefer, I was already hooked. Heck, I’ve been watching foreign films late at night and ruining my son’s Netflix recommended movies for years.
HIFF showcases movies made by up and coming directors, producers, artists about issues, stories and events that are important to them. Stories, shorts and documentaries that would not be ordinarily funded by a huge studio backed with limitless funding. I have yet to see a poorly made (cinematic-​wise) production come out of HIFF.
These indie movies will probably not be mainstreamed into the bigger theaters but there are a few notables that have acclaimed recognition and status at Sundance Film Fest (largest indie film festival). Personally, I love the feeling I get from going to HIFF. I leave feeling a bit more cultured, thoroughly entertained and having witnessed the products of great insight and artistic talents. Movies you can «chew» on well after you have left the theater.
2015 Spring Showcase of productions proves to be worthy of being in the spotlight once again at the Dole Theaters in Honolulu. Tickets can be purchased for $ 12.00 a movie or if you have a HIFF membership ($ 50.00/year is the cheapest — $ 35.00 if you are a student or in the military) tickets are then discounted to only $ 8.00 per movie but you can only purchase two at this price (for that movie). The membership is good for a year which is an excellent deal if you decide you want to watch more than a one or two movies a season. HIFF puts out two cinematic showcases a year — one in the spring and one in the fall.

This review is for the HIFF Spring Showcase at Regal’s Dole Cannery April 10 – 19, 2015.
I thought radio did an excellent job promoting HIFF this spring.
Here’s what I saw:
Midnight Diner (Shinya Shokudo)-A slice of life in the back alley of a Tokyo neighborhood. Three stories are served up to viewers with each chapter titled by an appropriate dish: Spaghetti Napolitan, Tororo Gohan & Curry Rice. Makes me want to make tonjiru now. Based on a manga and tv show. (4 out of 5 stars). My favorite foodie movie of all time is still Juzo Itami’s classic Tampopo.
Granny’s Got Talent (Helmeoni = Hell Granny)-This was my favorite movie of the three. I wanted to see it because I’ve seen Kim Soo Mi on an episode of Roommate where she cooked a feast for the «Roommate» family. Obviously lots of profanity in this movie since there is a national swearing contest going on. Granny will even curse in English too (it’s funny to discover where she picked it up from). And Granny can rap. Insulting adjectives are used in ways that have never crossed my mind. But this movie is hilarious. It made me laugh and cry. But mostly laugh. (5 Stars)
Gangnam Blues (Gangnam 1970)-Viewing audience: 70% women, 30% men. For a gangster movie no less. Only because you know who hallyu is in it.
The struggle for an immense land grab amidst a corrupt atmosphere will yield more losers than winners. And it’s not a pretty sight to see: crooked politicians, blackmail, extortion, murder, betrayal, the swindling of the innocent along with many scenes of vicious thuggery. Truthfully I was not prepared to see so much profanity spewed, blood, sex and violence. It was eye popping. Not my cup of tea. (3 stars)
There’s still the weekend to go for this film festival so I encourage you to checkout
for more information as they are always adding new movies not listed in the program guide.
Seating (theater #9 for all three movies) started between 10 to 15 minutes before scheduled start time only because they had to clean up after the prior viewing. But most people start lining up about an hour before showtime. You are allowed to go inside if you want to purchase from the concession stand and then come back out to stand in line, in case you’re wondering.

HIFF’s movie the Midnight Diner was excellent. Great pictures, touching story. It made me want to try cooking those dishes. Thanks to Unilocal for the free admission!

Thank you Unilocal for kicking off the Spring HIFF festival with a free pass for Midnight Diner! The movie was great we enjoyed it very much and Hey, you even threw in some popcorn as well! Nice to know there is a Spring HIFF kicking off in addition to the Fall HIFF. Keep up the good work! Cyn

This year I came to see two movies which I thought would be interesting.
1. Lava by Disney — this is a short film, which I learned Disney creates to play before Major releases. It was about 7 minutes in length and include singers from Hawaii. Since they prohibited us from recording or taking pictures, all I can say right now is that the short film has a catchy tune with Hawaiian singers.
2. Rise of the Wahine — I was impressed with this movie. Coming from Hawaii, I had no idea how much Hawaii played a part in Title IX. Patsy Mink was the driving force in Congress and a champion for gender issues.
Although the festival isnt as elaborate as other states, i think Hawaii can compete. Independent films allow to show case producers who dont have the multi million dollar budgets like other studios have.
I will continue to attend these in the future. You should check it out

