‘Ōpio Fest is HIFF’s New Signature Spring Showcase—and Tickets Are On Sale Now

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i International Film Festival

Every spring, the Hawai‘i International Film Festival presents a mini festival of early-year films from Sundance and other recent festivals around the world. And since last year, it’s also showcased student films. Now, the two have combined forces for one event called ‘Ōpio Fest, running April 8–13 at Consolidated Theatres Kāhala.

Among the 16 features, six shorts and 56 student films, expect documentaries covering social issues (such as Deaf President Now!), and motion pictures with big names such as Laurence Fishburne and Anthony Mackie (in an animated film about a shoe). Also on tap: an exclusive discussion with some of the folks behind Disney’s next live-action movie, and awards presentations for elementary to high school students. Find the full lineup here.

Highlights we’re looking forward to include:

Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in The Wedding Banquet. Photo: Luka Cyprian/Bleecker Street

The Wedding Banquet

Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m.

If the names Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran aren’t enough for you, maybe the premise will do it: With closeted Min’s student visa about to expire, he proposes to his lesbian friend Angela to secure a green card; in exchange for marriage, he’ll pay for Angela’s partner’s IVF treatments. But when his grandmother shows up to throw them a lavish wedding banquet, Min, his partner, Angela and her partner have to “de-queer the house” and figure out how to sell the lie. Director Andrew Ahn (Fire Island) will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening.

hiff.org/events/theweddingbanquet

Photo: Courtesy of Forever We Are Young/Hawai‘i International Film Festival

Forever We Are Young

Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.

Just because BTS is on hiatus for military service doesn’t mean its ARMYs (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth) are waiting quietly for the K-pop group’s return. Documentary filmmakers Grace Lee, who will participate in a post-screening Q&A, and Patty Ahn delve into how the fandom helped turn BTS into global superstars and become a movement in and of itself. You can also catch a discussion with Lee at 11:30 a.m. about her storytelling and impact.

hiff.org/events/foreverweareyoung

SEE ALSO: We’ve Got Seoul: The Korean Wave in Hawai‘i

Bringing Lilo & Stitch to Life—A Uniquely Local Perspective

Sunday, April 13, 6 p.m.

This panel features local cast members who star in the upcoming live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, in theaters May 23. They’ll share how they infused Hawai‘i culture into a mainstream Disney story. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, from Kaua‘i, stars as Nani Pelekai, with Kaipo Dudoit, a Native Hawaiian actor who also starred in My Partner, playing David Kawena.

hiff.org/events/bringinglilostitchtolife

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i International Film Festival

Student Film Showcases

‘Ōpio Junior Showcase: Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.

‘Ōpio Next Gen Showcase: Saturday, April 12, 1 p.m.

Future Filmmakers Showcase: Sunday, April 13, 1:30 p.m.

‘Ōpio Junior celebrates short films by local elementary and middle schools students, while ‘Ōpio Next Gen focuses on high schoolers. Each film, up to 10 minutes long, is eligible for the Best Student Film Award in its showcase. Winners will be announced at the screenings. Future Filmmakers includes works with the theme “Together We Thrive” from middle and high school students in Hawai‘i and Alaska, with awards presented privately. All three student showcases will also be available to watch online for free April 14–21.

Films and events are $15–$19, though some panels are free. ‘Ōpio Fest passes are available. April 8–13, Consolidated Theatres Kāhala, hiff.org, @hiffhawaii