HIFF .ORG  1
UNDERSTATED AND SEAMLESS. THE ART OF HOSPITALITY.
#HalekulaniMoment 2  HIFF
WWW.HALEKULANIMOMENT.COM | 808.923.2311
HALEKULANI PAST, PRESENT, FOREVER...
HIFF .ORG  1
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
ALOHA FROM HIFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND HIFF PRESIDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Owen Ogawa, President Jeffrey A. Bell Kristen O. Chan Isoo (Dick) Oshima Christina Hom Dr. Claude Chemtob Jason Cutinella Mark S. Davis Ricardo (Ric) Galindez Jake Houseman Peter Lewis Bryan Luke Marissa MacNaughton Wayne Miyao
It is with honor and pleasure that we present to you the 37th Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani. As the leading film festival supporting and showcasing content and creatives from Asia, the Pacific, and North America, we are proud to present over 160 films from over 45 countries, including 35 US, International, and World Premieres and 97 Hawaii Premieres. Under new leadership, HIFF37 promises to present our beloved program of the most anticipated and renowned films from Asia and internationally, as well as shine a new, brighter spotlight on emerging and breakthrough talent from the Hawaii-Pacific region. You can expect to see stars, filmmakers, and industry executives from around the world, with increased commitment to audience discussion and breaking down barriers through film. Halekulani Corporation, HIFF’s key presenting sponsor, hosts HIFF’s coveted Awards Gala on Friday, November 10th. Our Halekulani honorees include Bill Pullman - legendary actor and star of the hit TV drama THE SINNER, and famed Japanese director of HIFF favorites CHRONICLE OF MY MOTHER and THE EMPEROR IN AUGUST, Masato Harada. We are excited to have restructured our competition film program to highlight only films made in Hawaii. Our HIFF37 juries will be looking at locally produced films that share the stories and authentic cultural experiences of our home. Also new in our awards this year is the Pacific Filmmaker Award honoring a breakthrough filmmaker from the Pacific Islands. We are proud to be presenting this award to a longtime HIFF friend and director of Marvel studio’s new THOR: RAGNAROK, Taika Waititi.
Nicole Rino Brian Uy Indru Watumull Howard J. Wolff
Highlights of our Festival include our Opening Night Film, MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER, the most anticipated anime film of the season that follows a young girl with magical powers on the adventure of a lifetime. Our Centerpiece film, THE UPSIDE, based on the French hit THE INTOUCHABLES (HIFF 2012) stars Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart. Our special Ward Village Courtyard Cinema presentation of POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG and artist Wyland’s BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH will be a fun, family friendly musical event. Our Closing Night film presented at the historic Hawaii Theater, is the locally produced GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN STORY which uses local talent to tell the story of the heroic young Japanese Americans that led to the formation of the decorated all-Japanese fighting unit, the 442nd. We close with our most important note, one of the upmost gratitude and thanks to you our cherished community of sponsors, volunteers, audiences, board of directors, staff, and HIFF members. Your continued support is what keeps HIFF alive and thriving. We sincerely thank HIFF’s key presenting sponsor, Halekulani, as well as all our valuable sponsors for their vital support. A personal thank you to the HIFF Staff and Board of Directors, who tirelessly dedicate themselves to HIFF’s mission and the unmatched experience that we bring to our community here in Hawai’i. On behalf of the HIFF Board of Directors and the HIFF team, we extend our warmest mahalo nui loa! Enjoy the show.
BECKIE STOCCHETTI Executive Director OWEN OGAWA President & Chairman Board of Directors
2 HIFF
GOLDEN ORCHID AWARD
PRESENTED AWARDS
HALEKULANI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Halekulani Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed to an artist who has reached career pinnacles very few have achieved via industry awards and accolades and a body of work that is known globally. Aside from an amazing artistic career, the recipient is also honored for their contribution to the cinematic arts, and equally significant endeavors such as social justice and the betterment of humanity.
HALEKULANI MAVERICK AWARD The Hawaii International Film Festival's Halekulani Maverick Award is given to an international cinema artist who has a unique and eclectic career trajectory, contributing to international cinema and the filmed arts in an innovative way. This maverick does things on his or her terms, creating work that can have a rabid, cult following and mass appreciation in today’s pop culture. Like a trendsetter and tastemaker, their work may not have been appreciated early on, but has become an artistic benchmark.
COMPETITION AWARDS
MADE IN HAWAII FILM AWARDS HIFF proudly presents the inaugural Made In Hawaii Film awards in 2017, supported by the Hawaii Film Office. These competitive awards focus on the dynamic and flourishing local independent film scene that strives onward here in the Hawaiian Islands. Fiction, non-fiction, and short films that are made by locally-based filmmakers or involve locally-based stories are eligible for the following awards — BEST MADE IN HAWAII FEATURE and BEST MADE IN HAWAII SHORT FILM.
HIFF BEST SHORT FILM AWARD All short films in Shorts programs #1-5, plus PACIFIC SHOWCASE SHORTS programs are eligible for the overall HIFF BEST SHORT FILM award. The jury for the BEST MADE IN HAWAII SHORT FILM will also preside over the HIFF BEST SHORT FILM award.
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD PRESENTED BY HAWAII NEWS NOW Vote for your favorite feature film, documentary or short film playing at HIFF. Ballots will be distributed for the first screening of every eligible film during the film festival. No pens, pencils or i.d. required. Tear along the edge of the ballot from 1 (terrible) to 5 (excellent) and drop it in the ballot boxes as you exit the theater. Winners will be announced post-festival.
NETPAC AWARD Founded in 1990 by Cinemaya and UNESCO, the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) is an international not-forprofit organization dedicated to promoting Asian film throughout the world. The prestigious NETPAC award is given at select international film festivals to promote Asian cinema by spotlighting exceptional works and discovering new talent. The NETPAC award is presented annually at international film festivals in Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Rotterdam, Pusan, Singapore, Taiwan, Yamagata, Amiens and Hawaii. HIFF is the only film festival in North America given permission to present the NETPAC award.
MADE IN HAWAII FILM JURIES FEATURES
SHORTS
JORDAN KANDELL
KIMBERLEE BASSFORD
Screenwriter, producer (MOANA, upcoming ADRIFT)
Filmmaker (PATSY MINK: AHEAD OF THE MAJORITY, WINNING GIRL)
TY SANGA
GERARD ELMORE
Filmmaker (STONES, VISIONS IN THE DARK, FAMILY INGREDIENTS
Festival director Ohina Short Film Showcase
TIM RHYS
Filmmaker (NA KAMALEI: MAN OF HULA, ONE VOICE)
Editor, Moviemaker Magazine
LISETTE MARIE FLANARY
HIFF .ORG 3
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE
EUROPEAN SHOWCASE
16
CENTERPIECE FILM THE UPSIDE
16
CLOSING NIGHT FILM GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN STORY
17
JUNK HEAD
27
BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE)
20
MUTAFUKAZ
30
DARKEST HOUR
21
NAPPING PRINCESS
30
IN THE FADE
26
SOUND X VISION
THE SQUARE
35
I CALLED HIM MORGAN
25
MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH
29
FANTASTIC ASIA
OPENING NIGHT FILM MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER
PLANET ANIME
A CIAMBRA
16
BEFORE WE VANISH
19
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG
33
ICHI THE KILLER
26
TALES OF CHIGASAKI
36
MON MON MON MONSTERS
29
SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHOWCASE
PARADOX
32
BAD GENIUS
18
SAMUI SONG
33
SATAN’S SLAVES
34
MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS
29
SURVIVAL FAMILY
35
SAMUI SONG
33
THE VILLAINESS
37
SATAN’S SLAVES
34
THOSE LONG HAIRED NIGHTS
36
FILM FOR THOUGHT GALA PRESENTATIONS
BECOMING WHO I WAS
18
SPOTLIGHT ON CHINA
THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN
18
KEEP TALKING
27
KING OF PEKING
27
BORG/MCENROE
19
ISLAND SOLDIER
26
MRS. FANG
30 32 38
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
20
OUT OF STATE
32
OUR TIME WILL COME
DOWNSIZING
22
POINT OF NO RETURN
33
WISHED
THE FINAL YEAR
23
GREEN SCREEN
I, TONYA
26
BLUE
LADY BIRD
28
AMERICAN INDIES
SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG 19
DEALER/HEALER
22
POINT OF NO RETURN
33
MADE IN HONG KONG
28
ZAN
39
PARADOX
32
SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
ALASKA IS A DRAG
17
MADE IN HAWAII
COLUMBUS
20
CORRIDOR FOUR
21
THE ENDLESS
23
DOCUMENTING ACTIVISM: THE EARLY DAYS OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MOVEMENT
22
KULEANA
28
OTTOMATICAKE
32
OUT OF STATE
32
GEMINI
23
I CAN I WILL I DID
25
STAND UP MAN
35
DOCUMENTARIES 11/8/16
17
BECOMING WHO I WAS
18
HEAVY WATER
24
I AM EVIDENCE
25
KEEP TALKING
27
MAINELAND
28
EAT. DRINK. FILM. BACK TO BURGUNDY
17
JIMAMI TOFU
27
NOTEBOOK FROM MY MOTHER
31
THE TEA EXPLORER
36
4 HIFF
PROOF OF LOYALTY: KAZUO YAMANE AND THE NISEI SOLDIERS OF HAWAII
33
PACIFIC SHOWCASE
CYCLE
21
NEWTON
30
TOILET - A LOVE STORY
37
VICEROY’S HOUSE
37
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN A BEAUTIFUL STAR
18
BEFORE WE VANISH
19
BIRDS WITHOUT NAMES
19
CLOSE-KNIT
20
DEAR ETRANGER
22
ICHI THE KILLER
26
OH LUCY!
31
HEADHUNT REVISITED: WITH BRUSH, CANVAS AND CAMERA
24
ISLAND SOLDIER
26
THE SCYTHIAN LAMB
34
ONE THOUSAND ROPES
31
SEKIGAHARA
34
OUT OF STATE
32
SURVIVAL FAMILY
35
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG
33
GUKOROKU: TRACES OF SIN
37
WARU
38
WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY! 2
38
WE DON’T NEED A MAP
38
FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
(DIS)CONNECTION SHORTS
STUDENT SHOWCASE
THE DAY AFTER
21
100TH BIRTHDAY WISH
40
ALOHA + CHALLENGE
41
GLASS GARDEN
24
CRASH
40
ANIMATION CLASS
41
I CAN SPEAK
25
THE LANGUAGE OF BALL
40
HEAVEN’S TEARS
41
MAN OF WILL
29
MONDAY
40
31
THE SHERIFF IN TOWN
34
STATE OF EMERGENCY MOTHERFUCKER
40
LOUIS ARMSTRONG’S ROLE AGAINST RACISM
41
ORDINARY PERSON
OCTO
41
A SPECIAL LADY
35
A TAXI OF COLDNESS
40
A TAXI DRIVER
36
40
THE VILLAINESS
37
PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE. SHORTS
ONIPA’A MOKAUEA: ISLAND FISHERMAN STAND UP AGAINST OPPRESSION
41
TÊTE À TÊTE ARCHIVES OF EXTINCTION
41
PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH CONVENIENCE
41
23
CITIPATI
41
PRETTY GOOD START
41
24
DAI’S GARDEN
41
THE REPLACEMENTS
41
MON MON MON MONSTERS
29
THE DRIVER IS RED
41
REWIND
41
YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE
39
JUVENTUD
41
SUMMER SOLITUDE
41
THE PRINCE OF SMOKE
41
TRALCULUS
41
UNDER THE SEA DEBRIS
41
ZERO WASTE
41
SPOTLIGHT ON TAIWAN THE GANGSTER’S DAUGHTER THE GREAT BUDDHA+
SHORTS BEFORE FEATURES BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE
33
PACIFIC SHOWCASE SHORTS
28
THE BLACK PEN
41
FAKA’ANAUA
41
ADULTING SHORTS FLIP THE RECORD
40
GRAYSON TOKI
41
GIRL AT THE DOOR
40
KA PIKO
41
LADY EVA
41
MEKE
41
MOTHER’S BLOOD
41
PRAISE SONG FOR OCEANIA
41
POSSUM
41
TAMA
41
KEEP YOU FLOAT
40
RIKISHI
40
WASABI
40
WILDER PALMS
40
ALPHABET SOUP SHORTS DAD’S WEDDING
40
GAME
40
LITTLE POTATO
40
PRIA
40
SUNDAY FUN DAY
40
U
40
BAD HABITS DIE HARD SHORTS ALONE TOGETHER
40
COAT CHECK LADY
40
COKE HABIT
40
SUBMARINE
40
VITAMIN C
40
ACM UHM & SFA NIGHT ARTBLOCK
41
BRIDGE
41
DANCING SHANGHAI
41
THE KISS
41
NEVER LATTE
41
RECAPTURE
41
THE RIVER
41
SUNDAY IN PARADISE
41
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
41
YUMAO’S SHOES
41
HIFF .ORG 5
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
HOW TO HIFF LGBT-THEMED FILMS MUSIC FOOD DOCUMENTARY FAMILY FREE HAWAII PACIFIC
FESTIVAL DATES OAHU NOVEMBER 2-12, 2017
BIG ISLAND NOVEMBER 16-19, 2017
KAUAI NOVEMBER 16-19, 2017
OAHU BOX OFFICE AND TICKET INFORMATION Purchase tickets and flash passes in person or online.
HIFF BOX OFFICE: Oct. 13 – Nov. 1 680 Iwilei Road, Suite 100 Honolulu, HI 96817 PH: 808-447-0577
HIFF BOX OFFICE: Nov. 2 – 12 Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX Foyer 735 Iwilei Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
6 HIFF
BOX OFFICE HOURS:
TICKET PICK-UP
Oct 13 - 23 Fridays, Saturdays & Mondays 2:00PM - 6:00PM Oct 23 - Nov 1 Daily 2:00PM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays) Nov. 2 – 12 60 minutes before the first screening until 15 minutes after the last screening begins.
Will Call - All customers will have the option of picking up their tickets at the HIFF Box Office.
