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toby's blog

Fiji Water presents An Evening at Sam Choy's

Posted October 23, 2011 - 10:42am by toby

Sam Choy's Restaurant hosted the final event of the Film Festival on Saturday night. It was probably the last time that the HIFF community for this years event would gather together. Once again it was attended by film delegates, sponsors and other special guests of the festival. It was a great way to say goodbye to all the friends I made during the last 10 days.

The event was sponsored by Fiji Water and featured a wine and beer (sponsored by our festival friends at Stella Artois) station. The food was amazing and included Sam Choy's special recipe fried poke and a shortrib luau with chili pepper Fiji Water. While it is sad to say goodbye to many new friends (although thanks to Facebook we can stay connnected), I am grateful that the Hawaii International Film Festival has connected me with many amazing filmmakers, crew and actors.

Now on to closing night with the Descendants and a private reception party after the movie.

The HIFF Awards and Governors Reception

Posted October 23, 2011 - 10:19am by toby

One of the most lavish events of the Hawaii International Film Festival is the HIFF awards and Governor's Reception at Washington Place. The festival gives out a variety of awards decided by guest jurors (both local and international). Washington Place used to be the home of the governors in Hawaii, but recently has been mainly used for special events.

Guests were treated to a catered event with Chinese cuisine, fresh fruit and vegetables. There was also a wine and beer station. Many directors, crew and stars from the movies at the festival attended this event.

 

Hawaii Five O Panel and the Meet the Filmmakers Reception

Posted October 17, 2011 - 1:25pm by toby

An Afternoon With Hawaii Five-O was an amazing fan-friendly special event from the Hawaii International Film Festival. For two hours, attendees listened to the director, producer and five cast members discussing inside information about the show. There were also some questions from the audience including addressing the Bromance between McG and Danno, where the cast lives in Hawaii, and how Daniel Dae-Kim uses a skateboard to study his lines.

Euro Cinema Hawaii Awards Gala & Meet the Jurors Reception

Posted October 16, 2011 - 8:06am by toby

Saturday, October 15 was one of the biggest nights of the festival. In addition to all the movies playing at Regal Dole Cannery Theaters, there were three major events. First there was the Meet the Jurors Reception at Hotel Renew, then it was the Eurocinema Hawaii Black Tie Awards Gala at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. Also going on was Sunset on the Beach screening for the film festival, but I never made it there. Too many amazing nightlife parties going on.

Opening Day Festivities

Posted October 14, 2011 - 8:56pm by toby

The 31st Annual Hawaii International Film Festival started with a bang on Thursday! The morning press conference was well attended, I counted over 75 press in atttendance.  There was a variety of special guests as speakers including representatives from major sponsors of the festival: Halekulani and the Hawaii Tourism Authority, as well as representatives from movies and the Eurocinema organization.

Let the Festival Begin!

Posted October 11, 2011 - 5:05pm by toby

We are a few days away from the festival and I've got my tickets for the movies that I really wanted to see. As my schedule starts to fill in this week, we will see what other movies I have time to enjoy. What I am really looking forward to is Thursday, a big day for the festival as the morning they host an Opening Press Conference at Rum Fire at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, and in the evening is the Opening Night Party at the Halekulani Hotel. That party is followed by the Opening Night movie "The Front Line" at Dole Cannery Theaters. It is going to be a very busy day!