2009 Hawaii International Film Festival Announces Final Movie Lineup Festival Runs from October 15th -25th

Honolulu, HI, September 27, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The 29th annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is set to be a whirlwind this year with the premiere of Barbarian Princess, a celebration of the hit ABC TV series LOST, and the screenings of films by master filmmakers John Woo and Tian Zhuangzhuang.

Among the 170 films presented this year are 14 world premieres, 14 North American premieres, 8 international premieres, and 26 U.S. premieres. The broad range of films cover timely subject matter that involve us in a local, national and international level, ranging from global warming and sustainability (Green Screen), the state of the local film industry (Made In Hawaii), Mad Men fever with the history of advertising and design (Art + Design), political and social issues, and the examination of the human spirit (Reel Life).

In addition, there are new spotlights on the Philippines and Okinawan cinema, free screenings of newly re-mastered Japanese classics as a Tribute to Madame Kawakita, and an amalgam of Extreme Asia and Midnight Dark programs into the newly christened After Dark. A new competition will be launched this year, the Puma Emerging Filmmaker Award – nominated films in this new competition are from emerging talents from around the world.

Perennial sections like the Halekulani Golden Orchid Awards for Best Feature and Documentary, Gala Presentations, unveiling high profile films gunning for the awards season, Spotlight On Japan, New Chinese Cinema, Spotlight On Korea and a celebration of American immigrant filmmakers with the American Immigrant Filmmakers On Profile section are also featured.

The festival also goes beyond the theater with the Video-on-Demand Viewer's Choice Award powered by Oceanic Time Warner Cable and presented by Central Pacific Bank, where Hawaii-made short films can be viewed for free on Oceanic Time Warner Cable Ch. 680 (NGN-on-Demand).

The entire film program and schedule is now available online at www.hiff.org. Tickets go on sale to HIFF Ohana members Thursday, October 1st and to the public on Monday, October 5th.

What: 29th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival
When: October 15-25
Where: Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas, Hawaii Theater, Sunset on the Beach, Royal
Hawaiian Theater
Ticket Prices:
- $10 general public
- $9 Seniors, military, students, children
- $8 HIFF Ohana members (HIFF’s film club)

Ticket Purchases:
- In person – HIFF box office (650 Iwilei Road #101 across from Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas)
- Phone: (808) 548-5905
- Discount Group Rates (for 10 or more) – (808) 548-5905
- Tickets go on sale to HIFF Ohana members October 1 and to the public October 5

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. For the discovery and exhibition of Asian and Pacific features, documentaries and short films in the nation, it is a primary source. The festival has premiered such movies as Once Were Warriors, The Piano, Shine, Shall We Dance, Y Tu Mama Tambien and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Plus, Departures, a Japanese film, had its U.S. premiere at HIFF in 2008, won the HIFF Audience Award and then went on to win the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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 at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas. For more information please visit our website at www.hiff.org.

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