HIFF FLASH PASS $350 HIFF Member Pre-sale $375 During Festival dates $400 General Public Pre-sale $425 During Festival dates The HIFF Flash Pass allows the movie lover to watch unlimited films with no tickets required and priority seating ahead of the HIFF Member line. Visit or call the HIFF Box Office for more information. Seating is based on availability and is on a first come first serve basis. Go to www.hiff.org or call the HIFF Box Office 1-808-447-0577 to learn more about the benefits of becoming a HIFF member.
TICKET PRICES (Including Opening/Centerpiece/Closing Films) $10.00 HIFF Member Tickets $12.00 Senior, Military, Student $14.00 General Admission
WEEKDAY MATINEE PRICES (films starting before 5:00 PM) $10.00 Flat Rate
VETERANS DAY SPECIAL $10.00 For Military with I.D
SERVICE FEE PER TICKET No fee for HIFF Members for online purchases $1.50 for online purchases $1.00 for box office purchases
PAYMENT METHODS All major credit cards, checks and cash are accepted.
Print from home - For the ultimate in convenience, purchase your tickets online and print them from home. In person - HIFF will have a box office facility on site from Oct. 13 through the duration of the festival.
TICKET POLICY • THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON TICKETS. Ticket exchanges must be made a day before the screening. A $2.00 service fee is charged per ticket. • Expired and day of tickets will not be exchanged. • If a screening is rescheduled or cancelled, patrons can exchange tickets for either a film playing that day or a ticket for the rescheduled date.
FREE SCREENINGS Seating is based on a first come first served basis.
EVENT LAYOUT (WHAT DOES THE FESTIVAL LOOK LIKE?) There are lines created for three films at a time. Each film has three lines. There are signs to indicate what films are ready for line up. This layout is for Dole Theaters only.
LINES PER FILM • Platinum Pass Line - This line is for persons with Lifetime Membership, Platinum Passes, and Board of Directors. Pass holders line up inside by the theater door. • Flash Pass & Priority Ticket Line - This line is for persons with Flash Passes and Priority Tickets. Pass & Priority holders line up inside by the theater door. • Member Line - An “M” on the ticket indicates that you stand in the Member Line. • General Public Line - A “G” on the ticket indicates you stand in the General Public Line.
HOW TO HIFF
• Rush Line – A standby line for people wishing to see a film that no longer has tickets available. Any available seat in a screening marked as full will be sold 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the film at $10.00 cash only.
THEATER ADMITTANCE ORDER
BIG ISLAND BOX OFFICE AND TICKET INFORMATION
VENUES
Tickets to Big Island screenings at the Palace Theater in Hilo, Hawaii are available in person or by phone only.
The Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX serves as the main hub of the Hawaii International Film Festival. Most screenings will take place there with some other screenings, workshops and events taking place at satellite venues. Here is a list of all the HIFF venues this year:
PALACE THEATER BOX OFFICE:
WHERE DOES ALL OF THIS HAPPEN?
1. Platinum, Lifetime, Board of Directors Passes. Pass Holders will be seated 30 minutes prior to start time of film.
38 Haili Street Hilo, HI 96720 PH: (808) 934-7010
2. Flash Pass & Priority Ticket holders. Each screening has a limited number of seats reserved for Flash Pass Holders and will be based on a first come first serve basis. Flash Pass holders who are not admitted may wait to be seated after the General Public.
BOX OFFICE HOURS:
OAHU
10:00AM - 3:00PM Weekdays | Closed Holidays Tickets available at the door for all screenings
DOL
3. ADA Guests and their plus one (20 minutes prior to start time of film). If you cannot stand for long periods, please notify a line monitor immediately. You and a guest will be escorted to a seating area where you can wait until theater seating begins. 4. Member Ticket holders. Seating begins 5 minutes after Pass Holders. 5. General Public Ticket holders. Seating begins immediately after Member Ticket holders are let in. 6. Pass Holder overflows. 7. Rush Line ticket holders. Will be seated 5 minutes prior to the beginning of the film.
TICKET PRICES $7.00 Senior 55 or older, Student $8.00 General Admission More information is available at: http:// hilopalace.com/pricing-info/
PALACE ALL-ACCESS HIFF PASS Ask about HIFF All-Access pass at the Palace Theater, or visit hilopalace.com for more information.
KAUAI BOX OFFICE AND TICKET INFORMATION Tickets to Kauai screenings at the Waimea Theater in Waimea, Hawaii are available in person or by phone only.
WAIMEA THEATER BOX OFFICE Historic Waimea Theater 9691 Kaumualii Highway Waimea, HI 96796 PH: (808) 651-5744 (day) PH: (808) 338-2027 (evening)
Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX 735 Iwilei Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
HTC Hawaii Theatre 1130 Bethel Street Honolulu, HI 96813
IBM Ward Village IBM Courtyard 1240 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96814
BIG ISLAND PAL The Palace Theater 38 Haili Street Hilo, HI 96720
KAUAI WAI Historic Waimea Theater 9691 Kaumualii Highway Waimea, HI 96796
TICKET PRICES $100.00 HIFF Kauai Pass + Opening Night $75.00 HIFF 3-Day Pass (Fri, Sat, Sun) $40.00 Opening Night Film + Event $10.00 General Admission More box office and ticketing information is available at: www.waimeatheater.com
HIFF .ORG 7
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
FILM SCHEDULE & VENUES DOL Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX 735 Iwilei Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
HTC Hawaii Theatre 1130 Bethel Street Honolulu, HI 96813
IBM Ward Village IBM Courtyard 1240 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814
PAL The Palace Theater 38 Haili Street Hilo, HI 96720 Big Island of Hawai’i
WAI Historic Waimea Theater 9691 Kaumualii Highway Waimea, HI 96796 Island of Kauai
8 HIFF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 6:00PM-8:17PM
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
BR, FR, IT, US
DOL
7:00PM-8:58PM
BACK TO BURGUNDY
FR
DOL
7:45PM-10:16PM
YOUTH
CN
DOL
8:00PM-9:48PM
MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER
JP
DOL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 5:45PM-7:34PM
11/8/16
US
DOL
6:00PM-8:00PM
THE SHERIFF IN TOWN
KR
DOL
6:15PM-8:08PM
MADE IN HONG KONG
HK
DOL
6:15PM-8:11PM
NAPPING PRINCESS
JP
DOL
6:30PM-8:38PM
BIRDS WITHOUT NAMES
JP
DOL
7:00PM-9:27PM
THE SQUARE
SE
DOL
8:15PM-9:45PM
ISLAND SOLDIER
US
DOL
8:30PM-10:05PM
ALASKA IS A DRAG
US
DOL
8:30PM-10:10PM
KULEANA
US
DOL
8:45PM-10:59PM
BEFORE WE VANISH
JP
DOL
9:00PM-11:12PM
A BEAUTIFUL STAR
JP
DOL
10:30AM-11:53AM STUDENT SHOWCASE
US
DOL
12:45PM-2:40PM
I CAN I WILL I DID
US
DOL
1:15PM-3:13PM
BACK TO BURGUNDY
FR
DOL
2:30PM-4:04PM
MAINELAND
CN, US
DOL
3:00PM-4:30PM
HOMETOWN HEROES: THE STATE OF 808 INDIE FILMMAKING
3:00PM-4:57PM
LU OVER THE WALL
JP
DOL
3:30PM-5:08PM
LADY BIRD
US
DOL
3:45PM-5:06PM
BLUE
AU
DOL
3:45PM-5:57PM
A BEAUTIFUL STAR
JP
DOL
4:30PM-6:05PM
HEAVY WATER
FR, PF, US
DOL
5:30PM-7:01PM
STAND UP MAN
CA
DOL
5:30PM-7:34PM
I CAN SPEAK
KR
DOL
5:45PM-7:36PM
VICEROY'S HOUSE
IN, SE, UK
DOL
6:00PM-8:15PM
BAD GENIUS
TH
DOL
6:30PM-8:03PM
KING OF PEKING
AU, CN, US DOL
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
DOL
FILM SCHEDULE
6:45PM-8:02PM
THOSE LONG HAIRED NIGHTS
PH
DOL
7:45PM-9:48PM
A CIAMBRA
IT
DOL
8:00PM-10:15PM
OUR TIME WILL COME
CH, HK
DOL
8:15PM-9:39PM
OUT OF STATE
US
DOL
8:30PM-10:16PM
ALPHABET SOUP SHORTS
VARIOUS
DOL
8:45PM-10:58PM
ICHI THE KILLER
JP
DOL
9:00PM-11:00PM
JUNK HEAD
JP
DOL
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6 3:30PM-5:05PM
ALASKA IS A DRAG
US
DOL
5:00PM-6:49PM
THE GREAT BUDDHA+
TW
DOL
5:30PM-7:00PM
I AM EVIDENCE
US
DOL
5:30PM-7:33PM
A CIAMBRA
IT
DOL
5:45PM-7:03PM
ZAN
JP
DOL
6:00PM-7:21PM
THE TEA EXPLORER
CA
DOL
6:15PM-7:39PM
OUT OF STATE
US
DOL
7:30PM-9:52PM
A TAXI DRIVER
KR
DOL
7:30PM-9:59PM
BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE)
FR
DOL
8:00PM-9:24PM
KEEP TALKING
US
DOL
8:00PM-9:35PM
A SPECIAL LADY
KR
DOL
8:15PM-10:06PM
VICEROY'S HOUSE
IN, SE, UK
DOL
8:30PM-10:44PM
BEFORE WE VANISH
JP
DOL
12:00PM-1:38PM
TALES OF CHIGASAKI
JP
DOL
12:30PM-2:17PM
CYCLE
IN
DOL
12:45PM-2:23PM
LADY BIRD
US
DOL
1:00PM-2:34PM
MAINELAND
CN, US
DOL
1:45PM-3:15PM
ISLAND SOLDIER
US
DOL
2:00PM-4:26PM
NAPPING PRINCESS
JP
DOL
2:45PM-4:45PM
KULEANA + I AM BECAUSE US YOU ARE
DOL
2:45PM-4:35PM
NEWTON
IN
DOL
3:00PM-4:30PM
I AM EVIDENCE
US
DOL
3:00PM-4:49PM
PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE. SHORTS
VARIOUS
DOL
3:00PM-4:43PM
ONE THOUSAND ROPES
NZ
DOL
5:00PM-6:50PM
NEWTON
IN
DOL
3:15PM-4:53PM
MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS
ID
DOL
5:30PM-6:51PM
US
DOL
4:00PM-5:35PM
DOCUMENTING ACTIVISM: THE EARLY DAYS OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MOVEMENT
US
DOL
HEADHUNT REVISITED: WITH BRUSH, CANVAS, AND CAMERA
5:30PM-7:20PM
THE GANGSTER'S DAUGHTER
US
DOL
5:00PM-6:59PM
DARKEST HOUR
UK
DOL
5:45PM-7:40PM
WISHED
CH
DOL
5:15PM-6:50PM
A SPECIAL LADY
KR
DOL
6:00PM-7:00PM
DOL
5:15PM-6:53PM
POINT OF NO RETURN
US
DOL
PROOF OF LOYALTY: US KAZUO YAMANE AND THE NISEI SOLDIERS OF HAWAII
5:30PM-7:28PM
WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY! 2
JP
DOL
6:15PM-7:52PM
THE DAY AFTER
KR
DOL
7:30PM-9:10PM
BECOMING WHO I WAS
KR
DOL
5:30PM-7:59PM
BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE)
FR
DOL
7:45PM-8:51PM
OTTOMATICAKE
US
DOL
6:00PM-7:37PM
I CALLED HIM MORGAN
US
DOL
7:45PM-9:34PM
DOL
I, TONYA
US
DOL
(DIS) CONNECTION SHORTS
VARIOUS
7:30PM-9:34PM 7:30PM-9:35PM
GUKOROKU: TRACES OF SIN
JP
DOL
8:00PM-10:11PM
THE SCYTHIAN LAMB
JP
DOL
8:00PM-10:15PM
OUR TIME WILL COME
CH, HK
DOL
8:00PM-9:43PM
ONE THOUSAND ROPES
NZ
DOL
8:15PM-10:15PM
JUNK HEAD
JP
DOL
8:00PM-9:54PM
MAN OF WILL
KR
DOL
8:15PM-10:05PM
MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH
UK
DOL
8:30PM-10:26PM
THE ENDLESS
US
DOL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
FILM SCHEDULE CONTINUED
HIFF .ORG  9
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
3:00PM-4:40PM
BECOMING WHO I WAS
KR
DOL
1:00PM-2:33PM
KING OF PEKING
5:00PM-6:21PM
BLUE
AU
DOL
1:30PM-2:30PM
DOL
5:30PM-7:10PM
BAD HABITS DIE HARD SHORTS
VARIOUS
DOL
PROOF OF LOYALTY: US KAZUO YAMANE AND THE NISEI SOLDIERS OF HAWAII
5:30PM-7:42PM
DEAR ETRANGER
JP
DOL
1:45PM-3:57PM
CLOSE-KNIT
JP
DOL
3:00PM-4:30PM
WE DON'T NEED A MAP
AU
DOL
3:00PM-5:31PM
YOUTH
CN
DOL
3:15PM-4:53PM
MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS
ID
DOL
5:45PM-7:52PM
ORDINARY PERSON
KR
DOL
6:00PM-7:27PM
CORRIDOR FOUR
US
DOL
AU, CN, US DOL
6:00PM-7:40PM
OH LUCY!
JP, US
DOL
7:00PM-9:40PM
TOILET: A LOVE STORY
IN
DOL
3:15PM-4:55PM
OH LUCY!