I’m a huge Benedict Cumberbatch fan and when I discovered that his latest movie The Imitation Game was screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival I couldn’t resist buying tickets.
The HIFF web site was clunky but once you found the movie you wanted to see the ordering process on a third party site was pretty slick. Total cost for two General Admission e-​tickets, US$ 25. The HIFF web site mandated arriving 30 minutes before show time to stand in line. An odd edict but we followed it to the letter.
When we arrived at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX (How’s that for the name of a modest cineplex) at 7:30 for a 8:00 showing we were greeted by an imposing woman dressed in all black who demanded: «Member or general admission?» When we informed her we were GA she sneered and pointed to a long line, stating «stand there and stay between the green line markers».
Given we had half an hour to kill we took a look at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX. Nice venue, clean, modern and best of all DaBus stops were literally right outside the entrance. Our viewing of the venue was interrupted twice by the Line Nazi who chastised us for not toeing the line.
At 8:00 a second black clad individual appeared and yelled to those in line that due to a minor sound system difficulty, there would be a delay and he would return in 15 minutes with an update. By this time the two lines (one for Members one for GA) stretched literally into the street. One would think that the doors would be opened so the audience could be seated but no such luck. After yet another visit by the Line Nazi the but no update, the lines began moving at 8:30.
The inside of the theater was pleasant, clean and in good shape. However due to the popularity of the film it was filled to capacity and perhaps oversold. The only available seats were four unoccupied Handicap Accessible Seats in the third row on the far right side of the theater. When we attempted to sit down a black clad Seat Nazi yelled «Handicapped Only» while seated in one of the seats. I showed her the scars from my knee replacements and she grudgingly allowed me to enter. I was tempted to ask her handicap but given her size and demeanor I demurred.
At 8:45 the audience was seated and one hoped for the opening credits, but no. A beaming bleached blond gentlemen began speaking about the glories of the HIFF. Unfortunately the sound system did not cooperate. Another delay while the microphone was changed, twice. After five minutes he began to speak again congratulating himself, the Members and the black clad Nazis a.k.a. HIFF volunteers.
Now 8:45 and the movie begins, no wait it’s a promo piece the HIFF. 15 minutes of selfies, and video of the Members parading on the red carpet in Waikiki at the annual HIFF event. I did catch a glimpse of a few over the hill B-​List actors in the video, but the vast majority of the 15 minutes were filled with unctuous Members preening for the camera. I think That I saw the Line Nazi and the Seat Nazi in all leather, black of course.
At 9:00 the movie finally begins. It was superb, well worth the US$ 25 and it made the wait at least tolerable. There were no issues with sound or images, one wonders if the 15 minute delay was to accommodate the bleach blond gentlemen.
Caught DaBus at the stop just outside the theater for a pleasant ride home.
In summary the HIFF has been in existence for a number of years, but for the general public it is run like a high school theater group. Even dues paying Members are forced to stand in line and subjected to the same cattle call seating arrangement.
While I appreciated an early viewing of The Imitation Game it is doubtful that I will subject myself to the indignities of the HIFF again.

Awesome…

I am glad this event was a very good one. I am glad that I got to attend a international film like this, and this was a good film and I found it very amusing as well as entertaining. Thus, so far I am glad I did laugh at some moments where I got to see my first movie from Japan. I really enjoyed this movie

If it wasn’t for the Unilocal free screening of Final Recipe opening night of HIFF, I think this film festival would have came and went without me blinking an eye which makes me sad because I absolutely adore film festivals and have gone to them every chance I’ve had living in New York City, and Florida and now here.
The HIFF is different than any film festival I’ve attended in the past. I loved seeing the variety of films, and films from countries I haven’t really had a chance to see before. Although I’ve seen a lot of Bollywood films before, I have not really gotten to see a lot of Korean films, etc.
HIFF has a fantastic array of films from documentaries to love stories to horror films, and a various membership packages to that allow you to get the best prices on tickets and also other great offers through out the festival season.
The staff at the box office, keeping order in lines and through out the theater were personable, and always seemed genuinely happy to make conversation and suggest movies, and/​or just talk story.
During the Spring Showcase, I had the chance to see: Final Recipe (free Unilocal movie), Queen, Waltz for Monica, Marriage Blue, Beijing Love Story, and will be seeing The Attorney later in the month.
I definitely look forward to the Fall Showcase and upcoming years.
If you enjoy movies and foreign films with plots deeper than your average blockbuster, this is definitely the place for you. Very very thankful to have this at my finger tips.

Just got back from watching Another Family– Not what I expected it was a great show.
In the sense it was a cross between the dark side case with John Travolta and the upside case of Julia Roberts– both little people verses big buisness and trying to prove the case that it was not my fault but what is my family supposed to do now…
I was waiting to hear the word Oppan but didn’t (since it was subtitled in Korean. No English). There were many idioms or things that did not translate — but I know there was way more meaning behind the emotion and feelings in the words spoken that were not included in the English.
Last night we had a Unilocal event for Final Recipe– my post is up on that too another great movie way more upbeat than Another Family. Both great though.
Good crowds so be there early and get tickets a head of time– seats are a pain in the butt. If you can try ask to be allowed to get popcorn or drink ahead– maybe they will be nice since they collect tickets at the front of the theater with a stamp and then rip stubs at the door to the # enterance.

