Hawaii International Film Festival Invites Local Public & Private Schools to Attend Free Education Programs

Honolulu, HI, September 21, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Space Limited - Teachers Can Sign-up on First-Come First-Serve Basis a As part of the festivities of the 29th annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), students from local public and private schools are being invited to a series of free education programs hosted by the non-profit organization during the festival from October 15-25. HIFF offers a variety of opportunities for students to meet successful filmmakers, actors and media professionals, and to view critically acclaimed films. These programs are provided free of charge to primary and secondary students at public and private schools in Hawaii. The programs' goals are to encourage students to produce quality work, view films through critical eyes, and aspire to higher education and careers in the media field.

Executive Director Chuck Boller says HIFF's education programs started with the Cultural & Visual Literacy Program 29 years ago during the festival's inaugural year, and adds "filmmakers attending HIFF have a passion for what they do, and sharing that commitment with Hawaii's youth will hopefully inspire other young students to enter this exciting field." These free education programs are made possible by the generous donations of ABC Stores, Hawaiian Electric Company, Morgan Stanley Foundation, Servco Foundation, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., The Vilcek Foundation, The Japan Foundation and the State of Hawaii, Department of Education. This year HIFF is hosting four youth education programs, including Guest Filmmaker Program, Cultural & Visual Literacy Program (CVLP), Student Showcase and Student Volunteer Opportunities. Teachers interested in taking part in these education programs may register their class(es) for as many activities as will fit into their schedules. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Teachers can visit hiff.org and complete a signup form, which can be found under the education tab. All forms must be faxed to (808) 697-2464 or emailed to barbara@hiff.org for the Guest Filmmaker Program or minette@hiff.org for the CVLP program.

The festival needs hundreds of volunteers to ensure that audiences and guests enjoy the event. Those students or teachers interested in volunteering please e-mail volunteer@hiff.org or call (808) 697-2463. For more information on HIFF's education programs please e-mail info@hiff.org or call (808) 697-2463. Festival information Established in 1981, the Hawaii International Film Festival is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. HIFF is the premier international film event in the Pacific and has won the praise of governments, filmmakers, scholars, educators, programmers and film industry leaders throughout the world. HIFF's major sponsors include: Regal Entertainment Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, Halekulani, Hawaii Tourism Authority and The VILCEK Foundation. The 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival will be held October 15-25. For more information please visit their website at www.hiff.org

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