JP, US
DOL
7:45PM-9:15PM
WE DON'T NEED A MAP
AU
DOL
4:00PM-5:06PM
OTTOMATICAKE
US
DOL
8:00PM-10:03PM
THE UPSIDE
US
DOL
4:45PM-6:09PM
KEEP TALKING
US
DOL
8:15PM-10:17PM
GLASS GARDEN
KR
DOL
5:30PM-7:01PM
STAND UP MAN
CA
DOL
8:15PM-10:20PM
GUKOROKU: TRACES OF SIN
JP
DOL
5:30PM-7:24PM
MAN OF WILL
KR
DOL
8:30PM-10:16PM
SATAN'S SLAVES
ID
DOL
5:30PM-7:30PM
THE SHERIFF IN TOWN
KR
DOL
6:00PM-7:18PM
ZAN
JP
DOL
6:00PM-7:48PM
NOTEBOOK FROM MY MOTHER
KR
DOL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
6:30PM-8:23PM
SAMUI SONG
TH
DOL
2:45PM-4:23PM
POINT OF NO RETURN
US
DOL
7:30PM-9:18PM
ADULTING SHORTS
VARIOUS
DOL
3:00PM-4:50PM
MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH
UK
DOL
8:00PM-9:50PM
IN THE FADE
DE
DOL
3:00PM-5:00PM
TBA
-
DOL
8:00PM-10:08PM
THE VILLAINESS
KR
DOL
5:15PM-7:09PM
YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE
TW
DOL
8:15PM-10:03PM
PACIFIC SHOWCASE SHORTS
VARIOUS
DOL
5:30PM-7:36PM
JIMAMI TOFU
JP, SG
DOL
8:30PM-10:33PM
SURVIVAL FAMILY
JP
DOL
5:30PM-7:38PM
BIRDS WITHOUT NAMES
JP
DOL
9:00PM-10:46PM
SATAN'S SLAVES
ID
DOL
6:00PM-8:15PM
BAD GENIUS
TH
DOL
6:00PM-7:48PM
ACM UHM + SHANGHAI FILM ACADEMY NIGHT
US, CN
DOL
6:15PM-8:01PM
DEALER/HEALER
HK
DOL
7:00PM-8:54PM
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG + BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH
NZ
IBM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 12:30PM-2:41PM
THE SCYTHIAN LAMB
JP
DOL
12:45PM-2:12PM
CORRIDOR FOUR
US
DOL
12:30PM-2:18PM
PACIFIC SHOWCASE SHORTS
VARIOUS
DOL
8:00PM-9:55PM
MON MON MON MONSTERS TW
DOL
8:00PM-9:59PM
DARKEST HOUR
UK
DOL
1:00PM-3:03PM
THE UPSIDE
US
DOL
8:15PM-10:49PM
SEKIGAHARA
JP
DOL
2:00PM-3:35PM
HEAVY WATER
FR, PF, US
DOL
8:30PM-10:22PM
BORG/MCENROE
US
DOL
3:00PM-4:50PM
US
DOL
8:30PM-10:42PM
CLOSE-KNIT
JP
DOL
THE GANGSTER'S DAUGHTER
8:45PM-10:20PM
MUTAFUKAZ
FR, JP
DOL
3:00PM-5:00PM
TBA
-
DOL
3:15PM-4:46PM
MRS FANG
CN
DOL
3:15PM-5:55PM
TOILET: A LOVE STORY
IN
DOL
3:30PM-5:28PM
WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY! 2
JP
DOL
4:30PM-6:07PM
THE DAY AFTER
KR
DOL
5:15PM-7:17PM
GLASS GARDEN
KR
DOL
5:30PM-7:19PM
COLUMBUS
US
DOL
5:30PM-7:36PM
JIMAMI TOFU
JP, SG
DOL
10  HIFF
FILM SCHEDULE
6:00PM-7:34PM
THE FINAL YEAR
US
DOL
6:30PM-8:26PM
THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN
US
DOL
6:45PM-8:20PM
MUTAFUKAZ
FR, JP
DOL
8:00PM-9:48PM
NOTEBOOK FROM MY MOTHER
KR
DOL
8:15PM-9:48PM
WARU
NZ
DOL
8:15PM-10:35PM
DOWNSIZING
US
DOL
8:30PM-10:15PM
PARADOX
HK
DOL
9:00PM-10:38PM
GEMINI
US
DOL
9:00PM-10:55PM
MON MON MON MONSTERS TW
DOL
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
BIG ISLAND AND KAUAI SCHEDULE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 7:00PM-8:35PM
GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN US STORY
WAI
7:00PM-8:40PM
KULEANA
US
PAL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 6:00PM-7:24PM
OUT OF STATE
US
PAL
6:00PM-7:39PM
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG
NZ
WAI
8:15PM-10:21PM
JIMAMI TOFU
JP, SG
PAL
8:15PM-10:23PM
THE VILLAINESS
KR
WAI
12:00PM-2:00PM
TBA
-
DOL
12:15PM-1:46PM
MRS FANG
CN
DOL
12:15PM-2:15PM
TBA
-
DOL
1:00PM-2:33PM
WARU
NZ
DOL
2:00PM-4:07PM
ORDINARY PERSON
KR
DOL
2:15PM-4:15PM
TBA
-
DOL
2:30PM-4:04PM
THE FINAL YEAR
US
DOL
2:30PM-4:42PM
DEAR ETRANGER
JP
DOL
2:45PM-4:49PM
I CAN SPEAK
KR
DOL
3:00PM-4:55PM
WISHED
CH
DOL
4:30PM-6:26PM
THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN
US
DOL
4:45PM-6:45PM
TBA
-
DOL
5:00PM-7:03PM
SURVIVAL FAMILY
JP
DOL
5:15PM-7:09PM
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG + BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH
NZ
DOL
5:15PM-7:12PM
LU OVER THE WALL
JP
DOL
12:15PM-2:07PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 1:00PM-2:52PM
MADE IN HAWAII SHORTS
US
PAL
1:30PM-2:51PM
BLUE
AU
WAI
3:15PM-5:11PM
NAPPING PRINCESS
JP
WAI
3:30PM-5:25PM
I CAN I WILL I DID
US
PAL
5:30PM-6:54PM
OUT OF STATE
US
WAI
6:00PM-7:21PM
THE TEA EXPLORER
CA
PAL
7:30PM-9:52PM
A TAXI DRIVER
KR
WAI
8:00PM-10:04PM
I CAN SPEAK
KR
PAL
MADE IN HAWAII SHORTS
US
WAI
BLUE
AU
PAL
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
5:30PM-7:38PM
THE VILLAINESS
KR
DOL
1:15PM-2:36PM
7:00PM-8:53PM
SAMUI SONG
TH
DOL
2:45PM-4:20PM
HEAVY WATER
FR, PF, US
WAI
DOL
3:00PM-4:56PM
NAPPING PRINCESS
JP
PAL
GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN US STORY
HTC
4:45PM-6:51PM
JIMAMI TOFU
JP, SG
WAI
5:30PM-6:48PM
ZAN
JP
PAL
7:15PM-8:50PM
GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN US STORY
PAL
7:15PM-8:55PM
KULEANA
US
WAI
7:15PM-9:11PM 7:30PM-9:05PM
THE ENDLESS
US
7:30PM-9:15PM
PARADOX
HK
DOL
7:30PM-9:30PM
TBA
-
DOL
7:45PM-10:19PM
SEKIGAHARA
JP
DOL
8:00PM-9:50PM
IN THE FADE
DE
DOL
HIFF .ORG  11
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
PRESENTING SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSORS
PREMIERE SPONSORS
12  HIFF
SPONSORS
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
MAHALO Confucius Institute: University of Hawaii at Manoa Consulate General of The Republic of Korea Japan America Society of Hawaii Josie & Don Over Memorial Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation McInerny Foundation Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) ‘Ulu’ulu: The Henry Ku’ualoha Guigni Moving Image Archive of Hawaii G.N. Wilcox Trust
HIFF .ORG 13
We design stuff.
Middle Management is proud to have designed this year's Fall Festival identity
MiddleMgmt.com
14  HIFF
AWARDS
MADE IN HAWAII FILM AWARDS HIFF will present the inaugural MADE IN HAWAII FILM AWARD this year to focus on the dynamic and flourishing local independent film scene here in the Hawaiian Islands. Fiction, Non-fiction and short films that are made by locally-based filmmakers or involve locally-based stories are spread out throughout the 2017 film program to stand alongside works from around the world. HIFF's decision to kick off this new competition was an easy one, as the Festival has an illustrious history of providing a forum for Hawaii-made films for its 37 year history. As the media landscape changes, along with the democratization of ‘filmmaking’ itself via digital technology, the rise of local
cinema artists has drastically increased. At the same time, creative content produced by indigenous people around the world, including Native Hawaiians, is on the rise. With this in mind, the intent of the MADE IN HAWAII FILM AWARD is to provide accolades to films that our esteemed jury feel offer significant representation of stories that authentically reflect the unique, yet universal experiences of ourselves. Awards will be given to BEST FEATURE FILM (Fiction and NonFiction compete in same category) and BEST SHORT FILM. Made in Hawaii Awards supported by the Hawaii Film Office
2017 BEST MADE IN HAWAII FEATURE NOMINEES
CORRIDOR FOUR
GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN STORY
KULEANA
HAWAII PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIERE
ADVANCE SCREENING
DIRECTOR: STEPHEN TRINGALI
DIRECTOR: ALEXANDER BOCCHIERI
DIRECTOR: BRIAN KOHNE
OTTOMATICAKE
OUT OF STATE
WORLD PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
PROOF OF LOYALTY: KAZUO YAMANE AND THE NISEI SOLDIERS OF HAWAII
DIRECTOR: GEMMA CUBERO DEL BARRIO
DIRECTOR: CIARA LACY
HAWAII PREMIERE
See page 32 for details.
See page 32 for details.
See page 21 for details.
See page 16 for details.
See page 28 for details.
DIRECTOR: LUCY OSTRANDER See page 33 for details.
2017 BEST MADE IN HAWAII SHORT NOMINEES ARCHIVES OF EXTINCTION
JUVENTUD
KEEP YOU FLOAT
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
FESTIVAL PREMIERE
DIRECTOR: ALYSE TAKAYESU
DIRECTOR: AUSTIN EVERETT
See page 41 for details.
See page 41 for details.
PRAISE SONG FOR OCEANIA
WILDER PALMS
DIRECTORS: ALIKA MAIKAU, JONAH OKANO
HAWAII PREMIERE
See page 40 for details.
See page 41 for details.
DIRECTOR: BRADLEY TANGONAN
DIRECTOR: JUSTYN AH CHONG
I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE
KA PIKO
LADY EVA
U
WORLD PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIERE
FESTIVAL PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
DIRECTORS: DEAN HAMER, JOE WILSON
DIRECTOR: LALA OPENI
DIRECTOR: STEFAN SCHAEFER DIRECTOR: BRYSON CHUN See page 28 for details.
See page 41 for details.
FESTIVAL PREMIERE
See page 40 for details.
See page 40 for details.
See page 41 for details.
HIFF .ORG 15
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
OPENING NIGHT FILM
MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER HAWAII PREMIERE
OPENING NIGHT FILM JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 103M DIRECTOR: HIROMASA YONEBAYASHI 2-NOV 8:00 PM DOL From Academy Award-nominated director Hiromasa Yonebayashi (WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY) and Academy Award-nominated producer Yoshiaki Nishimura (THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA, WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE) comes a dazzling, beautifully-animated new adventure for all ages. MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER is based on Mary Stewart's 1971 children's book THE LITTLE BROOMSTICK, and tells the story of a young girl named Mary, who discovers a flower that grants magical powers, but only for one night.
CENTERPIECE FILM
THE UPSIDE HAWAII PREMIERE
CENTERPIECE FILM UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 118M DIRECTOR: NEIL BURGER 8-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 11-NOV 1:00 PM DOL Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart star in this remake of the French hit THE INTOUCHABLES, a dramatic buddy comedy about the unlikely friendship between a rich quadriplegic and his working-class caregiver. Divided by race, class, and ability, these men could not be farther apart. Yet if they can bridge their differences, they may just discover a rare breed of friendship - and teach each other to live again. Also starring Nicole Kidman, THE UPSIDE is a star-studded affair and definite contender come awards season.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN STORY WORLD PREMIERE
CLOSING NIGHT FILM UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 90M DIRECTOR: ALEXANDER BOCCHIERI 12-NOV 7:30PM HTC Set in the tumultuous year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, this true story follows a group of University of Hawaii ROTC students as they fight discrimination by forming the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). The brave actions of these young Japanese Americans, along with the perseverance of the original 100th Infantry Battalion draftees from Hawaii, led to the formation of the all-Japanese fighting unit - the 442nd - the most decorated combat unit in American military history. This ambitious film, 100% locally produced, including cast and crew, is the definitive cinematic story (part one of a proposed series of films) to the JAs who rose from wartime prejudice to prove their patriotism and become national heroes in one of the most defining moments in Hawaii's history.
16 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
11/8/16
A CIAMBRA
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
HAWAII PREMIERE
DOCUMENTARIES
EUROPEAN SHOWCASE
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 104M DIRECTORS: DUANE ANDERSEN, DON ARGOTT, YUNG CHANG, PETRA EPPERLEIN, VIKRAM GANDHI, ALMA HAR'EL, DANIEL JUNGE, ALISON KLAYMAN, CIARA LACY, MARTHA SHANE, BASSAM TARIQ, MICHAEL TUCKER
ITALY 2017 | ITALIAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 118M DIRECTOR: JONAS CARPIGNANO
3-NOV 5:45PM DOL A follow up to the documentary 11/4/08, Jeff Deutchman's 11/8/16 is the antithesis, utilizing 40 filmmakers (including Hawaii's Ciara Lacy) to capture one of the most divisive election days in American history. From the confident members of Hillary Clinton's campaign, to a West Virginia coal miner, a Mexican American activist in San Jose, and a homeless person in Honolulu, 11/8/16 captures the day that the fate of the nation changed forever, no matter what your political affiliation.
4-NOV 7:45 PM DOL · 6-NOV 5:30 PM DOL In a small Romani community in Calabria, Pio Amato is desperate to grow up fast. At 14, he is one of the few to slide between the region's factions - the Italians, the African refugees and his fellow Romani. Pio follows his brother Cosimo everywhere. When Cosimo disappears, Pio sets out to prove he's ready to step into his big brother's shoes but finds himself faced with a decision that will show if he is truly ready to become a man. A CIAMBRA is Italy's official entry to the Academy Awards Foreign Language Film category.
ALASKA IS A DRAG
BACK TO BURGUNDY
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
AMERICAN INDIES
EAT.DRINK.FILM
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 90M DIRECTOR: SHAZ BENNETT
FRANCE 2017 | FRENCH W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 113M DIRECTOR: CÉDRIC KLAPISCH
3-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 6-NOV 3:30 PM DOL
2-NOV 7:00 PM DOL · 4-NOV 1:15 PM
Leo, an aspiring drag superstar, is stuck working in a fish cannery in Alaska, trapped in the monotony of fist fights and fish guts. Out of necessity, Leo learned to fight back, which catches the attention of the local boxing coach (Hawaii’s Jason Scott Lee). When a new boy named Declan (Matt Dallas) moves to town and wants to be his sparring partner, Leo has to face the real reason why he is stuck in Alaska.
