2016 HIFF Spring Showcase
Pacific Islanders in Communications is proud to sponsor the Pacific Showcase at the 2016 HIFF Spring Showcase:
Hunt for the Wilderpeople - April 3rd & 8th
Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family.
Equal parts road comedy and coming-of-age drama, director Taika Waititi masterfully weaves lively humor with emotionally honest performances by Sam Neill and Julian Dennison. Never short on laughs, this touching story reminds us about the journey that growing up is (at any age) and those who help us along the way.
-Sundance
Sons of Halawa and The Roots of ʻUlu - April 3rd & 10th
Back by popular demand, HIFF presents a special return engagement of SONS OF HALAWA as a double feature with THE ROOTS OF 'ULU (HIFF 2015 Audience Award winner).
'Anakala (Uncle) Pilipo Solatorio lives on the island of Molokai. He is the last to hold the cultural traditions, music, and stories of the sacred Hawaiian valley that has been home to his family for hundreds of years.
At the age of five, Pilipo was selected by his adopted grandfather to become the cultural practitioner for his family and was given the responsibility of perpetuating the traditions of Halawa Valley. But growing up in the isolated community was not easy and Pilipo, like everyone else of his generation, left Halawa, vowing never to return.
When Pilipo gets married and starts a family, the valley and the teachings of his grandfather call him home to fulfill his destiny. Will Pilipo's son, Greg, come home to take on the responsibility of carrying traditions forward, or will Pilipo's two hanai (adopted) sons (Josh, a taro farmer, and Jason, a musician from New York) be left with the challenge?
Great sacrifices need to be made, but if Pilipo does not succeed in finding a successor, generations of knowledge will be lost forever.
Family Ingredients - April 5th
For anyone who loves great stories and food, you will thoroughly enjoy FAMILY INGREDIENTS. Director Ty Sanga weaves a fast-paced culinary story based on food memories that will make you think more about your family genealogy at your next meal. You will be entertained by Chef/Host Ed Kenney (Owner/Chef TOWN Kaimuki, MudHenWater, Superette) and guest as they introduce viewers to interesting people and riveting stories while diving into a much deeper connection: where we come from and the food we consume.
Part foodie, part travelogue, part genealogy – Family Ingredients is a story that celebrates diversity.
Categories: Events, Film Festival, Newsletter, PIC Pacific Showcase, Screening