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Hawaii International Film Festival
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Local Flavour Cinema, Local Flavour [Edit]
680 Iwilei RdSte 100
Honolulu, HI 96817
Neighbourhood: Kalihi
(808) 792-1577
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
23 reviews for Hawaii International Film Festival
23 reviews in English
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Review from Christine O.
Honolulu, HI
5/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's horrifically sad that I only got introduced to the Hawaii International Film Festival just a year ago. Really, I'm over a quarter of a century years old and I've NEVER known we had a film festival? Talk about living under a rock. If you were like me, please...GO! It's so much better than some of the crap you see come out in theatres nowadays.
The biggest problem I have is that I never get to research any of the shows in advance. I kind of just realize that HIFF has arrived two days after it has already started and pick a show at random.
My advice, keep updated on when the Spring and Fall showcases are, read up on the shows and buy tickets online ASAP. :) It's definitely a good time and a great way to support the arts. -
Review from Jacob N.
4/16/2012 11 Check-ins Here
The Hawaii International Film Festival in the Fall and the HIFF Spring Showcase in the Spring are the two events that I look forward to most out of the whole year. I've been attending and watching films for several years now, and have been a HIFF Ohana member for nearly as long.
The great thing about HIFF is that you can see mainstream and independent movies from around the world, including the US and Hawaii, on the big screen that you normally wouldn't be able to. There are also films you can see before they have their wider mainstream release. Some of these included The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (Heath Ledgers last movie), and more recently The Descendants (Just nominated for some Oscars). The festival is also a great way for budding film makers and actors to showcase their talents to larger audiences.
As I post this review we're in the middle of the 2012 Spring Showcase, and they've rolled out a few interesting things. First, they now have an iPhone App for movie schedules, trailers, etc. I don't know too much about it because I don't have an iPhone. Another new thing they just started is that they're now selling HIFF gift cards! Now that's an awesome gift! They can be purchased now, and used for any future HIFF festival. They can also be recharged! Awesome!!
So far I've seen 5 out of my 13 films for the Spring Showcase, and in normal HIFF tradition everything's going AWESOME!!! So far my favorite of the Showcase is Always: Sunset on Third Street 3. Let's see how the rest fare! Hat's off to Anderson Le for picking such wonderful films!! -
Review from Quyen N.
Updated - 4/21/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Hawaii International Film Festival has some excellent curators for the films. I saw some real winners during the Spring Showcase 2012: Dragon, Ace Attorney, and Couples. If I do end up staying in Hawaii (keeping my fingers crossed), I will become a HIFF member. Support the arts yo!
Listed in: Date Night Please!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/26/2011
I'm a fan!
While living in San Diego, I checked out the Asian Film Festival.
For my first foray into… Read more »
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Review from Cindy L.
4/18/2012
HIFF is a great event. Thanks to YELP, I got tickets to watch a movie in the Spring 2012 showcase. I saw "Romancing in Thin Air" from Hong Kong. Great date night!
Listed in: Hawaii Must Have
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Review from Terry K.
10/18/2011
Thank you Emi for a great experience. JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI was such a great movie; and I got to watch it with a theater filled with YEEPS
Now, about the movie: Jiro is filled with passion and his skill is by far in the language his "tanoshimi" Such a great docu drama!
A definite must see for the Foodies of the world.
A definite education about Ginza, Roppongi, and Tsukiji Fish Market
A definite treat from HIFF
btw, I ordered tickets for this movie as a birthday gift for a friend of mine. I am certain she will love it -
Review from Kalani C.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came to see "PENA 3D" as part of HIFF's (Hawaii International Film Festival) Centerpiece Presentation.
I am a huge fan of Wim Wenders ("Wings of Desire", "Far Away, So Close!", "Buena Vista Social Club"), so I was very excited to catch his latest offering (and in 3D!)
HIFF describes "PINA as a film for Pina Bausch by Wim Wenders. He takes the audience on a sensual, visually stunning journey of discovery into a new dimension: straight onto the stage with the legendary ensemble and follows the dancers out of the theatre into the city and the surrounding areas of Wuppertal [Germany] - the place, which for 35 years was the home and center for Pina Bausch's creativity."
The visuals/settings were often breathtaking and punctuated by the technology of 3D. I was particularly honored to witness Pina's signature masterpieces, "Café Müller "& "Rite of Spring". A heartfelt tribute by Wim Wenders presented as an outpouring of gratitude by an international cast of fiercely dedicated followers and friends of modern dance iconoclast, Pina Bausch.
http://en.wikipedia.or...
Mahalo HIFF for providing me the rare opportunity to view this stunning accomplishment!
http://www.pina-bausch...
#Yelp 365: 086/365Listed in: Hawai'i 4-star, Yelp 365
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Review from Ramfis B.