Jean is the prodigal son returning to his family's winery, when his father falls terminally ill. Back with his estranged siblings, Juliette and Jérémie, they bicker and have their own ideas on how to run the business. Over the period of a year, they will rediscover or reinvent their fraternal relationship, blossoming and maturing along with the wine they make.
HIFF .ORG 17
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
BAD GENIUS
THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHOWCASE
GALA PRESENTATIONS
THAILAND 2017 | THAI W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 130M DIRECTOR: NATTAWUT POONPIRIYA
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 111M DIRECTOR: JARED MOSHE
4-NOV 6:00 PM · 9-NOV 6:00 PM
11-NOV 6:30 PM DOL · 12-NOV 4:30 PM DOL
Lynn is a genius. A straight-A student, she wins a scholarship to a prestigious high school. But when she discovers that her family can’t afford the school’s hidden fees, she takes matters into her own hands, devising a lucrative cheating scheme to keep her rich fellow students’ grades up. But when the opportunity arises for Lynn to make scores of cash cheating on an international university entrance exam, how bad will this genius become? And can she stand the heat? BAD GENIUS has become one of Thailand’s biggest blockbusters with an attractive and charismatic cast, a breakneck story and stunning visuals.
Lefty Brown (Bill Pullman, giving his all in the performance of his career) is a 63 year old sidekick. Loyal, crotchety and rarely taken seriously, he's ridden with Western legend Eddie Johnson for his entire adult life. When Johnson is appointed Senator of Montana he plans to leave Lefty in charge of his ranch. But when a rustler kills Johnson, Lefty is forced from his partner's shadow. Devastated by guilt, he sets out on a journey that will reunite him with old friends as he confronts the ugly realities of frontier justice. Director Jared Moshe and star Bill Pullman are expected to attend. Mr. Pullman is HIFF37’s Halekulani Lifetime Achievement Award recipient this year.
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FIRST SCREENING
A BEAUTIFUL STAR
BECOMING WHO I WAS
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
FILM FOR THOUGHT | DOCUMENTARIES
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 127M DIRECTOR: DAIHACHI YOSHIDA
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | LADHAKI TIBETAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 95M DIRECTOR: MOON CHANG-YONG
3-NOV 9:00 PM DOL · 4-NOV 3:45 PM DOL
7-NOV 7:30 PM DOL · 8-NOV 3:00 PM DOL
Weatherman Juichiro (Lily Franky) seems to have it all, a great family, job, and even a little love on the side. But after a strange encounter one night, he suddenly becomes convinced that he is an alien from Mars sent to rescue humanity! Things get weirder when his son (Kazuya Kamenashi) and daughter (Ai Hashimoto) start to claim their own celestial heritage too...Will this alien family join forces to save the planet? Or are they the butt of a great cosmic joke?
After a Buddhist boy in the highlands of northern India discovers that he is the reincarnation of a centuries-old Tibetan monk, his aging godfather takes him on a journey to discover his past in a beautiful story of faith and unconditional love. Shot over a 8 year period across the unique frozen mountainous terrain of northern India, this masterfully filmed documentary will take your breath away and steal your heart.
18 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
BEFORE WE VANISH
BIRDS WITHOUT NAMES
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
FANTASTIC ASIA
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 129M DIRECTOR: KIYOSHI KUROSAWA
JAPAN 2016 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 123M DIRECTOR: KAZUYA SHIRAISHI
3-NOV 8:45 PM DOL · 6-NOV 8:30 PM DOL
3-NOV 6:30 PM DOL · 9-NOV 5:30PM DOL
Narumi's husband isn't the man he used to be. After going missing for several days, Shinji (Ryuhei Matsuda) can't seem to recall anything about his life. Unbeknownst to Narumi, Shinji is actually one of three alien scouts, sent to earth to steal 'concepts' in preparation for a mass invasion. Snatching up the concepts of good, evil, family, and more of those they encounter, the aliens leave people dazed and confused. But when it comes time to begin the invasion, will they follow through on their mission?
Towako (Yu Aoi) can't seem to take care of herself. Childlike and selfish, she lives with an older man named Junji who takes care of her every need while she stays at home all day. Though she doesn't love Junji, she accepts his money, his gifts, and his food. But when a police officer arrives at her apartment in search of her long-missing former lover, Towako begins to unravel, revealing a dark past that she thought she'd shut the door on forever...
BLUE
BORG/MCENROE
UNITED STATES PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
GREEN SCREEN
GALA PRESENTATIONS
AUSTRALIA 2017 | ENGLISH | 76M DIRECTOR: KARINA HOLDEN
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 107M DIRECTOR: JANUS METZ
4-NOV 3:45 PM DOL · 8-NOV 5:00 PM DOL
9-NOV 8:30 PM DOL
With more than half of all marine life lost and the expansion of the industrialization of the seas, BLUE sets out the challenges we are facing and the opportunities for positive change in the 21st century. Filmed on location in Australia, Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Philippines and Indonesia this stunning documentary sets out to change the way we think about our liquid world and inspire us to action.
BORG/MCENROE tells the story of the epic rivalry between Swedish tennis legend Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and his greatest adversary, the brash American John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf), which came to a head during the 1980 Wimbledon Championships. The film is sports drama as psychological thriller, employing flashbacks that provide insight on the psyches of these diametrically different athletes, activating our empathy with insights into what it takes to win. The film was the Opening Night Gala for just concluded Toronto International Film Festival.
HIFF .ORG 19
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) HAWAII PREMIERE
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME HAWAII PREMIERE
EUROPEAN SHOWCASE
GALA PRESENTATIONS
FRANCE 2017 | FRENCH W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 144M DIRECTOR: ROBIN CAMPILLO
BRAZIL, FRANCE, ITALY, UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, FRENCH GERMAN, ITALIAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 132M DIRECTOR: LUCA GUADAGNINO
5-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 6-NOV 7:30 PM DOL It’s the early 1990s — With AIDS having already claimed countless lives for nearly ten years, Act Up-Paris activists multiply actions to fight general indifference. Nathan, a newcomer to the group, has his world shaken up by Sean - a radical militant, who throws his last bits of strength into the struggle. World premiering at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, as well as France's official foreign language entry to the Academy Awards, BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) is a stunning drama set amidst a community fighting for their lives through one of the greatest global tragedies of our times.
2-NOV 6:00 PM DOL
CLOSE-KNIT
COLUMBUS
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
AMERICAN INDIES
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 127M DIRECTOR: NAOKO OGIGAMI
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 104M DIRECTOR: KOGONADA
9-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 10-NOV 1:45PM DOL
11-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
When 11-year-old Tomo's irresponsible single mother leaves her on her own for the umpteenth time she turns to her Uncle Makio to look after her. Makio's pretty girlfriend Rinko proves an excellent surrogate mother and the three form an indelible bond, but not without complications. Utilizing an amusingly quirky mode of storytelling, director Naoko Ogigami offers a respite from the irritations of daily life. In CLOSE KNIT she takes things next level, incorporating a transgender character, performed with perfection by boy idol Toma Ikuta.
When a renowned architecture scholar falls suddenly ill during a speakingtour, his son Jin (John Cho) finds himself stranded in Columbus, IN, a small Midwestern city celebrated for its many significant modernist buildings. Jin strikes up a friendship with Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a young architecture enthusiast who works at the local library. As their intimacy develops, Jin and Casey explore both the town and their own conflicted emotions. COLUMBUS wowed audiences at Sundance with great performances by both Cho and Richardson. Most of all, it is a compelling, beautiful debut feature from film essayist Kogonada, and a love letter to Ozu, empty spaces and architecture.
20 HIFF
It's the summer of 1983, and precocious 17-year-old Elio Perlman is spending the days with his family at their 17th-century villa in Lombardy, Italy. He soon meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), a handsome doctoral student who's working as an intern for Elio's father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of their surroundings, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever. Director Luca Guadagnino's film is an intimate and piercingly honest adaptation of Andre Aciman’s superb novel, and is one of the year's best films.
FILM PROGRAM
CORRIDOR FOUR
CYCLE
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
MADE IN HAWAII
SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 82M DIRECTOR: STEPHEN TRINGALI
INDIA 2017 | MARATHI W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 102M DIRECTOR: PRAKASH KUNTE
8-NOV 6:00 PM DOL · 11-NOV 12:45 PM DOL
5-NOV 12:30 PM DOL
A nationally recognized K9 Unit Officer, Isaac Ho'opi'i (born and raised in Waianae) is responsible for saving at least 18 people from the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks. But, after the news cameras turned off, Isaac was left with the horrific images he had seen and the memory of those he couldn't save. His is a story not of a hero basking in the glory of his deeds, but of a man filled with regret that he couldn't change something out of his control.
Maharashtra, 1950s -- Keshav is an affable astrologer who is never separated with his bicycle, his pride and joy and everyone in the village knows it. But his life is turned upside down when two wandering thieves, Mangya and Gaiya, steal his bike. Little do they know that they have taken something more famous than any person in the whole district! As they stop for bike repairs or to stop to eat, people ask them why they are in possession of Keshay's bike. What soon transpires is a series of foibles as the thieves try to wiggle their way out of situations with elaborate reasons that escalate as they attempt to leave town with perhaps the most prized possession in the area. A reverse-BICYCLE THIEVES, this film will definitely charm you.
DARKEST HOUR
THE DAY AFTER
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
EUROPEAN SHOWCASE
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
UNITED KINGDOM 2017 | ENGLISH | 114M DIRECTOR: JOE WRIGHT
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 92M DIRECTOR: HONG SANG-SOO
5-NOV 5:00 PM DOL · 9-NOV 8:00 PM DOL
7-NOV 6:15 PM DOL · 11-NOV 4:30 PM DOL
During the early days of World War II, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour. With the Nazi forces advancing, and the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman). While maneuvering his political rivals, he must confront the ultimate choice: negotiate with Hitler and save the British people at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds.
Master of the art of conversation, festival favorite Hong Sang-soo returns with a satirical romp about love, relationships, and literature, set in one very small publishing house. A-reum is about to have a very strange first day on the job. Landing a job as assistant to a star editor and literary critic, she think's she's hit the jackpot. But when her new boss' wife shows up accusing her of being his lover, things start to get a bit weird...
HIFF .ORG 21
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
DEALER/HEALER
DEAR ETRANGER
HAWAII PREMIERE
UNITED STATES PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
HONG KONG, SAR CHINA 2017 | CANTONESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 101M DIRECTOR: LAWRENCE AH MON
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 127M DIRECTOR: YUKIKO MISHIMA
9-NOV 6:15 PM DOL
8-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 12-NOV 2:30 PM DOL
Set in the 1970s and '80s, Lawrence Lau's action-packed crime saga tells the true story of a reformed drug dealer who struggles for redemption. Chen Hua (Lau Ching Wan) starts selling drugs with his best friends at age 16. Over the years, he spirals deeper until he is ultimately sent to prison. Once released, Hua swears to turn his life around, and becomes a counselor at a rehab facility. But his path to redemption comes with baggage from the past...
40-something Makoto Tanaka (Tadanobu Asano) has 3 daughters. One from a previous marriage and two step-daughters that he has raised with his second wife. While life can be a bit complicated Makoto seems to manage juggling all of his responsibilities. But when his wife announces she is pregnant with another child, it throws their delicate balance into disarray, creating chaos within both families. A touching meditation on love and marriage and what it truly means to be 'family'.
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW SCREENING
DOCUMENTING ACTIVISM:
THE EARLY DAYS OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MOVEMENT
DOWNSIZING HAWAII PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIERE
GALA PRESENTATIONS
MADE IN HAWAII
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 135M DIRECTOR: ALEXANDER PAYNE
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 90M
11-NOV 8:15 PM DOL 5-NOV 4:00PM ‘Ulu‘ulu preserves our moving image history to honor the past, and ensure its availability for future generations. This year we honor those who courageously documented the early days of the Native Hawaiian movement while recognizing how these images are being used today. We will screen a segment of the newly re-mastered documentary Mo'olelo o ka 'Aina (1984), produced by KITV followed by raw archival footage from the Protect Kaho'olawe Ohana collection also newly re-mastered and digitized.
22 HIFF
From director Alexander Payne (THE DESCENDANTS, HIFF 2012) comes one of the most outrageous comedies of the year. When scientists discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall as a solution to overpopulation, Paul (Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to abandon their stressed lives in order to get small and move to a new downsized community - a choice that triggers some serious life-changing adventures. Co-starring Christoph Waltz, Jason Sudeikis and introducing Hong Chau, Payne treks new territory into sci-fi social satire.
FILM PROGRAM
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FIRST SCREENING
THE ENDLESS
THE FINAL YEAR
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
AMERICAN INDIES
GALA PRESENTATIONS
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 111M DIRECTOR(S): JUSTIN BENSON, AARON MOORHEAD
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 89M DIRECTOR: GREG BARKER
5-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 12-NOV 7:15PM DOL
11-NOV 6:00 PM DOL · 12-NOV 2:30 PM DOL
Following their acclaimed debut RESOLUTION and their follow-up, the lovecraftian modern cult classic SPRING, writer/directors Moorhead and Benson star as brothers who receive a mysterious message inspiring them to pay a visit to the cult they escaped as children. As unsettling events and phenomena begin to occur, the brothers are forced to question whether the cult's supernatural beliefs might not be entirely made up - and if, now that they've returned, they'll be allowed to leave again.
Directed by HIFF Award-Winning filmmaker Greg Barker (KORAN BY HEART, WE ARE THE GIANT), THE FINAL YEAR is a unique insider's account of President Barack Obama's foreign policy team during their last year in office. Featuring unprecedented access inside the White House and State Department, THE FINAL YEAR offers an uncompromising view of the inner workings of the Obama Administration as they prepare to leave power after eight years.