This will be my third year attending the Hawaiian International Film Festival (HIFF). I have to admit I am a HUGE fan!
The only reason why I started going to the film festival was because of Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). A couple of my professors made it a requirement to attend this event, and personally I am very thankful to them. Without that requirement I may have never thought of going to HIFF.
The best part about HIFF is all the verity of films showing. I mean they have foreign, comedy, romantic comedy, horror, action, martial arts, SIMPLY JUST EVERYTHING~! To check out the film listings just go to
and see what amazing films are playing that you may be interested in.
General admission tickets are$ 12, Student admission is $ 10, and HIFF membership is $ 8. A tip I learned over the years — if you want a decent seat for your film experience GO EARL.Y. I mean seats fill up FAST! Or another option is don’t go to the first showing of that film, try to watch the second or last one because they are less crowded.
This year I had the opportunity to experience 5 films! That’s my new record!
[[ ZONE PRO SITE: THE MOVEABLE FEAST ]]
[[RUROUNI KENSHIN ]]

[[ HARLOCK: SPACE PIRATE ]]
[[ SAKE BOMB ]]
[[ HENTAI KAMEN ]]
SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR~!!

Just watched Final Recipe on opening night, if you have a chance to see it go! Amazing movie and no subtitles!

I have a love/​hate relationship with the Hawaii International Film Festival. Back in the day I used to be a member when I was a poor college student (yes, they have student memberships). Then I stopped being a member because they changed the rules and I no likey.
So for a few years now, I have been attending (my poor parents have been dragged along to some of the weird movies I pick) with no membership and standing in the general line. HIFF has started to become better on how they handle the check-​in process to get into the movie. Slowly, they have been redeeming themselves in this aspect. So now I am thinking of going back and getting a membership because I am tired of standing in the general admission line and being the last line to enter the theater.
Con:
(1) the box office keeps changing location at the dole cannery across the street from the theaters. Stop it! Pick one destination and stick with it!
Pro:
(1) Although not in the best of neighborhoods, but does help bring money to the Regal Theaters from all the snacks we buy (although plenty people sneak in food — hey! If you’re not going to share your plate lunch stop making me jealous!)
(2) The guy in charge of the film festival — someone must have talked to him about his rambling — yes, there are some of us that are not impressed with you and your obvious infatuation of your own voice — we paid to see the film, not hear you talk. He is finally cutting his opening speech before each film down to under 5 minutes and that is saying a lot (no pun intended).

I’m amazed at the quality, variety, and number of films playing at the festival during the recent fall showcase.
So glad that this year I decided to support their festival by becoming a member thus getting member prices ($ 8 plus the $ 1 processing fee) and standing in the members’ line (rather than the general public line, but not quite as good as the priority one). One of these days when I’m feeling rich and generous, I’ll splurge or indulge in one of the higher-​level memberships so that I can stand in the priority line. Glad to see the popularity of the festival. There were quite some lines for the films!
This fall, I enjoyed the free outdoor screening of Spirited Away, Thieves (a thoroughly entertaining Korean heist film with lots of twists and turns), Tai Chi 0 (a funny action movie, unfortunately a sample since the codes were not working), Ek Tha Tiger (an Indian romance/​comedy/​action/​thriller/​Bollywood film well worth the $ 9). I was hoping to catch 2 other films that sold out that last weekend — I need to plan ahead! Can’t wait for the spring showcase and so on!
Be ready to wait in line to get in. Might be better to park near Costco and walk over rather than deal with the traffic going in and out of the parking garage.
[Review #16 for 31 Unilocal Review Challenge]

I love when it is time for HIFF. It’s a great opportunity to check out great Indie films from around the world. There tends to be a big emphasis on the Asia scene and there are films for everyone. From action, love, comedy, and animé. It’s also awesome when stars or directors stop by and sometimes even do Q&A
HIFF is held at Regal Theaters, but check their site to see if some of their showings are held elsewhere. For example this year they are having a free showing at a park! Very cool!
As far as getting your tickets, try to get them early as popular films will sell out fast! Then all you can hope for is another showing towards the end of the festival.
Hope you give the Hawaii International Film Festival a try, and see the next big picture!
31 Unilocal REVIEW CHALLENGE #14/​31

It’s that time of year again! Time for the 32^nd Hawaii International Film Festival! With hundreds of films from all over the world to choose from there is definitely a movie out there for everyone.
Aside from the myriad of foreign film, and domestic indie films HIFF also screens some more mainstream films before their wider releases. One such film this year is Cloud Atlas starring Tom Hanks. HIFF also showcases films by UH Academy for Creative Media students. This is a great chance to see what the future of what the local film industry is shaping up to be.
HIFG also hosts several events throughout the week including seminars, panels, and parties where you can hear from, and possibly meet and mingle with producers, directors. And stars of the films.
If you haven’t checked it out yet go to
to find a movie you want to watch, and head down to the Regal Cinemas at Dole Cannery to get your HIFF on! General admissions tickets are $ 12, and HIFF Ohana members just $ 8. That’s even less than a regular movie.
***31 Helps: 15/​31***