Everything you need to know about HIFF45: Hawaii International Film Festival

By Pune Media On Sep 26, 2025

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii International Film Festival celebrates its 45th year (HIFF45) next month as the premiere cinematic film festival in the Pacific.

The festival will present 72 feature films, 143 short films, five international premieres, 115 Hawaii premieres, 36 world premieres, 18 U.S. premieres, and 12 North American premieres from 44 countries.

Dates

HIFF45 runs Oct. 15-26 in Honolulu and Oct. 28-30 in West Oahu, followed by screenings Oct. 19-20 (Maui), Oct. 21-23 (Lanai), Nov. 1-3 (Kauai), Nov. 7-9 (Big Island, Waimea), Nov. 8-9 (Maui), Nov. 13-16 (Big Island, Hilo), and Nov. 14-16 (Molokai).

The theme of this year’s festival is “Convergence,” which aims to highlight the power of film to showcase diversity of people, thought, and culture in new cinema from Hawaii, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the world.

Poster for 45th annual Hawaii International Film Festival(Hawaii International Film Festival)

Films to watch

HIFF45 will open on Oct. 15 at Consolidated Theatres Kahala with the Hawaii premiere of “Rental Family,” directed by Hikari (Tokyo Vice, Beef) and starring Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser.

The centerpiece film of the festival is “No Other Choice,” directed by Park Chan-wook, and starring popular Korean actor Lee Byung-Hun (Squid Game, Mr. Sunshine).

New this year

This year, instead of a closing night film, HIFF will offer something different at the conclusion of the festival: the inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference, Oct. 24-26.

The three-day conference includes panels, workshops, networking events and special gatherings with industry leaders.

“HIFF45 continues our legacy of showcasing the most exciting and groundbreaking voices in global cinema, while also creating a vital hub for industry exchange through our inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference,” said HIFF executive director Beckie Stocchetti.

Sessions include a spotlight conversation with NBCUniversal and exclusive panels with “Chief of War” co-creator and co-showrunner Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and cultural consultants.

Tickets for individual films are on sale now and many films sell out in advance, so HIFF encourages attendees to buy tickets online.

Click here for more information about HIFF45.

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