THE GANGSTER’S DAUGHTER
GEMINI
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON TAIWAN
AMERICAN INDIES
TAIWAN ROC, UNITED STATES 2017 | MANDARIN, TAIWANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 105M DIRECTOR: CHEN MEI-JUIN
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 93M DIRECTOR: AARON KATZ
7-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 11-NOV 3:00 PM DOL
A heinous crime tests the complex relationship between a tenacious personal assistant and her Hollywood starlet boss. As the assistant unravels the mystery, she must confront her own understanding of friendship, truth, and celebrity. Starring Zoe Kravitz, Lola Kirke, and John Cho, GEMINI is a neon-drenched L.A. noir throwback of twists and turns that is both an old school "whodunit" and a delicate character study of 21st century celebrity.
Part coming-of-age tale, part crime drama, THE GANGSTER'S DAUGHTER is a heartfelt, gritty film from new Taiwanese director Chen Mei-Juin. After getting into trouble with a local bully, teenage Shaowu is sent to Taipei to live with her estranged gangster father, Keigo. He quickly takes to being a father and sets out go straight, but soon he is dragged back into the criminal world by corruption and a quest for vengeance that will decide both of their fates.
11-NOV 9:00 PM DOL
HIFF .ORG 23
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
GLASS GARDEN
THE GREAT BUDDHA+
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
SPOTLIGHT ON TAIWAN
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 117M DIRECTOR: SHIN SU-WON
TAIWAN, ROC 2017 | MIN NAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 104M DIRECTOR: HUANG HSIN-YAO
8-NOV 8:15 PM DOL · 11-NOV 5:15 PM DOL
6-NOV 5:00 PM DOL
The latest from HIFF 2015 Grand Prize winner Shin Su-won (MADONNA) is a tale about transformation. Doctoral candidate Jae-yeon is a brilliant researcher with a rare ability to communicate with nature. Betrayed by her once romantically linked professor, who stole her research for financial gain, she retreats from the world and goes deep into the forest to live alone in a greenhouse. Meanwhile failed novelist Ji-hoon is intrigued by Jae-yeon and sees her as a kindred spirit and muse. However, he soon realizes that Jae-yon and her new dwelling are mysteriously changing…
A security guard and his best friend become entangled in a web of dark secrets after stumbling upon videos that document the promiscuous meetings of a wealthy factory owner. What they do next is completely unexpected. A black comedy that is also a treatise on the haves and have nots, THE GREAT BUDDHA+ is one of a kind.
HEADHUNT REVISITED: WITH BRUSH, CANVAS AND CAMERA
HEAVY WATER
HAWAII PREMIERE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 76M DIRECTOR: MICHELE WESTMORLAND 7-NOV 5:30PM DOL The documentary, HEADHUNT REVISITED, follows Caroline Mytinger’s unprecedented journey in 1926 to the 'Land of Headhunters' in the South Pacific to paint the rich cultural diversity of Melanesia. Over 80 years later Caroline’s story inspires new generations of artists and non-artists alike about the importance of documenting culture and tradition.
24 HIFF
HAWAII PREMIERE
DOCUMENTARIES UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 90M DIRECTOR: MICHAEL OBLOWITZ 4-NOV 4:30 PM DOL · 11-NOV 2:00 PM DOL HEAVY WATER takes a close look at surf legend Nathan Fletcher's relationship with big wave surfing, tracing his lineage back to his grandfather, one of the pioneers of Oahu's North Shore, and examining the consequences that Fletcher and his friends have faced in the pursuit of their passion for big waves. A journey through the eyes of the surfing community that delves deep into the mind-set of the big wave culture and its roots.
FILM PROGRAM
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FILM
I AM EVIDENCE
I CALLED HIM MORGAN
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
DOCUMENTARIES
SOUND X VISION
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 85M DIRECTOR: TRISH ADLESIC
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 92M DIRECTOR: KASPER COLLIN
6-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 7-NOV 3:00 PM DOL
5-NOV 6:00 PM DOL
I AM EVIDENCE exposes the shocking number of untested rape kits in the US today. Behind each of these lies an individual's unresolved sexual assault case. Produced by Mariska Hargitay, I AM EVIDENCE follows survivors and law enforcement officials who are leading the charge to pursue long-awaited justice. The film reveals the high cost of the lingering lassitude surrounding rape investigations, and the positive effects of treating survivors with the respect they deserve.
Hailed as the most talented trumpeter of his generation, Lee Morgan was playing with Art Blakey and Dizzy Gillespie in his teens. Sadly, Morgan's life was cut short in 1972 when his wife Helen shot him at a New York jazz club. Collin's documentary traces the lives of the couple from their roots to the events of that winter's night. Part jazz history, part true-crime, I CALLED HIM MORGAN is a beautiful portrait of individuals transformed by art, love, and overpowering impulses.
I CAN I WILL I DID
I CAN SPEAK
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
HAWAII PREMIERE
AMERICAN INDIES
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
UNITED STATES 2017 ENGLISH 110 M DIRECTOR: NADINE TRUONG
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 119M DIRECTOR: KIM HYUN-SEOK
4-NOV 12:45 PM DOL
4-NOV 5:30PM DOL · 12-NOV 2:45 PM DOL
Ben (Tony Award winner, Mike Faist) grew up bullied and alone in the foster system. When the bullying escalates and results in a harrowing accident, Ben’s mind and body is all but crushed. In the hospital Ben meets Adrienne, a fellow patient that, along with the help of her grandfather, real-life Taekwondo Master Kang, renews Ben’s hope and spirit. Warm and uplifting, I CAN I WILL I DID, tells the story of adolescence, perseverance and love.
Known as the ‘goblin granny’ in her neighborhood, Ok-Boon is the queen of civil complaints. Having filed more than 8,000 complaints, she makes the lives of those around her miserable. But when she overhears a new civil servant Min-Jae, speaking English, she decides she must get him to teach her. Staunchly opposed to this idea, Min-Jae can’t understand why. But when a dark secret from Ok-Boon’s past comes to light, he realizes that her reason is more important than he could have imagined...
HIFF .ORG 25
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
I, TONYA
ICHI THE KILLER
HAWAII PREMIERE
RETURN ENGAGEMENT
GALA PRESENTATIONS
FANTASTIC ASIA
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 119M DIRECTOR: CRAIG GILLESPIE
JAPAN 2001 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 128M DIRECTOR: TAKASHI MIIKE
5-NOV 7:30 PM DOL
4-NOV 8:45 PM DOL
Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises among the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the sport is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes. Margot Robbie is revelatory as the titular Harding and Alison Janney is equally brilliant as Harding's mother. I, TONYA is a blackly comedic biopic that touches upon class, competition, courage and catastrophe and lands perfectly like a triple axel.
HIFF is proud to present a 4K digital remastered version of this classic Japanese gangster film from maverick director Takashi Miike. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the original film release, ICHI THE KILLER is back and still as shocking as ever. Sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer Kakihara (Tadanobu Asano, HIFF 2015 honoree, in one of his most infamous roles) is on the prowl, searching for his missing boss. When he comes across a rival psychotic killer named Ichi, he must prepare for an ultra-violent showdown.
IN THE FADE
ISLAND SOLDIER
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
EUROPEAN SHOWCASE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE | FILM FOR THOUGHT
GERMANY 2017 | GERMAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 105M DIRECTOR: FATIH AKIN
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 85M DIRECTOR: NATHAN FITCH
10-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 12-NOV 8:00 PM DOL
3-NOV 8:15 PM DOL · 5-NOV 1:45 PM DOL
Katja (Diane Kruger, Best Actress winner at Cannes for this role) has always lived a bit of a rough life, even marrying her husband Nuri when he was in prison for drug offenses. Yet now she and Nuri have grown up and crafted a sweet life for themselves with their young son Rocco. But when a bomb strikes their small German city, Katja’s life is left in pieces, and she must forge her own path in the search for those responsible. IN THE FADE is Germany’s Foreign Language Academy Award entry.
ISLAND SOLDIER is the untold story of Micronesian citizens fighting America's wars at staggeringly high rates per capita. Told through the intimate personal odyssey of the Nenas, a family strives for their piece of the "American Dream", and dealing with the consequences of military service against the backdrop of a pristine Pacific island on the brink of economic collapse. As part of HIFF's Film For Thought program, the first screening of this film will be followed by an extended Q&A discussion.
26 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
JIMAMI TOFU
JUNK HEAD
WORLD PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
EAT. DRINK. FILM.
PLANET ANIME
JAPAN, SINGAPORE 2017 | ENGLISH, JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 121M DIRECTOR: JASON CHAN, CHRISTIAN LEE
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 115M DIRECTOR: TAKAHIDE HORI
9-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 11-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
4-NOV 9:00 PM DOL · 7-NOV 8:15 PM DOL
When ambitious Singaporean chef Ryan's wife Yuki suddenly disappears, it leaves him reeling. In an effort to find her, he sets off to her hometown in Okinawa searching for clues. While Yuki is nowhere in sight, he discovers flavors beyond his imagination at Yuki's family's restaurant. With the help of childhood friend Nami, Ryan convinces Yuki's father to teach him his secret recipes. But when Yuki's father falls ill, will Ryan have what it takes to take over the family business? And win back Yuki along the way?
In the future, humans try to escape global destruction by moving underground. One of the most unique and inventive DIY animation projects ever, JUNK HEAD by Takahide Hori is a post-apocalyptic tale populated by mutated humans and creatures that live in a subterranean underworld. The epitome of DIY filmmaking, Hori painstakenly did all the designs, fabrication and stop motion animation frames by himself. Six years in the making, the film is finally unleashed — think FRAGGLE ROCK through the lens of H.R. Giger — and you get the genius of JUNK HEAD.
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FIRST SCREENING
KEEP TALKING
KING OF PEKING
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
FILM FOR THOUGHT | DOCUMENTARIES
SPOTLIGHT ON CHINA
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, ALUTIIQ W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 79M DIRECTOR: KAREN LYNN WEINBERG
AUSTRALIA, CHINA, UNITED STATES 2017 | CHINESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 88M DIRECTOR: SAM VOUTAS
6-NOV 8:00PM DOL · 10-NOV 4:45 PM DOL KEEP TALKING follows four Alaska Native's fighting to save Kodiak Alutiiq, an endangered language spoken by less than 40 remaining Native Elders. Their small community travels to remote Afognak Island to start teaching kids Alutiiq. At the camp, Sadie, a troubled teen, is inspired to begin learning the language and dances of her ancestors. The women fight to overcome historical and personal traumas to find joy and hope in the revitalization of their cultural heritage. First screening to be followed by extended Q&A discussion.
4-NOV 6:30 PM DOL · 10-NOV 1:00 PM DOL Big Wong and his son Little Wong are part of a fading tradition: traveling film projectionists screening movies for villagers who otherwise don't have access to films. But when Big Wong faces financial difficulty he may lose custody of his son. In order to keep him, they move to the basement of an old Beijing cinema, where he works as a janitor. When he discovers a prototype DVD recorder for sale, he convinces Little Wong to join a new venture: a father-son bootlegging movie company.
HIFF .ORG 27
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
KULEANA ADVANCE SCREENING
LADY BIRD HAWAII PREMIERE
MADE IN HAWAII
GALA PRESENTATIONS
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 95M DIRECTOR: BRIAN KOHNE
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 93M DIRECTOR: GRETA GERWIG
3-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 5-NOV 2:45 PM DOL
4-NOV 3:30 PM DOL · 5-NOV 12:45 PM DOL
On Maui, childhood friends Nohea and Kim share a common nemesis: Kim's father, Victor Coyle, a real-estate developer who blatantly exploits the land and the people he has managed to usurp and control. Ancestral spirits and modern day warriors also contribute to the fight as Nohea and Kim learn the most important lesson: kuleana is not a burden; it is a privilege. KULEANA is the latest film from Maui-based director Brian Kohne (GET A JOB, HIFF 2011).
Marion McPherson, a California nurse, works tirelessly to keep her family afloat after her husband loses his job. She also maintains a turbulent bond with a teenage daughter who is just like her -- loving, strong-willed and deeply opinionated. Deftly written and directed by actress Greta Gerwig, with awards worthy performances by Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, LADY BIRD should be included in the pantheon of classic coming-of-age films.
PRECEDED BY (5-NOV ONLY) I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE DIRECTOR: STEFAN SCHAEFER
MADE IN HONG KONG
MAINELAND
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG
DOCUMENTARIES
HONG KONG SAR CHINA 1997 | CANTONESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 108M DIRECTOR: FRUIT CHAN
CHINA, UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, CHINESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 89M DIRECTOR: MIAO WANG
3-NOV 6:15 PM DOL After his father abandons the family, Autumn Moon drops out of high school and becomes a money collector for organized criminals, the Triads. On his rounds, he meets and falls in love a daughter of one of the Triads' debtors. To pay for her medical expenses, Autumn Moon takes an assassination contract, but as he slips into the criminal underworld, he's haunted by a figure from his past. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film's original release, remastered in a beautiful 4k digital restoration.
28 HIFF
4-NOV 2:30 PM DOL · 5-NOV 1:00 PM DOL Over 370,000 students from mainland China are enrolled in American high schools and universities - six times more than a decade ago - with $11.4 billion contributed to the American economy. Filmed over three years, MAINELAND follows two teenagers - fun-loving Stella and introspective Harry - who are part of this enormous wave of "parachute students" from China's wealthy elite seeking Western-style education and the promise of a Hollywood-style U.S. high school experience.
FILM PROGRAM
MAN OF WILL INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS HAWAII PREMIERE
SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHOWCASE
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 109M DIRECTOR: LEE WON-TAE
INDONESIA 2017 | INDONESIAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 93M DIRECTOR: MOULY SURYA
5-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 10-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
5-NOV 3:15 PM DOL · 10-NOV 3:15 PM DOL
1895, end of the Joseon dynasty. Japanese assassins infiltrate the palace and brutally murder the Empress. Discovering the plot, a young man named Kim Chang-soo beats an assassin to death. Bowing to pressure from the Japanese, the Korean government sentences him to death. But Kim Changsoo will not so easily be eliminated. Vowing to maintain his honor and that of his people, Kim begins to teach his fellow prisoners how to read and write; with consequences beyond his imagination...
In the deserted hills of an Indonesian island, Marlina, a young widow, is attacked and robbed for her cattle. To defend herself, she kills several men in the gang. Seeking justice, she goes on a journey for empowerment and redemption. But the road is long especially when the ghost of her headless victim begins to haunt her. World premiering at Cannes, this sophomore effort from Indonesian female director Mouly Surya showcases one of the dynamic voices of Indonesian cinema.
MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH
MON MON MON MONSTERS
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SOUND X VISION
FANTASTIC ASIA
UNITED KINGDOM 2017 | ENGLISH | 105M DIRECTOR: DANIEL JEROME GILL
TAIWAN ROC 2017 | MANDARIN CHINESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES |110M DIRECTOR: GIDDENS KO
5-NOV 8:15 PM DOL · 9-NOV 3:00 PM DOL
9-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 11-NOV 9:00 PM DOL
Brought together by their shared love of music, ten years on Liam and Natalie are at breaking-point. Making the difficult decision to separate, they must split their prized music library. But the soundtrack that defined their relationship keeps pulling them back together. MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH is an uplifting and entertaining musical journey through, love and life that will have you bobbing your head and singing along throughout, especially if you are a fan of Blur, Stereophonics, The Kooks, The Vaccines and more!
Shu-Wei is constantly harassed at school. One day he gets into trouble, and is assigned community service with the 3 class bullies — his worst nightmare! But things are about to get weird. Forced by the bullies to break into an eldercare home, he comes upon something strange in the dark… a petite but vicious bloodthirsty little monster! Instead of running, the crew capture the monster and take it to their secret lair. Unbeknownst to them however, she has a big sister… The latest film from Giddens Ko (YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE), this year’s Spotlight on Taiwan Featured Filmmaker.
HIFF .ORG 29
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
MRS. FANG
MUTAFUKAZ
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON CHINA
PLANET ANIME
HONG KONG, FRANCE, GERMANY 2017 | MANDARIN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 86M DIRECTOR: WANG BING
FRANCE, JAPAN 2017 | FRENCH W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 90M DIRECTORS: SHOUJIROU NISHIMI, GUILLAUME RENARD
11-NOV 3:15 PM DOL · 12-NOV 12:15 PM DOL In a quiet village in southern China, Fang Xiuying is sixty-seven years old. Having suffered from Alzheimer's for several years, with advanced symptoms and ineffective treatment, she was sent back home. Now, bedridden, she is surrounded by her relatives and neighbors, as they witness and accompany her through her last days. Winner of the Golden Leopard Grand prize at the Locarno Film Festival.
Based on the iconic French comic book and the cult Sundance animated short, MUTAFUKAZ is a hybrid culture animated mishmash, from the team behind TEKKONKINKREET and MIND GAME, that will blow your mind! Angelino, just another deadbeat in Dark Meat City, is suffering from migraines and trippy visions caused by a mysterious woman. He is soon targeted by "men in black" and it becomes a chase through a mind-bending phantasmagoria.
NAPPING PRINCESS
NEWTON
9-NOV 8:45 PM DOL · 11-NOV 6:45 PM DOL
FESTIVAL PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
PLANET ANIME
SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 111M DIRECTOR: KENJI KAMIYAMA
INDIA 2017 | HINDI W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 105M DIRECTOR: AMIT MASURKAR
3-NOV 6:15 PM DOL · 5-NOV 2:30 PM PM DOL
5-NOV 2:45 PM DOL · 7-NOV 5:00 PM DOL
The year is 2020, three days before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. While she should be studying for her exams, Kokone Morikawa is often dozing off, stuck between reality and a dream-world full of fantastic motorized contraptions. But after her father, a talented but mysterious mechanic, is arrested for stealing technology from a powerful corporation, it's up to Kokone and her childhood friend Morio to save him. Together they realize that Kokone's dream-world may hold the answers to the mystery behind the stolen tech...
A government clerk named Newton tries to run a free and fair election in a conflict area in central India. He must keep the peace, thwart devious military personnel and keep oddball bureaucrats in check – even as the voters, the very people the whole thing is about, remain strangely absent. A black comedy about democracy in these dark times, the film charmed Berlinale audiences, where it premiered, and won the prestigious Art Cinema Forum Award. NEWTON is also the official entry to the Academy Awards foreign language entry.
30 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
NOTEBOOK FROM MY MOTHER
OH LUCY!
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
EAT. DRINK. FILM.
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 103M DIRECTOR: SUNG-HO KIM
JAPAN, UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 95M DIRECTOR: ATSUKO HIRAYANAGI
10-NOV 6:00 PM DOL · 11-NOV 8:00 PM DOL
8-NOV 6:00 PM DOL · 10-NOV 3:15 PM DOL
Elan is getting older, but isn't ready to retire just yet. She runs a neighborhood 'banchan' (korean side-dishes) shop, where she makes everything from scratch with her own secret recipes. While her deadbeat son may not appreciate her, the neighbors would be lost without her delicious dishes. But when Elan starts to show signs of dementia, she begins to forget how to cook altogether. Will her son Gyu-hyeon step up the plate or will her recipes be forever lost as her memory fades?
Setsuko is a middle-aged, lonely, chain-smoking office lady with not much in the way of a social life. But when her niece convinces her to take an English class, she discovers a new identity as her American alter-ego 'Lucy', and also falls for her hunky instructor John (Josh Hartnett)...When John suddenly disappears along with her niece, Setsuko and her sister take off across the globe to sunny California to find them, with a few surprises along the way...
ONE THOUSAND ROPES
ORDINARY PERSON
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
NEW ZEALAND 2016 | ENGLISH, SAMOAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 98M DIRECTOR: TUSI TAMASESE
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 122M DIRECTOR: BONG-HAN KIM
5-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 7-NOV 3:00 PM DOL
8-NOV 5:45 PM DOL · 12-NOV 2:00 PM DOL
The latest from New Zealand based Samoan director Tusi Tamasese comes a story about Maea -- Once a prize fighter with an abusive past, now striving to live a simple life as a male midwife, practicing ancient Samoan traditions, and also a humble baker. His past catches up with him when his estranged daughter arrives beaten and pregnant, setting him on a path of redemption and atonement for his dark past. However, Maea is also taunted by a relentless spirit.
1980's South Korea. The political pendulum has swung to the right and protests and government suppression are becoming increasing regular. Against this backdrop detective Seong-jin finds himself unwittingly chasing a serial killer. But whilst the military police begin mounting evidence against a suspect Seong-jin has in custody, he becomes increasingly convinced they may have the wrong man....However, Seong-jin is about to discover that questioning the authorities is a very dangerous proposition, for both him and his loved ones.
HIFF .ORG 31
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
OTTOMATICAKE
OUR TIME WILL COME
WORLD PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
MADE IN HAWAII
SPOTLIGHT ON CHINA
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 61M DIRECTOR: GEMMA CUBERO DEL BARRIO
CHINA, HONG KONG SAR CHINA 2017 | MANDARIN, CANTONESE, JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES DIRECTOR: ANN HUI
7-NOV 7:45PM DOL · 10-NOV 4:00 PM DOL Hop on the roller coaster that is the life of cheesecake baking wizard and local punk rock denizen Otto — from the heyday of Honolulu’s underground rock scene, this sweet-souled punk rock, roller skating, occasional Hedwig character, drug-fighting impresario shares his extraordinary secret recipe for joy through his masterful and altruistic cheesecake baking that has become a major fixture in Honolulu’s culinary scene. This is a true story of a punk rocker who became an entrepeneur, and who just wants to spread aloha one sweet bite at a time.
4-NOV 8:00PM DOL - 7-NOV 8:00PM DOL From celebrated Hong Kong director Ann Hui (A SIMPLE LIFE) comes a lushly-crafted snapshot of WWII Japan occupied Hong Kong with a young woman named Fang Lan (Zhou Xun) who starts as a school teacher and becomes a revered freedom fighter. Persuaded to join the resistance by a charismatic leader (Eddie Peng), Fang Lan rises through the ranks in Hong Kong's fight for freedom in this spy thriller that is reminscent of Jean Pierre Melville's ARMY OF SHADOWS.
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FIRST SCREENING
OUT OF STATE
PARADOX
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE | FILM FOR THOUGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, HAWAIIAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 79M DIRECTOR: CIARA LACY
HONG KONG SAR CHINA 2017 | CANTONESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 100M DIRECTOR: WILSON YIP
4-NOV 8:15 PM DOL · 6-NOV 6:15 PM DOL
11-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 12-NOV 7:30 PM DOL
Two native Hawaiians, imprisoned in the Arizona desert, discover their indigenous traditions from a fellow inmate serving a life sentence. Upon finishing their terms, the two return to Hawaii, eager to prove to themselves and to their families that this experience has changed them forever. As they struggle with the hurdles of life as formerly incarcerated men, the film begs the question: can you really go home again?
From director Wilson Yip (IP MAN, SPL2) and legendary action choreographer Sammo Hung, comes PARADOX. When his daughter Chi goes missing in Thailand, Hong Kong cop Lee (Louis Koo) isn't leaving anything to chance. Upon arrival in Thailand, Lee quickly convinces Thai police Chui Kit and Tak (Tony Jaa) to let him assist in the investigation. As the investigation heats up they uncover a smuggling ring that is more dangerous and more complicated than any of them could have expected....
32 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FIRST SCREENING
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG
POINT OF NO RETURN
HAWAII PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIERE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE | SOUND X VISION
FILM FOR THOUGHT | GREEN SCREEN
NEW ZEALAND 2016 | ENGLISH | 94M DIRECTOR: TEAREPA KAHI
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 93M DIRECTOR(S): NOEL DOCKSTADER, QUINN KANALY
9-NOV 6:00 PM IBM · 12-NOV 5:15 PM DOL
5-NOV 5:15 PM DOL · 9-NOV 2:45 PM DOL
'Poi E', a simple song with a catchy beat released 32 years ago, has become New Zealand's unofficial national anthem. With humour, energy and emotion, the movie POI E tells the story of how that iconic song gave pride to generations of New Zealanders. Director Tearepa Kahi (MT ZION) captures a unique story that taps into the heart of the nation. For the first screening doors open at 6:00PM, film begins at 7:00PM.
POINT OF NO RETURN chronicles one of the most suspenseful and pioneering scientific adventure stories of the 21st century, following two pilots in their attempt to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane fueled exclusively by sunlight. Their mission: to prove the potential of clean technology and to inspire hearts and minds. To achieve their goal, they must push themselves and their team of engineers and meteorologists far beyond their limits, through technical failures, stormy weather, and even an unplanned stay in Hawaii.
PRECEDED BY BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH DIRECTOR: WYLAND
PROOF OF LOYALTY: KAZUO YAMANE AND THE NISEI SOLDIERS OF HAWAII HAWAII PREMIERE
MADE IN HAWAII UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 55M DIRECTORS: LUCY OSTRANDER, DON SELLERS 7-NOV 6:00 PM DOL · 10-NOV 1:30 PM DOL PROOF OF LOYALTY tells the story of Kazuo Yamane, a Japanese American who played a crucial strategic role in World War II. He and his fellow Nisei from Hawaii combatted prejudice and discrimination to loyally serve their country, forming the most awarded and celebrated U.S. army battalion. Their extraordinary service, mostly untold, ultimately changed the course of U.S. history.
SAMUI SONG HAWAII PREMIERE
SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHOWCASE THAILAND, GERMANY, NORWAY 2017 | ENGLISH, THAI W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 108M DIRECTOR: PEN-EK RATANARUANG 10-NOV 6:30 PM DOL · 12-NOV 7:00 PM DOL Viyada, a Thai soap opera actress in her mid-30s, finds herself increasingly pressured by her husband Jerome, a rich foreigner entirely devoted to a charismatic cult leader called The Holy One (Vithaya Pansringarm from ONLY GOD FORGIVES). Viyada has no other choice than to take the most drastic measures in order to escape once and for all from their influence. SAMUI SONG is a gripping thriller and latest film from festival favorite Pen-ek Ratanaruang (LAST LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE).
HIFF .ORG 33
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
SATAN’S SLAVES HAWAII PREMIERE
THE SCYTHIAN LAMB NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
FANTASTIC ASIA
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
INDONESIA 2017 | INDONESIAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 101M DIRECTOR: JOKO ANWAR
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 126M 7-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 11-NOV 12:30PM DOL
8-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 10-NOV 9:00 PM DOL
DIRECTOR: DAIHACHI YOSHIDA
Director Joko Anwar is perhaps the preeminent horror and thriller genre director in Indonesia (THE FORBIDDEN DOOR, MODUS ANOMALI). His latest is a remake of the 1980 cult hit PENGABDI SETAN - Rini (Tara Basro) is trying to keep her family together after her mother dies from a long-term illness. However, things start to go awry when the dead mother starts appearing in random parts of the house. This unique haunted house story supplants Muslim themes over the usual Christian tropes in western horror films. What it does have in common is lots and lots of scares!
Suffering from population decline, the small seaside town of Uobuka decides to welcome 6 strangers from very diverse backgrounds into the community. Tsukisue, the young city official put in charge of the program, has little information about the strangers or where they've come from. But when the truth comes out about the six strangers' mysterious pasts and a body is discovered in the harbor, Tsukise begins to suspect the motley crew of foul play...
SEKIGAHARA
THE SHERIFF IN TOWN
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 149M DIRECTOR: MASATO HARADA
SOUTH KOREA 2016 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 115M DIRECTOR: HYUNG-JOO KIM
9-NOV 8:15 PM DOL · 12-NOV 7:45 PM DOL
3-NOV 6:00 PM DOL · 10-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
In October 1600, the battle of Sekigahara changed the fate of Japan forever, ending the Sengoku period and ushering in a new era. In this stunning epic film from director Masato Harada (EMPEROR IN AUGUST, KAKEKOMI), starring Koji Yakusho in the lead as Ieyasu Tokugawa, this fateful battle is brought to life in blazing glory. A tale of betrayal, intrigue, espionage, war, and love, SEKIGAHARA is a must-see at HIFF 2017. Director Masato Harada will be in attendance.
Disgraced by an ill-fated drug sting, ex-cop Dae-ho stays busy as the unofficial 'sheriff' of a small town near Busan. When new businessman Dong-jin arrives in town and wins the townspeoples’ favor to start a beach resort, he becomes a hit in the community. But Dae-ho is suspicious. Believing that Dong-jin was somehow involved in the drug sting that got him fired, he begins an 'unofficial' investigation, drawing his friends and his family into his seemingly haphazard plan to bring Dong-jin down.
