HIFF Honors “Ky Nam Inn” and “Remathau” at 45th Festival HIFF Film Fest Highlights Top Winners: “Ky Nam Inn” & “Remathau”

The 45th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF), a celebrated event in the world of independent cinema, recently concluded its awards ceremony at the Halekulani Hotel. This year’s edition recognized a diverse range of cinematic achievements, distributing $58,000 in prizes across categories that highlight international filmmaking, Pacific Island narratives, and local Hawaiʻi talent. The festival’s commitment to showcasing compelling storytelling from various corners of the globe was evident in its top honorees, with Leon Le’s “Ky Nam Inn” and Daniel H. Lin’s “Remathau: People of the Ocean” emerging as prominent winners.

Spotlight on Top Winners: “Ky Nam Inn” and “Remathau”

The 45th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival celebrated narratives that resonated with themes of identity, resilience, and cultural exploration. Two films, in particular, stood out, earning the festival’s highest accolades for their distinctive storytelling and profound impact.

Kau Ka Hōkū Award: “Ky Nam Inn”

The prestigious Kau Ka Hōkū (Shooting Star) Award, presented by Hawaiian Airlines, was bestowed upon Leon Le’s “Ky Nam Inn.” This tender Vietnamese drama, set in post-conflict Saigon, delves into themes of grief and desire through the nuanced interactions of a young translator and an older widow. The award is specifically designed to recognize emerging filmmakers presenting their first or second feature film. The jury, comprised of Academy Award-nominated producer Diane Quon, Third Culture Content co-founder Janica Chua, and David Magdael & Associates founder David Magdael, lauded the film for its deceptive elegance and simplicity, noting the deep intention and precision required for such a profound resonance. They praised its beautiful weaving of poetry, music, and literature, asserting that “Ky Nam Inn” not only tells a story but also serves as a powerful reminder of the quiet strength of artistry rooted in humanity.

Pasifika Award: “Remathau: People of the Ocean”

Daniel H. Lin’s compelling documentary, “Remathau: People of the Ocean,” captured the Pasifika Award, along with a $5,000 cash prize. This film follows Micronesian explorer Nicole Yamase as she embarks on a descent to the Mariana Trench, simultaneously embarking on a journey to uncover her identity and ancestral legacies. The Pasifika jury, featuring Heather Guigni, founder of Uluʻulu at UH West Oʻahu; filmmaker Alika Tengan; and Catherine Cruz, host of “The Conversation” on Hawaiʻi Public Radio, commended the documentary for shedding light on the islands of Micronesia, regions often misrepresented or overlooked. The award, presented in partnership with Pacific Islanders in Communications, celebrated Yamase as a beacon of the future and hope for the region.

Celebrating Local Talent: Made in Hawaiʻi Awards

The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival continued its tradition of fostering and recognizing local cinematic endeavors through its “Made in Hawaiʻi” program. Now in its ninth year, this initiative has channeled significant support, totaling $1.3 million in cash, equipment, and production services, to local filmmakers, backed by the Hawaiʻi Film Office.

Best Made in Hawaiʻi Feature

In a rare instance of a tie, two films shared the honor of Best Made in Hawaiʻi Feature. Matty Schweizter’s “Lahaina Rising” chronicled the efforts of the nonprofit Lahaina Strong in their fight for accountability following the devastating wildfires. Sharing the award was Kimberlee Bassford’s “Before the Moon Falls,” a documentary that traces the journey of trailblazing Samoan writer Sia Figiel, exploring her triumphs and setbacks, and offering a profound meditation on the delicate balance between creativity and personal struggles.

Best Made in Hawaiʻi Short

Alexander Bocchieri’s “Dasher” was recognized as the Best Made in Hawaiʻi Short. An honorable mention in this category was also extended to Sonny Ganaden’s “The Arrangements,” acknowledging its notable contribution to local short-form filmmaking.

International and Special Recognitions

Beyond the primary feature and local categories, the 45th HIFF also honored a range of international productions and emerging talents, underscoring the festival’s global reach and commitment to diverse storytelling.

Netpac Award: “Kōkā”

The Netpac Award was presented to Kath Akuhata-Brown’s “Kōkā” from New Zealand. This award, given at major international festivals like Berlin, Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, is notably presented by HIFF as the only authorized U.S. festival. The jury selected “Kōkā” for its magical and moving intergenerational journey towards healing and reconciliation, achieved through the powerful embrace of language, culture, and community.

Best International Short: “Correct Me If I’m Wrong”

The Academy Award-qualifying prize for Best International Short went to “Correct Me If I’m Wrong,” a China-Germany co-production directed by Hao Zhou. The film explores a Southwest Chinese family’s struggle with their queer heir’s identity. Jurors praised its vulnerable and personal storytelling, noting how it delicately immortalizes a heartbreaking practice with grace. Hung Yi Wu’s “The Fishbowl Girl” from Taiwan received an honorable mention for its bold directorial vision.

BMW Hawaii Driven Student Filmmaker Award

The BMW Hawaii Driven Student Filmmaker Award was presented to Tiffany Liu. Honorable mentions in this category were given to Hunter Daru for “The Remover” and Lucas Stenvens for “Clean.exe,” highlighting promising new talents emerging from student filmmaking.

Honoring Industry Figures

The festival also took the opportunity to acknowledge significant contributions to the film industry, both locally and internationally, through a series of special honors.

Halekulani Maverick Award: Kenji Tanigaki

Japanese director and action choreographer Kenji Tanigaki received the Halekulani Maverick Award. This honor celebrated his nearly three-decade career, which includes his influential work on titles such as “Rurouni Kenshin,” “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,” and “The Furious,” which had its world premiere at Toronto’s Midnight Madness strand.

Halekulani Vanguard Award: Yuriyan Retriever

Comedian and performer Yuriyan Retriever was honored with the Halekulani Vanguard Award, recognizing her as HIFF’s “rising star.” The Japanese talent gained national prominence as a top solo comedian and international attention through “America’s Got Talent.” She recently made her directorial debut with “Mag Mag,” a meta J-horror satire produced by K2 Pictures.

Leanne K. Ferrer Trailblazer Award: “Chief of War” Cultural Team

The Leanne K. Ferrer Trailblazer Award, presented by Pacific Islanders in Communications, was bestowed upon the Kānaka Maoli and Pacific Islander creative team behind Apple TV’s “Chief of War.” This series, created by Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa, represents a historic achievement in bringing Hawaiian history, language, and identity to a major production scale on screen.

Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile: Nina Paw

Veteran actress Nina Paw was recognized as this year’s Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile. Her distinguished career includes acclaimed performances, notably in Ann Hui’s “The Way We Are” (2008), for which she earned Best Actress honors at both the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards. HIFF also hosted the U.S. premiere of Juno Mak’s “Sons of the Neon Night,” co-starring Paw.

Conclusion

The 45th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival successfully showcased a vibrant tapestry of cinematic stories, embodying its theme of “convergence.” According to Beckie Stocchetti, HIFF executive director, this theme reflects the festival’s decade-long mission of bringing together stories, cultures, and generations through the shared language of cinema. The award winners, from the deeply emotional “Ky Nam Inn” to the culturally significant “Remathau,” and the array of “Made in Hawaiʻi” films, underscore both the artistic excellence of the filmmakers and their unwavering commitment to truth, community, and the spirit of aloha that uniquely connects everyone involved. The festival continues to be a vital platform for diverse voices and compelling narratives, enriching the cinematic landscape for audiences worldwide.