Hard to believe this will be my fifth year covering the Hawaii International Film Festival and yet here I am perusing the press release for the 2019 rendition of one of my favorite film festivals of the year. This might be the best year yet as the curators of this cinematic extravaganza have put together a roster of films that make me wish I could be there for all of it.
Opening night will feature Taika Waititi's latest offering Jojo Rabbit which is a great way to kick things off and then the festivities will come to a glorious conclusion as Weathering with You, Makoto Shinkai’s follow up to the crazy popular Your Name, hits the screen. Keep on reading to get the full lowdown from the recently unveiled press release.
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| Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering with You |
(October 11, 2019) Honolulu, HI — The 39th edition of the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) presented by Halekulani announced their lineup presentation today. This year, the festival takes place November 7 through November 17 at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18.
In continuation of HIFF’s mission to advance understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America by presenting films from around the world, the 39th edition will present 205 films from 31 countries.
"On the eve of our 40th anniversary, HIFF embarks on a new era of growth and revitalization that envisions Hawai'i as the ultimate destination for creators, industry mavens, and cinema lovers alike through a shared passion for storytelling, innovation, and the power of film. Our programming team has meticulously curated a lineup that features beloved directors from across Asia, Europe, and America, as well as spotlights on new international directors and talent. This year marks a renewed dedication to our youth programs, a new commitment to women in the film industry, and a return to our devotion to showcasing stories of immigrant filmmakers. Through all of this growth and expansion, HIFF remains steadfast in our charge to be a champion for local and pacific voices through our Made-in-Hawai‘i program and our Pacific Spotlight programs," said HIFF Executive Director, Beckie Stocchetti.
This year audiences can enjoy premiere presentations, and intimate post-screening conversations with film directors, actors, documentary subjects and more. The festival will open with highly anticipated new film from Taika Waititi (Boy; What We Do In The Shadows; Thor: Ragnarok), Jojo Rabbit, which stars Waititi alongside Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Roman Griffin Davis as Jojo. The film, which world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival,
confirms that Waititi’s comedic talents knows no bounds or boundaries, tapping into his Jewish side to tackle a subject matter that explores the past and holds up a mirror at us in these truly turbulent times. Director Waititi will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
HIFF’s Closing Night Presentation will be Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering With You. Shinkai’s highly anticipated follow-up to his 2016 anime box-office hit Your Name (HIFF 2017) tells the story of young love bridged by fantastical and cosmic means.
For the complete press release information along with additional info on festival films, tickets, venues, and more, visit the official Hawaii International Film Festival website.
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