10/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Being the HAM that i am for Korean Drama's or Asian Movies in particular. HIFF is always a treat when it comes to stellar foreign films. The hard part about having this event is that you can't watch all of them because there are so many to choose from. And you have to choose wisely because you really don't want to be disappointed when you are paying a premium price for these films.
Usually located in the Regal Dole Cannery, there is lots of parking to be had here. I have to tell you though, you better come early to watch your movie or else there will be hoards of people ahead of you and your chance of getting a pretty decent seat will be next to none.
I know there are certain websites you can get on to watch these particular movies online without paying a penny, but there is nothing like watching these movies up close and with an audience who enjoys the bigscreen just like i do. I just can't see myself plopped up in front of a laptop trying to enjoy a foreign film without me reaching into a bag of popcorn with mochi crunch and sipping on a soda while touching someone elses hand because you don't know which armrest is yours. I just get a thrill watching subtitiles that are easy on the eyes instead of squinting in front of my computer.
And what better way to start of the 2011 HIFF campaign with an exclusive screening for the fellow YEEPS and Emi H once again outdoing herself with the movie " Jiro Dreams of Sushi ". This was one of the movies i had pegged on my hitlist and when i found there was a free screening for this film because we are a part one the hottest sites for foodies right now, i jumped on this chance once it was posted on Yelp.
The turnout for this film was astonishing!! There must have been at least 50 to 75 people who turned out for this event and there were some faces that i recognized from previous events. I'm truly sorry if i don't come up to any of you fellow yeeps and introduce myself to you guys, but i hope to get to know each and everyone of you because your information on places to eat and honest reviews are priceless and i hope that you find my reviews useful as well.
Now on to this movie....Jiro Dreams of Sushi is based on a Sushi Chef by the name of Jiro Ono, who has been mastering the art of sushi for over 70 years. His restaurant Sukibayashi Jiro, which happens to be a three star Michelin Restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo and it shows how Jiro started everything from when he started with nothing and ends up living the dream.
What i like about this film is that it is a documentary about a man who had literally had nothing and with perserverance and hard work made him into the person he is today. I am so impressed with a man who is willing to work seven days a week, 365 days a year and being 86 years old and looking like he does is astonishing! I love a guy who is so dedicated to his craft and his words just give me encouragement and makes me want to emulate Jiro.
I have been in the Food and Beverage Industry for over 25 years now, and it is so true what he says is that you really got to have a love and passion for your job and have to take your job seriously. He may be stearn and look mean, but i give Jiro major props because he is truly a master of his craft.
If you love sushi like i do, the food on this movie literally made me pee in my pants. The sushi here at Sukiyabashi Jiro made me tear up with every creation that was made. Everything looked so damn good and it makes me happy to know that they have one person to specifically massage an octopus for 45 minutes just so that the meat will be pillow soft and not tough. What also amazed was a cook who had to make over 200 servings of Tamagoyaki before finally getting a nod of approval from the master himself. He said he was brought to tears after that.
I really wished they made more movies like this. Jiro is truly an inspiration to me and is gonna make me even work harder to be like the person he is today.
I have to tell you yeeps, i liked this movie so much, i am going to take my wife, who happens to be Japanese, the next showing which is on Saturday, Oct 22 at 9:15 p.m. I know she will love this movie, because she reminds of Jiro herself, a little anal ar times, but means well. This is definitely a must watch movie for all you foodies out there. Oh by the way, the Sunday show is SOLD OUT already so that must tell you something. BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW OR YOU WILL MISS OUT ON AN EPIC DOCUMENTARY!!!
I was so worked up and inspired after watching this movie, i went right back into the theater again and watched the Acadamy Award Winning Korean Movie " The Front Line " which did not disappoint as well. The only shock i got out of this movie was that i had to pay 20 dollars for this movie because i didn't pay for it online, but that was ok for me because the first movie i watched was FREE because once again Yelp made it happen.
Thanks again Emi and staff for an unforgettable event.. -
Review from Michael C.
Honolulu, HI
10/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a great event. Love that we are afforded the opportunity to see an assortment of movies that if it wasn't for HIFF we might not have the chance to see in the theaters due to them being either indie or short films. With such a wide selection it isn't hard to find something to enjoy. Hopefully this continues for many years to come!!
#Yelp 365 075/365Listed in: Yelp 365 Challenge
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Review from Terrance Y.
Mililani, HI
10/14/2011
I had the wonderful opportunity to to a Yelp sponsored Screening of "Jiro dreams of Sushi" although this wasn't my first time to HIFF movies selection of movies can make the difference. I liked the movie as it gave us a perspective rarely seen of the dedication and hard work that makes mastering any trade worthwhile. I believe Emi &Yelp's selection was a good one for the behind the scenes look.
