Hawai‘i International Film Festival

Indigenous Lens powered by @PICPacific will also feature special programming that celebrates the legacy of Pacific Islander stories with unique film pairings that connect the past to the present. Today's featured pairing is ONE VOICE paired with the short TA HASSO I MANAINA. ONE VOICE is the story of the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest through the eyes of the student song leaders. Every year in Hawai'i, nearly 2000 high school students compete in the Song Contest where stu...dents direct their classmates in singing Hawaiian songs in four-part harmony, acapella. TA HASSO I MANAINA is amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a Chamoru cultural foundation attempts to continue its mission by having members create a new chant together, while they all remain in isolation. Get your tickets and passes today at https://hiff.org/indigenous-lens-film-program/ See more

The HIFF40 Award for Best Made in Hawai‘i feature, WAIKIKI, is back during the Indigenous Lens powered by @PICpacific. Directed by Christopher Kahunahana, WAIKIKI is a visceral allegory for the contemporary issues which plague Hawaiis people, from mental illness, physical abuse, and the loss of Hawaiian identity. For more program information or purchase passes/tickets, go to https://hiff.org/indigenous-lens-film-program/

Our second film pairing during INDIGENOUS LENS powered by @PICPacific are THE LAND HAS EYES & MAHALO COVID-19. Directed by UH professor Vilsoni Hereniko and produced by HIFF founding director Jeannette Paulson Hereniko, THE LAND HAS EYES tells the story of a young South Pacific island girl, Viki, played by first-time actress, 17-year-old Sapeta Taito. She must fight for justice after being shamed by her village for being poor and the daughter of a convicted thief. Her father ...reminds her that despite injustice, the land is vigilant and will eventually avenge any wrongdoing. The Rotuman mythological character "Warrior Woman," played by Maori actress Rena Owen of Once Were Warriors, both haunts and inspires Viki to endure through her trials. The short, MAHALO COVID-19, follows a filmmaker and his small island community take on the pandemic, they unsuspectingly find a clearer path towards self-reliance and a stronger connection to each other and nature. For more information and to get your passes/tickets go to https://hiff.org/indigenous-lens-film-program/ See more

The Indigenous Lens powered by @PICpacific is proud to show HIGH GROUND ! In a bid to save his family, Gutjuk, a young Aboriginal man, teams up with ex-soldier Travis to track down Baywara, the most dangerous warrior in the Territory. For more go to http://ow.ly/ozJB50Eki3W

INDIGENOUS LENS powered by Pacific Islanders in Communications starts April 15 till the 25! Here’s a taste of some of the featured films and shorts. Get your passes and tickets today at HIFF.ORG.