34 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
A SPECIAL LADY NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
THE SQUARE HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
EUROPEAN SHOWCASE
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 90M DIRECTOR: LEE AN-GYU
SWEDEN 2017 | ENGLISH, SWEDISH W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES |142M DIRECTOR: RUBEN ÖSTLUND
5-NOV 5:15 PM DOL · 6-NOV 8:00 PM DOL
3-NOV 7:00 PM DOL
Hyun-Jung (Kim Hye-Soo) has risen through the ranks of an elite organized criminal group, and now sits second in command. However her rise to power has come at a cost, her relationship with her son. When he returns from abroad now a young man, Hyun-Jung has high hopes for starting anew. But a war is brewing with a rival faction, and the seeds of betrayal are burgeoning in her own ranks; threatening her plans for the future and possibly even her life.
Disaster strikes when Christian, a respected curator of a contemporary art museum, hires a public relations team to build some buzz for his latest exhibition "The Square." The response is overblown and sends Christian, as well as the museum, into an existential crisis with the exhibit taking a life of its own. Director Ruben Östlund (FORCE MAJEURE) returns with his latest social satire, exposing the artifice of power, class and the pomposity of the modern art world. THE SQUARE won the Palme D'Or at Cannes and is Sweden’s official entry to the Academy Awards foreign language category.
STAND UP MAN
SURVIVAL FAMILY
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
AMERICAN INDIES
FANTASTIC ASIA
CANADA 2017 | ENGLISH, KOREAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 86M DIRECTOR: ARAM COLLIER
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 118M DIRECTOR: SHINOBU YAGUCHI
4-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 10-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
10-NOV 8:30 PM DOL · 12-NOV 5:00 PM DOL
Forced to move back to his hometown of Windsor, Canada, wannabe comedian Moses Kim finds his dreams derailed when he has to take over his family's restaurant. Life gets more complicated when Moses' teenage cousin Joon, from Korea, unexpectedly shows up. Joon feels hopeless in a foreign land, but soon he gets recruited by his high school K-Pop club. Can these two fishes-out-of-water survive doldrums of this backwater town and find what they need in each other?
A typical middle-aged salaryman and his stay-at-home wife live a typical life in a Tokyo flat with their daughter, a fake-eyelash-sporting high-schooler, and their son, a university student. Safe in their comfort zone, they are unprepared for what comes next. One morning, they wake up to a complete blackout. As the outage continues and supplies run low, they go on an epic road trip, cycling from Tokyo to their grandfather's farm in Kagoshima. A dark and wonderful post-apocalyptic comedy full of laughs and harsh life lessons...
HIFF .ORG 35
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
TALES OF CHIGASAKI INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
A TAXI DRIVER SPECIAL PRESENTATION
SOUND X VISION
SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 93M DIRECTOR: IZURU KUMASAKA
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 137M DIRECTOR: JANG HOON
5-NOV 12:00 PM DOL
6-NOV 7:30 PM DOL
Chigasaki is no ordinary seaside town in Japan. It has produced many cultural and musical figures including Japan's most popular singer Keisuke Kuwata (Southern All-Stars). In this unique docudrama, the question is posed: why Chigasaki is so special? You would think Kuwata would be the focus but he is not - Instead, the film explores a seminal moment in the famed singer's high school past that made an indelible impact on him. One thing does ring true, however - Chigasaki is a magical place.
HIFF is proud to bring back South Korea's biggest box-office hit of the year, as well as the country's entry to the Oscars foreign language film category. Man-seob is a down on his luck taxi driver in the Spring of 1980, when he agrees to transport a German journalist to Gwanju to document the martial law and eventual massacre that became a turning point in South Korea's history under President Chun Doo-hwan.
THE TEA EXPLORER
THOSE LONG HAIRED NIGHTS
HAWAII PREMIERE
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
EAT. DRINK. FILM.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHOWCASE
CANADA 2017 | ENGLISH | 76M DIRECTOR: ANDREW GREGG
PHILIPPINES 2017 | TAGALOG | 72M DIRECTOR: GERARDO CALAGUI
6-NOV 6:00PM DOL
4-NOV 6:45PM
Canadian explorer (and now part-time Hawaii resident) Jeff Fuchs calls himself a “tea junkie,” a man addicted to the second most popular drink on earth (water is the first). Jeff is a true tea aficionado — recently named one of the top ten “tea influencers” in the world — and his lifelong search for the perfect cup of tea takes him on a journey along the ancient Tea Horse Road. It is hard to contain Fuchs's exuberance for his lifelong love for tea in this travelogue documentary that is wondrous as the veil is lifted in one of the most remote corners of the world.
Loosely based on true events, three transgender women - Hopeless romantic Tuesday, wise Amanda and recklessly ambitious Barbie - share a chaotic night of misguided love, a christening and drug dealing on the road to realizing their dreams in Manila's red light Burgos district. THOSE LONG HAIRED NIGHTS is lushly photographed under the neon backdrop of Manila nights, with tour-de-force acting from the entire cast.
36 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
TOILET - A LOVE STORY HAWAII PREMIERE
GUKOROKU: TRACES OF SIN HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
INDIA 2017 | HINDI W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 155M DIRECTOR: SHREE NARAYAN SINGH
JAPAN 2016 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 120M DIRECTOR: KEI ISHIKAWA
8-NOV 7:00 PM DOL · 11-NOV 3:15 PM DOL
5-NOV 7:30 PM DOL · 8-NOV 8:15 PM DOL
Set in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Jaya leaves her husband, Keshav, on the first day of their marriage after discovering that he doesn't have a toilet. He desperately sets out on a mission to win back his love by standing up to the age-old traditions and values of India. A social satire exploring the Indian government’s campaigns to improve sanitary conditions, especially in rural areas, the film is a mirror of changing cultural tides in sanitation, waste management, and women’s rights — Things we take for granted but are everyday challenges in other corners of the world.
Young investigative reporter Tanaka (Satoshi Tsumabuki) decides to immerse himself in a shocking unsolved murder case, an entire family killed in their home. At the same time, Tanaka has some trouble in his own life, his sister Mitsuko (Hikari Mitsushima) recently arrested for child neglect. As he sinks deeper into the investigation, interviewing those who knew the family, he begins to uncover that they may have not been the perfect family they appeared, and pieces from their past may cut a little too close to home...
VICEROY’S HOUSE
THE VILLAINESS
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
FANTASTIC ASIA
INDIA, SWEDEN, UNITED KINGDOM 2017 | ENGLISH | 106M DIRECTOR: GURINDER CHADHA
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | KOREAN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 123M DIRECTOR: JUNG BYUNG-GIL
4-NOV 5:45 PM DOL · 6-NOV 8:15 PM DOL
10-NOV 8:00 PM DOL · 12-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
India, 1947: Lord Mountbatten (Hugh Bonneville) is dispatched, along with his wife Edwina (Gillian Anderson), to New Delhi to oversee the country's transition from British rule to independence. Taking his place in the resplendent mansion known as the Viceroy's House, Mountbatten arrives hopeful for a peaceful transference of power. But ending centuries of colonial rule in a country divided by deep religious and cultural differences proves no easy undertaking, setting off a seismic struggle that threatens to tear India apart.
Bloody revenge is at the heart of this stylish, kinetic action-thriller that gives a welcome shot of adrenaline to the classic femme fatale story. Honed from childhood into a merciless killing machine by a criminal organization, assassin Sook-hee is recruited as a sleeper agent with the promise of freedom after ten years of service. But soon enough, secrets from her past destroy everything she's worked for, and now nobody can stand in her way as she embarks on a roaring rampage of revenge.
HIFF .ORG 37
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
WARU UNITED STATES PREMIERE
WE DON’T NEED A MAP HAWAII PREMIERE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE
PACIFIC SHOWCASE
NEW ZEALAND 2017 | ENGLISH, MAORI W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 88M DIRECTORS: CHELSEA COHEN, AINSLEY GARDINER, CASEY KAA, RENAE MAIHI, AWANUI SIMICH-PENE, BRIAR GRACE SMITH, PAULA WHETU JONES, KATIE WOLFE
AUSTRALIA 2017 | ENGLISH | 85M DIRECTOR: WARWICK THORNTON
11-NOV 8:15 PM DOL · 12-NOV 1:00 PM DOL A powerful and challenging story surrounding the tangi (funeral) of a small boy named Waru, who dies at the hands of his caregiver and how the boys death impacts the community. This unique film experiment, where 8 Maori female directors have each contributed a sequence to this powerful and challenging feature as one cohesive story will shake your core. One of the boldest films to come out of New Zealand in years.
WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY! 2
8-NOV 7:45 PM DOL · 10-NOV 3:00 PM DOL From the acclaimed director and artist Warwick Thornton (SAMSON & DELILAH) comes WE DON'T NEED A MAP, an in-depth look at the rich and surprising history of one of Australia's most iconic and contentious symbols: The Southern Cross. Ever since colonization it's been claimed, appropriated and hotly-contested for ownership by a radical range of Australian groups. But for Aboriginal people the meaning of this heavenly body is deeply spiritual.
WISHED
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN
SPOTLIGHT ON CHINA
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 113M DIRECTOR: YOJI YAMADA
CHINA 2017 | MANDARIN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 110M DIRECTOR: DAYYAN ENG
5-NOV 5:30 PM DOL · 11-NOV 3:30 PM DOL
7-NOV 5:45 PM DOL · 12-NOV 3:00 PM DOL
The sequel to the HIFF 2016 favorite, several years have passed since Shuzo Hirata (Isao Hashizume) and his wife Tomiko (Kazuko Yoshiyuki) came within inches of getting divorced. Shuzo enjoys getting out of the house and going for drives, but after his car starts to collect more dents, his eldest son Konosuke (Masahiko Nishimura) and daughter-in-law Fumie (Yui Natsukawa) begin to worry about his safety as an elderly driver, and ask him to relinquish his license. But how on earth are they going to convince such a stubborn old man to listen?
Ma Fendou is a lackluster insurance salesman whose life is going nowhere. His best friend Li Fei, a wise cracking delivery man, urges him to just go with the flow. Not wanting to hold her back while he tries to get his life on track, Fendou breaks up with his long time girlfriend Shanshan -- but without her, he spirals into a funk. Then Shangguan Furong, an offbeat lady claiming to be a local Earth Goddess with magical powers, shows up. She offers to turn his life around by granting him 19 of his old wishes. Fendou laughs Furong off -- until even his childhood wishes start coming true!
38 HIFF
FILM PROGRAM
YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE
ZAN
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
UNITED STATES PREMIERE
SPOTLIGHT ON TAIWAN
GREEN SCREEN
TAIWAN, ROC 2011 | MANDARIN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 109M DIRECTOR: GIDDENS KO
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 73M DIRECTOR: RICK GREHAN
9-NOV 5:15 PM DOL
6-NOV 5:45 PM DOL · 10-NOV 6:00 PM DOL
A group of close friends who attend a private school all have a debilitating crush on the sunny star pupil, Shen Jiayi. The only member of the group who claims not to is Ke Jingteng, but he ends up loving her as well. HIFF is honored to present a special return engagement of this seminal comingof-age Taiwanese story that took Asia by storm, debuting an iconic voice in author turned filmmaker Giddens Ko. Director Giddens Ko will be in attendance for a special post-screening Q&A.
The Okinawan Dugong is at the brink of extinction. There are less than 10 left located in the beautiful and bio diverse Henoko, Oura bay. Facing its last stand, its feeding grounds are threatened by the construction of a U.S. Marine base. Director Yu Kisami brings us on a journey of discovery, chronicling activists, historians and citizens who are working tirelessly to protect this beautiful part of the world, a natural heritage for Japan.
LATE ADDITION
LATE ADDITION
LU OVER THE WALL
YOUTH
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
JAPAN 2017 | JAPANESE W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 112M
CHINA 2017 | MANDARIN W/ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 146M
DIRECTOR: MASAAKI YUASA 4-NOV 3:00PM DOL | 12-NOV 5:15PM DOL
DIRECTOR: FENG XIAOGANG 2-NOV 7:45PM DOL | 10-NOV 3:00PM DOL
New kid Kai is talented but adrift, spending his days isolated in his room making music. When his classmates invite him to join their nascent garage band, their practice sessions soon bring an unexpected guest: Lu, a young mermaid whose fins turn to feet when she hears the beats, and whose singing causes humans to compulsively dance – whether they want to or not. This fun, heartfelt and toe-tapping film from the director of MIND GAME will leave you humming out of the theater.
Legendary Chinese director Feng Xiaogang presents a beautiful, sweeping coming-of-age story set in 1980’s Chengdu amidst a performing arts troupe. The troupe members each face their own trials and tribulations; from escaping a family scandal to dealing with unrequited love, each experiencing rejection that will shape their young lives for the years to come. This masterfully shot touching drama was an official Toronto International Film Festival 2017 selection.
HIFF .ORG 39
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
ADULTING SHORTS
ALPHABET SOUP SHORTS
BAD HABITS DIE HARD SHORTS
(DIS)CONNECTION SHORTS
Adulting is hard. From a French teen who dreams of being a sumo wrestler, to a Japanese girl who wants to be a Sushi chef, and a Filipino-American wannabe DJ, stories about growing up and following your dreams no matter what.
Little stories about life as an LGBTQIA person around the globe. From coming-of-age as a gay teen in Indonesia, to coming-out as a transgender woman and dad in Japan; films about self-love, discovery, and acceptance.
Sometimes we just can’t help ourselves. Stories about bad behavior, stubborn people, and hard lessons. Hold on to your seatbelt.
In today’s world, we are more connected than ever before. Or are we? Tales of the connections we make in the real and digital world, and sometimes the lack there-of.
