The Palace Theater reopened November 1998 after extensive renovations to present the Hilo public with the first Hawaii International Film Festival. This year, the 37th annual Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani returns for its 19th consecutive year.
The Palace Theater reopened November 1998 after extensive renovations to present the Hilo public with the first Hawaii International Film Festival. This year, the 37th annual Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani returns for its 19th consecutive year.
Filled with insight and discovery, HIFF is dedicated to advancing understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America by presenting films from around the world. Each year, more than 50,000 attendees throughout Hawaii experience the sounds and images of filmmaking from approximately 45 countries.
“This cultural exchange of ideas, presented through the powerful medium of film, raises the awareness of our similarities and differences alike,” said Beckie Stocchetti, HIFF’s new executive director.
With Stocchetti at the helm, HIFF has taken on its first ever competition section for films made in Hawaii. This year, three Hawaiian-centered films along with an afternoon of Hawaiian short films are on the HIFF Hilo schedule.
In addition, this year’s HIFF lineup will feature a story about international tea aficionado Jeff Fuchs. Fuchs will be present for the 6 p.m. Saturday showing to introduce the film and lead a Q-and-A session after.
Japanese film lovers will be happy to see three Japanese-made films on the list this year for the Palace Theater screenings, including one anime. Other international favorites include the humorous film “I Can Speak” from South Korea. There are a total of 10 films plus eight short made-in-Hawaii films.
Palace normal ticket prices apply: $8 regular admission or $7 for students and seniors. The HIFF pass allows entry to every movie for only $35.
“This has become very popular the past couple of years. Even if you don’t see every single film, this is quite a deal,” says Morgen Bahurinsky, Palace executive director.
“We are proud to continue bringing this amazing film festival to our patrons every year,” Bahurinsky said. “We expect several speakers may arrive to offer additional insight into the films.”
To order tickets with a credit card by phone, call 934-7010 or stop by the box office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
On behalf of the Palace, Bahurinsky thanks Hawaii County for its generous grant to assist in making the HIFF possible in Hilo.