The 46th Hawaii International film festival (HIFF) opens its doors on Oʻahu on October 21 and runs through November 5, with additional screenings spreading to Maui, Molokai, Lanaʻi and the Big Island until November 15. Positioned at the crossroads of the Pacific, the festival brands itself as a true “gathering place” for storytellers from across the globe, and this year’s edition fulfills that promise with an eclectic mix of Hollywood blockbusters, daring independent works, and native Hawaiiana narratives.
Festival organizers have carefully curated a slate that balances marquee names with fresh voices, ensuring that audiences can experience both familiar faces on the silver screen and the rare chance to meet those artists in person. For anyone planning to attend, the schedule is now live on the official HIFF website and offers a blend of ticketed events, day-passes, and specialty packages.
Hollywood stars on the big screen and on the red carpet
Among the most talked-about titles is Behemoth!, headlined by Pedro Pascal alongside Olivia Wilde, Will Arnett and Hank Azaria. The drama follows a prodigious cellist who returns to Los Angeles, positioning the film as a centerpiece of the festival’s Hollywood titles lineup. Likewise, Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy Wild Horse Nine boasts an all-star cast that includes John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits and Parker Posey, promising a night of razor-sharp humor and cinematic swagger.
Directors Danny Boyle and Lee Min-Ho also bring their latest projects to Honolulu: Boyle’s Ink examines the rise of Rupert Murdoch’s tabloid empire, while Lee’s political thriller The Assassin’s features Korean stars Lee Min-Ho, Yoo Hae-Jin and Park Hae-Il. Both films illustrate the festival’s commitment to presenting internationally renowned talent alongside regional stories.
Stars making personal appearances
Fans looking for a more intimate encounter will note that Ke Huy Quan—the Oscar-winning actor from Everything Everywhere All at Once—has scheduled a memoir conversation and book signing on November 1. The event will also screen his early work Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, giving audiences a retrospective glimpse of his career.
Fast-and-furious fan favourite Sung Kang will be on-site to present the Hawaiʻi premiere of his self-directed film Drifter, a narrative rooted in the islands’ drifting car culture. Luciane Buchanan, known for Netflix’s The Night Agent, receives the Halekulani New Vanguard Award at the October 29 Honoree Gala, adding another layer of star power to the festivities.
World premieres, regional cinema and festival-wide showcase
The opening night film, The Navigator, sold out its debut at the Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. It chronicles the extraordinary voyages of Nainoa Thompson, the first Native Hawaiian in six centuries to sail from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti using only traditional celestial navigation. The documentary not only celebrates Polynesian heritage but also underscores the festival’s mission to highlight indigenous perspectives.
Beyond the opening, the program features 84 films, including 34 world premieres, spanning Asia, the Pacific, and the broader international circuit. Highlights include the Korean thriller The Assassin’s, the Australian-American drama Ink, and a selection of locally produced shorts that illuminate contemporary Hawaiian life. Audiences can anticipate a vibrant mix of genres, from high-stakes action to reflective documentaries.
Vilcek Foundation’s New American Perspectives program
In partnership with the Vilcek Foundation, HIFF presents its 2026 New American Perspectives (NAP) series, which showcases five immigrant filmmakers. The cohort features Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan (Vietnam), along with guest directors Henry Ian Cusick (Peru), Liz Sargent (South Korea), Alex Tarrant (New Zealand) and Michelle Zhou (China). Their films span genres ranging from wartime drama to period pieces set during cinema’s Golden Age.
A marquee event within NAP is a panel discussion on October 26 where the four guest filmmakers explore how immigrant and Indigenous viewpoints can reshape mainstream narratives. Quan also leads a book talk for his memoir Never Say Die on November 1, followed by a master class after a screening of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. These sessions provide emerging creators in Hawaiʻi’s K-12 schools a rare glimpse into the global filmmaking process.
Festival side events, tickets and industry conference
Opening weekend celebrations continue on October 23 at Capitol Modern, featuring live performances by Da Araz, Human Era, DJ Romeo Valentine and Irie Love, plus exclusive merchandise designed by Hawaiian artists. tickets for the celebration are $5, while comprehensive festival passes and individual screening tickets can be purchased through the HIFF website.
Two days (October 24-25) are devoted to the HIFF Industry Conference, a workforce-focused initiative that gathers regional filmmakers, producers, and distributors for panels, networking, and training. Full-day access costs $125 and includes all conference programming.
The Honoree Gala “Voyagers & Visionaries” on October 29 honors Nainoa Thompson, Ke Huy Quan, Sung Kang, Luciane Buchanan and Bryson Chun, with tickets starting at $500. This glittering evening underscores the festival’s dedication to celebrating both cinematic achievement and cultural stewardship.
Whether you are drawn by star-studded premieres, immersive panels, or the chance to explore emerging voices from across the Pacific, HIFF 2026 offers a densely packed itinerary that reflects its reputation as the Pacific’s premier gathering place for film lovers.