10-NOV 7:30PM DOL
RIKISHI DIRECTOR: JULIEN MENANTEAU
WILDER PALMS DIRECTOR: BRADLEY TANGONAN
GIRL AT THE DOOR DIRECTOR: JOO-SUNG SONG
KEEP YOU FLOAT DIRECTOR: ALIKA MAIKAU
WASABI DIRECTOR: BUNJI SOTOYAMA
FLIP THE RECORD DIRECTOR: MARIE JAMORA
4-NOV 8:30 PM DOL
GAME DIRECTOR: JEANNIE DONOHOE
LITTLE POTATO DIRECTOR: WES HURLEY
SUNDAY FUN DAY DIRECTOR: DIANNA FUEMANA
PRIA DIRECTOR: YUDHO ADITYA
U DIRECTOR: LALA OPENI
DAD’S WEDDING DIRECTOR: MOMOKO FUKUDA
8-NOV 5:30 PM DOL
ALONE TOGETHER DIRECTOR: KYUNG-HEON BAE
COAT CHECK LADY DIRECTOR: EKATERINA GOLUBEVA-POLDI
SUBMARINE DIRECTOR MOUNIA AKL
COKE HABIT DIRECTOR: DRESS CODE
VITAMIN C DIRECTOR: GUÓNÝ RÓS PÓRHALLSDÓTTIR
7-NOV 7:45PM DOL
MONDAY DIRECTOR: DINH THAI
STATE OF EMERGENCY MOTHERFUCKER DIRECTOR: SÉBASTIEN PETRETTI
THE LANGUAGE OF BALL DIRECTOR: RAMÓN RODRIGUEZ
TÊTE À TÊTE DIRECTOR: NATASHA TONKIN
CRASH DIRECTOR: HONG HENG FAI
100TH BIRTHDAY WISH DIRECTOR: CHIEN HUNG LIEN
A TAXI OF COLDNESS DIRECTOR: JOONHA KIM
40 HIFF
SHORTS
STUDENT SHOWCASE Our annual showcase of Hawaii’s future filmmakers!
4-NOV 10:30AM DOL
REWIND DIRECTOR: RYAN SU
PACIFIC SHOWCASE SHORTS PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE. SHORTS From preserving a family legacy in Cuba, and exploring extinctions past, to creating a sustainable future for the next generation against all odds. Shorts about where we’ve come from and where we are going.
5-NOV 3:00PM DOL
JUVENTUD
This annual showcase of the very best short films by the first peoples of the Pacific presents a broad cross section of genres and themes. New to this year are works from Papua New Guinea, Tonga, New Zealand, and Hawaii, presenting authentic cinematic tales produced by filmmakers of Pacific Islander descent.
10-NOV 8:15PM DOL 11-NOV 12:30PM DOL
POSSUM DIRECTOR:DAVE WHITEHEAD
MOTHER’S BLOOD
DIRECTOR: AUSTIN EVERETT
DIRECTOR: KATHERINE REKI WINFREY
THE DRIVER IS RED
LADY EVA
LOUIS ARMSTRONG’S ROLE AGAINST RACISM DIRECTOR: EMI AHLO
ACM UHM & SFA NIGHT In partnership with Academy for Creative Media (ACM) at UH Manoa, this annual showcase presents the latest student films from ACM and Shanghai Film Academy (SFA).
9-NOV 6:00PM DOL
DIRECTOR: KAYLA MAE ABALOS
YUMAO’S SHOES DIRECTOR: HU DIAN
ARTBLOCK
MEKE
DIRECTOR: ALFRED CHAN
DAI’S GARDEN DIRECTOR: RUOHAN XU
DIRECTOR: LIU HAN
DIRECTOR: TIM WORRALL
THE RIVER
THE BLACK PEN
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
GRAYSON TOKI DIRECTOR: GLEN BURUA
KA PIKO DIRECTOR: BRYSON CHUN
PRAISE SONG FOR OCEANA DIRECTOR: JUSTYN AH CHONG
STAND FIRM IN PROTECTING MOKAUEA ISLAND ANIMATORS: NICOLE ARAKAKI, JOSHUA BIANCHIN, DAKOTA GAVIN, KATELYN HIGASHIYA, REYN HONBO
THE KISS
DIRECTOR: OFAKILEVUKA GUTTENBEIL-LIKILIKI
DIRECTOR: KADEE WAUKE
NEVER LATTE
DIRECTOR: MALANI WOLFGRAMM
DIRECTOR: MATTHEW GELB
PRETTY GOOD START
ANIMATION CLASS
FAKA’ANAUA
PRINCE OF SMOKE
DIRECTOR: MAE SEBASTIAN / GINGER MORRIS
DIRECTOR: JOHN YABES
CITIPATI
DIRECTOR: ALYSE TAKAYESU
TRALCULUS
DIRECTOR: DAYMIEN BUNAO
DIRECTOR: DEAN HAMER, JOE WILSON
ARCHIVES OF EXTINCTION
DIRECTOR: RYANN COULES
RECAPTURE
DIRECTOR: RANDALL CHRISTOPHER DIRECTOR: ANDREAS FEIX
THE REPLACEMENTS
DIRECTOR: LIU TO DIRECTOR: IAN KELLY
BRIDGE
DIRECTOR: BRIAN YAO
OCTO DIRECTOR: DUKE DENHAM
SUMMER SOLITUDE DIRECTOR: MICAH MEW
HEAVEN’S TEARS ANIMATOR: PHOENIX MAIMITI VALENTINE
ALOHA + CHALLENGE DIRECTORS: SEAN FLEETHAM, JADEN KREUTNER, SEANA LANIAS
ZERO WASTE DIRECTOR: KAIMANA IDICA, TROY LAU, TAYLOR REDMAN
DANCING SHANGHAI
PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH CONVENIENCE
SUNDAY IN PARADISE
DIRECTOR: BRYCE CLEARING SKY, LEXI JUSTUS, NATALIA POLINSKEY, TROY LAU
DIRECTOR: KELSIE GREENE
DIRECTOR: VILSONI HERENIKO
UNDER THE SEA DEBRIS DIRECTORS: JADEN KREUTNER, KEANU PRENSKY, SHAYE PUA, ISABELLA SABADO
TAMA DIRECTOR: JARED FLITCROFT HIFF .ORG 41
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FILM FOR THOUGHT
FILM FOR THOUGHT: THE COMMON GOOD PRESENTED BY:
Film For Thought is a special program presented in partnership with the Hawai’i Council for the Humanities designed to inspire critical discourse and community dialogue through the medium of film. The eighth annual Film For Thought program will showcase five feature films, focused on the theme ‘Common Good’. The first screening of each film will be followed by a special post-screening scholar led discussion, while a companion booklet containing essays on all five film programs will be provided to audience members at all FFT screenings.
2017 FILMS
7-NOV | SCHOLAR-LED DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FILM
3-NOV | SCHOLAR-LED DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FILM
6-NOV | SCHOLAR-LED DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FILM
BECOMING WHO I WAS
ISLAND SOLDIER
KEEP TALKING
HAWAII PREMIERE
HAWAII PREMIERE
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
SOUTH KOREA 2017 | LADHAKI TIBETAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 95M DIRECTOR: MOON CHANG-YONG
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 85M DIRECTOR: NATHAN FITCH
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, ALUTIIQ W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 79M DIRECTOR: KAREN LYNN WEINBERG
7-NOV | 7:30 PM | DOL 8-NOV | 3:00 PM | DOL
3-NOV | 8:15 PM | DOL 5-NOV | 1:45 PM | DOL See page 26 for film details.
See page 18 for film details.
4-NOV | SCHOLAR-LED DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FILM
6-NOV | 8:00 PM | DOL 10-NOV | 4:45 PM | DOL See page 27 for film details.
5-NOV | SCHOLAR-LED DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW FILM
OUT OF STATE
POINT OF NO RETURN
HAWAII PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIERE
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH, HAWAIIAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES | 79M DIRECTOR: CIARA LACY
UNITED STATES 2017 | ENGLISH | 93M DIRECTOR: NOEL DOCKSTADER, QUINN KANALY
4-NOV | 8:15 PM | DOL 6-NOV | 6:15 PM | DOL 17-NOV | 6:00 PM | PAL 18-NOV | 5:30 PM | WAI
5-NOV | 5:15 PM | DOL 9-NOV | 2:45 PM | DOL See page 33 for film details.
See page 32 for film details.
HIFF .ORG 43
2017 FALL FESTIVAL
HIFF 2017 SEMINARS & PANELS DOCUMENTING ACTIVISM: THE EARLY DAYS OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MOVEMENT 5-NOV 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | DOL | FREE ‘Ulu‘ulu preserves our moving image history to honor the past, and ensure its availability for future generations. This year we honor those who courageously documented the early days of the Native Hawaiian movement while recognizing how these images are being used today. We will screen a segment of the newly re-mastered documentary MO‘OLELO O KA ‘AINA (1984), produced by KITV followed by raw archival footage from the Protect Kaho‘olawe Ohana collection also newly re-mastered and digitized.
HOMETOWN HEROES: THE STATE OF 808 INDIE FILMMAKING 4-NOV 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | DOL | FREE In this now annual "State of the State of Hawaii Indie Filmmaking" check-in, we speak to locally based filmmakers who are participating in this year's Festival. Along with the panelists, we encourage the audiences, who many will also be local filmmakers themselves, to have a "talk story" session on the current climate of indie filmmaking in Hawaii. Topics up for discussion include making indie films in a streaming world dominated by Netflix, budgets and resources, local government support, local film schools and curriculum and explore possibilities of a locally sustainable indie film scene, market and industry.
NATIVE LENSES/‘OIWI OPTICS 8-NOV 6:30 PM | ARTS AT MARKS | FREE A Community Panel on Indigenous Film-making featuring Chris Eyre, Chris Kahunahana, & Donne Dawson, moderated by Leanne Ferrer Help us welcome Native American filmmaker and scholar Chris Eyre (SMOKE SIGNALS, SKINS, the upcoming DEAD RIVER), who is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, and as of 2012, is chairman of the film department at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. He will be joined by his fellow Sundance alumnus and Native Hawaiian filmmaker Christopher Kahunahana (LAHAINA NOON, the upcoming WAIKIKI) on a frank discussion about the pursuits and challenges of telling native stories through the cinema lens. They will be accompanied by Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson with PIC executive director Leanne Ferrer moderating, as they discuss the current state of indigenous filmmaking and how current models and technology may have potentially broken barriers. Is the time now? Sponsored by: the Dan and Maggie Inouye Chair in Democratic Ideals, Hawaiian Media Makers, HIFF and Pacific Islanders in Communication
44 HIFF
SEMINARS & PANELS | EDUCATION
HIFF EDUCATION
The Hawaii International Film Festival offers a free and exciting programs for students throughout the state. The main purpose of our education programs is three fold: • To inspire students to pursue excellence in film and video production • To broaden their understanding of the media industry • To sharpen their critical viewing skills and cultural awareness
Students will have the opportunity to participate in three programs: Student Showcase, Guest Filmmaker Program, and Cultural & Visual Literacy Program.
STUDENT SHOWCASE A free screening of the best films produced by students in grades K-12 from Hawaii.
GUEST FILMMAKER PROGRAM The following professionals in the filmmaking industry have volunteered to share their expertise.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4 | 10:30 AM | REGAL DOLE CANNERY STADIUM 18 AND IMAX FULL FILM LISTING AND DETAILS ON PAGE 41.
CONCEPCION ALICINO ALEXANDER BOCCHIERI JASON CHAN GEMMA CUBERO DEL BARRIO GERARD ELMORE AUSTIN EVERETT STACEY HAYASHI JAY HUBERT
CULTURAL & VISUAL LITERACY PROGRAM
BRIAN KOHNE CIARA LACY CHRISTIAN LEE VINCE LUCERO ANNE MISAWA BRADLEY TANGONAN BRIAN WATANABE
Free theater screenings of highly acclaimed films that bear cultural and/or educational significance.
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG
GO FOR BROKE: AN ORIGIN STORY
OUT OF STATE
DIRECTOR: TEAREPA KAHI | 94 M
DIRECTORS: ALEXANDER BOCCHIERI | 90 M
DIRECTORS: CIARA LACY / 60 M
HIFF .ORG 45
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SPECIAL EVENTS
TAIWAN FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT
GIDDENS KO: THE MAD GENIUS OF A GENERATION Born in 1978. Giddens began self-publishing his writings on the internet under the pen name “Jiubadao” (“Nine Knives”) in 2000. He has since published over 70 works covering a range of genres. Many have been adapted into films, stage plays, TV dramas, and even online games. He scored a hit with his debut film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE in 2011, which became a huge hit in Taiwan, and would break box office records in other Chinese speaking territories around the region. His stature as “a voice of a generation” for Taiwanese and Chinese speaking youth has made him not only a multi-hyphenate in creating new properties across the media spectrum, but also a force to be reckon with in multi-layered genre storytelling that presents Taiwanese youth (from Generation X to millennials), warts and all. HIFF is proud to present two of Giddens’s work, his seminal debut film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE (see pg 39) and his latest, MON MON MON MONSTERS (see pg 29), which is a smart examination of the nihilism of Taiwan’s youth today, veiled in a thrilling, and often hilarious, monster movie. Giddens will be in attendance for both films (first screenings only).
COURTYARD CINEMA
POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG PRESENTED BY WARD VILLAGE AND HIFF
9-NOV | 6:00PM | WARD VILLAGE IBM COURTYARD As part of HIFF’s Courtyard Cinema, Ward Village and HIFF present a special premiere screening of POI E: THE STORY OF OUR SONG along with short film BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH, complete with a live music showcase. Event activities begin at 6:00PM, screening will begin at 7:00PM. ‘Poi E’, a simple song with a catchy beat released 32 years ago, has become New Zealand’s unofficial national anthem. With humour, energy and emotion, the movie POI E tells the story of how that iconic song gave pride to generations of New Zealanders. Director Tearepa Kahi (MT ZION) captures a unique story that taps into the heart of the nation. Short film BLUES PLANET: TRIPTYCH explores the Gulf Oil Spill disaster and its aftermath through environmental artist Wyland who, along with 30 of today's pre-eminent artists, recorded a new genre of global blues on the catastrophe's anniversary.
HIFF .ORG 47
SHORTS
48  HIFF
HIFF .ORG  49
CREATIVE LAB
He ha‘aheo ko mākou i ke kāko‘o aku i nā nani o ko kākou ‘āina. Proud to support what makes our Hawaiian Islands so special.
Best wishes and aloha to
Your event name goes here O�AHU
ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I & KAUA�I
Your event date2017 goes here NOV 2-12, NOV 16-19, 2017 Your event location goes here
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HALEKULANI IS PROUD TO BE THE PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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Halekulani Past, Present, Forever... HIFF .ORG  65