Hawai’i International Film Festival Celebrates 45th Edition with Award-Winning Films
The Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) wrapped its 45th edition with a triumphant closing ceremony, naming ‘Ky Nam Inn’ (Vietnam) and ‘Remathau’ (Marshall Islands) as its top award winners. Held in Honolulu, the festival showcased a dynamic lineup of global cinema, emphasizing Asian, Pacific Islander, and indigenous narratives.
Festival Highlights: ‘Ky Nam Inn’ and ‘Remathau’ Take Center Stage
The prestigious Best Narrative Feature award went to ‘Ky Nam Inn’, directed by Vietnamese filmmaker Le Bao. The film, set in a rural Vietnamese village, explores themes of migration and resilience through stunning visuals and emotional depth. The jury hailed it as a “masterpiece of contemporary Asian cinema.”
Meanwhile, ‘Remathau’, directed by Marshallese filmmaker Alson Kelen, claimed the Best Documentary Feature prize. The documentary sheds light on climate change’s impact on the Marshall Islands, blending personal stories with striking cinematography. Jurors described it as an “urgent call to action.”
Closing Night Ceremony and Additional Awards
The awards gala at Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center drew filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders. Other notable winners included:
– Audience Choice Award: ‘The Moon Represents My Heart’ (Taiwan/USA)
– Best Short Film: ‘Island of the Winds’ (South Korea)
– Emerging Filmmaker Award: ‘Lili Alone’ (China)
HIFF’s Commitment to Diverse Storytelling
Festival director Becky Cho emphasized HIFF’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices, stating, “These films prove cinema’s power to bridge cultures and inspire change.”
Guest juror Justin Lin (director of Fast & Furious) praised the festival’s role in championing emerging talent: “HIFF is a vital platform for boundary-pushing storytelling.”
What’s Next for the Winners?
With their HIFF victories, ‘Ky Nam Inn’ and ‘Remathau’ are now poised for international acclaim, including potential runs at the Academy Awards and other major festivals.
As HIFF concludes another successful year, it reaffirms cinema’s ability to connect audiences through powerful, diverse narratives.
