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In the scope of the American Film Market, a festival like Hawaii International Film Festival, pales in comparison to the cinema culture decorum of film festivals such as Sundance, South by Southwest, Tribeca, and even Telluride.

The 44th Annual HIFF ran Oct. 2-13 in Honolulu and continues its “circuit run” until Nov. 10, where it will run in West Oahu, on Maui, Lanai, Kauai, Waimea on Hawaii island, Molokai and Hilo.

Though the potential of HIFF could be that of the next destination film festival, it struggles with basic organization in operations, film programming, and the overall cinematic experience.

The scheduling length of HIFF far exceeds any accredited film festival in North America. Tickets for screenings were not available online, barcodes for those who purchased passes and tickets in advance and at the box-offices were inoperable, and the ushers seemed just as uncertain on where to direct audience members as much as viewers knew where to go to view their desired films.

Needless to say, cinema culture in Hawaii lacks a certain level of esteem and reverence.

Maybe it is time to expose our islands to a variety of films, filmmakers, and artists that time and again inspire generations and audiences.

‘Actualize A Vision’

When you read in the trades about Martin Scorsese debuting a film to a 10-minute standing ovation, the underlying meaning is that these artists and filmmakers are given their due respect for the work put forth to actualize a vision of artistic expression.

This basic understanding that the collective efforts, time, and coordination of these filmmakers to actualize a vision into reality deserves its “moment” has not yet been integrated into our understanding of cinema-going in Hawaii, and especially at HIFF.

The centerpiece film of HIFF 2024, “Molokai Bound” (Kau Ka Hoku & Best Made in Hawaii Narrative Film) directed by Alika Tangen, played in four separate theaters at Ward Consolidated Theatres. An achievement in and of itself, however, the sad reality is that the theaters failed to fill up the house, not because of the film, but rather because of stacked screen times and disorganization.

This left the audience engagement portion of Q&As to be a missed opportunity to engage with the work and the filmmakers themselves, some of which traveled from the continent and internationally.

If HIFF wants to be taken seriously and turn the tide of having accredited films compete with the likes of the Academy shortlist, then it’s clear that there must be a deeper understanding of the medium and a change in how the event itself is operated.

HIFF 2024 was a great experience to fairly assess how Hawaii views and supports our filmmakers, especially in an age where we are constantly digesting new series, films, and media at a high volume.

As a young professional in the industry with over a two decades of experience in front and behind the camera on big budgeted film sets to indie sets, I expect better of my home and a festival that I myself have been a part of as an actor on screen over a decade ago.

Not much seems to have changed, aside from the quality of filmmakers that our islands produce, ranging from USC, Chapman University, and NYU.

It goes without question that Hawaii has always produced raw, talented individuals, but in the landscape of this western medium we are failing to keep up with the base standard of Hollywood. Educating and providing resources and exposure to a variety of iconic filmmakers is essential for the growth and development of our artists.

I myself have had to travel back and forth and live away from my home for over a decade to fully see that our world is much bigger then these islands.

My experience and mentors have pushed me to look beyond what I know and to screen films, plays, performance art, concerts, etc.

In order for our filmmakers to meet this standard requires developing a specific taste and voice for the art which one creates.

Where do our intentions and reasonings lay to justify our creative decisions?

The journey, in this creative space, is a lifelong journey of curiosity and discovery. I write this in admiration for the filmmakers of Hawaii and to those heading HIFF, because I believe the standard must be raised for our own perspective, style, and moolelo (stories) to see greater global visibility throughout the entertainment industry.