I hope to see more HIFF movies soon as many great and interesting movies have come through their hands.
Thanks HIFF for the great job you've done over the years and in helping promote the works of many independent film makers. -
Review from Brian B.
Honolulu, HI
10/20/2011 4 Check-ins Here
If you're into movies & film, and I don't mean just the blockbuster/Hollywood type stuff, the HIFF is a great venue to check out a nice variety of films. The nice thing about the HIFF is that they cover the spectrum of films from your standard fare to more edgier type of stories as well as a good amount of documentaries and foreign films. Personally, I like going there to catch a little bit of both and when the HIFF is on, this is the best time to catch up on these films which don't normally make it to the multiplexes. Also, they have showings of some local productions as well as a student film showcase that puts some of the film school's productions on display which is great. In addition, they also have at least a few guest speakers and panels that talk about filmmaking in Hawaii too.
The vibe and the energy of the venue is pretty nice too. You really feel like the people that are there are into the films they're watching and not just following the latest movie trend. The volunteers and staff that work the HIFF are pretty awesome too, and you get the feeling that they're into the event as well.
The few things I really dislike about the HIFF but understand is that some of the films that play only run once and sometimes at a time or day that I can't possibly make. Also too, sometimes there are a handful of great movies playing back-to-back that I want to see which is difficult especially if one of the movies playing starts before the other finishes. It would also be nice if they moved to some kind of true e-ticketing system where you could just have the receipt stub for the films you paid for on your phone or mobile device to show the ticket taker rather than having to print up the ticket or have it waiting at will call. Other than that, can't complain! -
Review from Vince B.
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Jiro dreams of Sushi"
Big Huge Thanks to Yelp and Emi H for the HIFF Opening Night screening of this Great "foodie" movie!! What a great gift.
The theater was nearly full except for the front rows. I had read the synopsis but still was completely surprised with the movie. I loved it and sat mesmerized until it was over. I looked around the theater during the screening and everyone was silently staring at the screen. No side conversations, no trips to get more popcorn, no cell phones ringing, no one texting and no one "checking In".
I think every single Yelper there was 100% tuned into Jiro's World for the full movie. I loved the fact that I got to experience this movie with the Yelp community.
Personally I will never look at sushi in the same way. About a month ago I told my wife that I wanted to go to Mitch's this year for my Christmas present. My expectations are going to be high. I need to start practicing to develop my taste buds more. Now a Yelper "Dreams of Sushi". -
Review from Anna F.
If you enjoy foreign films, this is the place you want to be. For 2 weeks in October, you'll get a chance to see films produced from throughout the world. The HIFF staff does a great job on selecting films so no film will leave you disappointed.
Some of my favorite films are the ones from Hong Kong and China. Since films from those countries rarely play in the US theaters this is my only chance. They come with good English subtitles too. It's not like those cheap VCDs in Chinatown where the subtitles are super tiny and you can barely read it on screen. -
Review from Shay F.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think the first time I ever actually, really, got into the HIFF was when a short film I was in was going to be shown. That was when I realized, WoW this thing is pretty cool.
Since then I go back to watch different films and I love it.
Today, I saw "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" which was surprisingly really good. I didn't expect it to be that good, but I'm glad I went to go watch it!
Yelp 365 Challenge #75/365 -
Review from Chad Y.
Where does one begin when writing their review of the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF)? Do we start with the great selection of movies? Maybe the great opportunities to talk to the directors about what insights they might have about their firms? Or maybe its the fact that their tickets are very reasonable.
The movie selections tend to showcase more Asian and Pacific Island themed movies, however with the addition of EuroCinema, more european selections are making their way into the mix. 10 days of amazing movies that you wouldn't normally see, and some not even NetFlix might have.
Most of the films are shown at the Regal Dole Cannery theater which is comfortable and fairly easy to find parking. However, if you are thinking it is going to be the normal parking situation, you might want to add a few moments cause you might have to park on level 5 or 6 instead of 4. Other films are shown at UH and at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
One word of advice, buy your tickets early and arrive at the theater early for popular showings. Otherwise you won't be able to get in or you will be stuck in a bad part of the theater.
Membership prices are very reasonable and something to think about buying while supporting a great cause!
Oh HIFF...how I wish you were year round...although, then we might not have such a positive relationship that we share...Listed in: ROTD?
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Review from Dave F.
10/24/2011
Tonight I got to see the HIFF premiere of "The Descendants" at Dole Cannery Theatres! I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, the plot was really good, the actors were perfect for their individual roles and the scenery throughout the film was so beautiful... For those of us who like Hawaiian music, the entire film was scored with Hawaiian music from various artists! They actually showed it on two screens tonight because I think the turnout was so good. I like seeing HIFF screenings and this is like my third time. It's worth the price and the wait, as always during these screenings, the line snaked out the entrance!!! Make sure you go see it when it comes out in the theatres!!!
Listed in: Fun & Recreation
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Review from Lofa L.
10/18/2011
HIFF tries to please as many viewers as they can. This year has been no different. A huge selection of movies to watch and some crazy events to match. I have already seen 9th Wonder rock NextDoor, took pictures with Tamlyn Tomita after watching Karate Kid 2 on the big screen, missed the Hawaii 5-0 panel, seen Grace Park in the lobby (one day I'll get an autographed photo of her), and just missed Kelly Hu by minutes. And there's still WAY more movies and events to yet happen! Don't sleep on HIFF!
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Review from Zar A.
This is an amazing chance to see some great international movies right in our own back yard, at Dole Cannery Theatres.
The listing of movies can be very overwhelming with over 200 movies available this Fall season for viewing! My advice is to stick with what you know, and when in doubt, go for either comedy or action!
I am a huge fan of Kung Fu (Asian martial arts) and Asian romance movies.
This year, I saw four Kung Fu movies: 3 in Chinese and 1 in Vietnamese. I also saw three romantic movies: 2 in Chinese and 1 in Japanese. I was not disaapointed, at all. They were all great movies. I came out of each film extremely and deeply profound with a great appreciation for the Asian culture.
My experience for HIFF is probably due to my choice in movies. But, like anything else in life, it's all due to the amount of research you put into it.
Support the film industry by becoming a HIFF member. Otherwise, be like me and support a friend who bought the membership package! HIFF has a fall and spring season and membership is for both.
Regular price is $12; military is $10 and membership price is $8! -
Review from Katrice K.
Honolulu, HI
10/22/2009
I started going to HIFF since last year when my company got free tickets. I was severely underwhelmed by the movies I saw last year as I was a newbie and didn't understand the process for choosing what to see. Last year I just picked movies that sounded good without doing research first and hence I was disappointed.
This year, I got tickets for half off which was awesome and I did more research this time to make sure I saw movies I would enjoy. While some movies are just alright, if you do proper research (using the internet of course to see reviews from other film buffs) the results can be quite rewarding.
I have already seen two movies so far and have another two to go, which I can't wait to see. This year's festival seems to have much better movies then last year. -
Review from j c.
New York, NY
2/6/2007
HIFF has to be one of my favorite things about Hawaii, and something I'll miss even if I end up back in L.A., the land of film fests. The main HIFF event is in the fall, but I believe there's also a mini spring festival, as well as showings on other islands. Last fall there were 250 films, and it seems like the festival just continues to grow. There are movies from all over, really, but the festival's real strength is in Asian cinema - especially exciting now with the growth of Korean cinema. Buy your tickets on-line (and get a HIFF membership!) for the best selection. There are also usually quite a few "boldfaced names" in town for the galas and other events throughout the festival.
What I really love about HIFF is that it feels like a film festival for people who just enjoy movies - they're not there because they're looking for projects to buy, or to get something into development, but because it's an extraordinary opportunity to see foreign/ind films that might never make it to the megaplex. My only warning is to get there early - parking at Dole is a nightmare during the festival. -
Review from Albert F.
5/3/2010
I am a movie buff. I started going to the HIFF along time ago, back when getting into some of the movies was free if the members and generall admission tickets didnt sell out.
Now it has become so popular that you MUST be a member (or at least volunteer) to get tickets.
I've seen some great (and not so great) movies at the HIFF. Off the top of my head, I've seen Battle Royale, Bad Taste, Drunken Master 2 (in the Hawaii Theater!), Ghost in the Shell, Pornostar (Tokyo Rampage) and probably lots more!
To me, the little bit of escape you get watching movies in a theater is worth the price of admission. Now only if those dummies who answer their phones or text during the movie could be ejector-seated out of the movie, it would be perfect!
Glad to say that since the Restaurant Row's Arthouse theaters went down Kahala8 and Dole have picked up the slack on showing foreign movies. -
Review from Christa W.
HI
6/15/2007 9 photos
don't be a jerk. get the $250 package and treat yourself to all the events, parties, receptions, no-wait line privileges, AND the final awards show.
it's totally worth the money that you'd otherwise squander on drugs or hookers.
i LOVE hiff. see you in october. -
Review from jocelyn l.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2009
Always enjoyed the film features! I miss it now that i've moved to SF
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Review from Dennis M.
Honolulu, HI
12/2/2009
volunteer for this event - it can be a lot of fun. if you plan on seeing one of the films buy tix in advance - the good movies always sellout. also the lines can be a pain so plan on going early. best thing to do is to spend an off-day watching as many movies as you can. as the ppl working the event which movies are the best!!
