The inaugural HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest (April 5-7) is an exciting three-day event for all ages that celebrates student films and spotlights the diverse voices of emerging young filmmakers across Hawai’i.
‘Ōpio Fest concluded on Sunday, April 7th, with its closing night events: a screening of the closing night film ROBOT DREAMS, a screening of ALL TOGETHER NOW followed by a Q&A with actress Auli’i Cravalho, and the Future Filmmakers Awards Ceremony with this year’s youth ambassador, voice actor Eric Bauza, in partnership with the Daniel K. Inouye Institute. At the awards ceremony, the festival announced the winners for different categories of the Future Filmmakers contest.
The Future Filmmakers short film contest is a competitive showcase featuring the best submissions of films from middle school and high school students. The featured films included both documentary and narrative short films, adhering to this year’s contest theme of “Hawai’i’s Youth Leading By Example.” The short films depicted inspiring stories of youth leading the way in the community and civic engagement demonstrations.
This theme is inspired by a quote by Daniel K. Inouye, in which he stated:
“We have been shaped by the history, culture and events of this region. I have long believed that Hawai’i – multicultural and tolerant – is what the world should always strive to be.”
Two first-place awards were given, one for middle school and another for high school submissions. Additionally, two second-place awards and two special awards from the Daniel K. Inouye Institute were presented.
The films selected for this category were nominated with the help of the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest Student Advisory Committee. The committee adjudicated the first- and second-place films for the middle school and high school divisions, while the Daniel K. Inouye Institute (DKII) adjudicated the DKII special awards.
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS
The high school awards honored exceptional short films made by student filmmakers that showcased youth spearheading positive change in their communities through leadership and civic engagement. These awards were selected by the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest Student Advisory Committee, celebrating the outstanding talents of high school students in amplifying inspiring stories of young leaders making an impact.
1ST PLACE AWARD
The 1st Place High School Award for the Future Filmmakers contest is THE TEMPO OF SOLITUDE: A MUSICAL EXPLORATION OF COMMUNITY AND HARMONY, directed by DeMarcus Koa Allen of James Campbell High School.
The jury stated: “We appreciate the unique perspective and interpretation of the theme depicted in this documentary film. It has a lovely aesthetic, and the poetic narration style effectively captures the musical theme portrayed. The main subject (and director) articulated his story remarkably well. Not only was the cinematography technically stunning, but the shot compositions were clearly motivated by the story being told. Overall, this film’s quality is professional and has a great message.“
2ND PLACE AWARD
The 2nd Place High School Award for the Future Filmmakers contest is ORI I TE MUA, directed by Lucie Reese of Lāna’i High School, Lāna’i.
The jury stated: “The film felt intentional in its care for the creator’s homeland, the island of Lāna’i. The depiction of Polynesian culture and traditions uniting through dance, from the younger youth to the young adults, was captivating. The editing was also impressive, highlighting this year’s theme of youth leadership in a creative way.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS
The middle school awards celebrated short films that powerfully depicted youth leading positive change through community leadership and civic engagement. These awards were selected by the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest Student Advisory Committee, recognizing the outstanding filmmaking abilities of middle school students in amplifying inspiring stories of young leaders making an impact.
1ST PLACE AWARD
The 1st Place Middle School Award for the Future Filmmakers contest is INCLUDING OHANA, directed by Cortezi Limbert.
The jury stated: “We can tell there was a lot of effort put into making the film, and we are impressed with the director’s storytelling approach that incorporates American Sign Language. The story was well-conceived, and the execution was creative and engaging. Telling the narrative from the mother’s perspective was a smart choice, as it allows viewers to experience the story as outsiders, just like the mother character herself.”
2ND PLACE AWARD
The 2nd Place Middle School Award for the Future Filmmakers contest is STUDENT VOICES, directed by Brynna Colmenares, Emma Forges, and Hannah Mao of Highlands Intermediate School.
The jury stated: “The directors of this film demonstrated a great vision in their storytelling approach to civic engagement. The clean editing and effective use of voice narration were impressive, particularly the engaging extreme close-up shot at the beginning.“
These two special awards, selected by the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, recognized two exceptional films that embodied this year’s theme of “Hawai’i’s Youth Leading By Example” through compelling narratives showcasing youth leadership and civic engagement. These awards, for middle school and high school filmmakers, celebrate films with that aligned with the ideals held by the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye. By honoring these cinematic achievements, the DKII Special Awards aim to amplify the voices of Hawai’i’s youth and their commitment to shaping a better future.
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS:
- 1ST PLACE: THE TEMPO OF SOLITUDE: A MUSICAL EXPLORATION OF COMMUNITY AND HARMONY (Directed by DeMarcus Koa Allen, James Campbell High School)
- 2ND PLACE: ORI I TE MUA (Directed by Lucie Reese, Lāna’i High School, Lāna’i)
MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS:
- 1ST PLACE: INCLUDING OHANA (Directed by Cortezi Limbert, Homeschool)
- 2ND PLACE: STUDENT VOICES (Directed by Brynna Colmenares, Emma Forges, and Hannah Mao, Highlands Intermediate School)
DKII SPECIAL AWARDS:
- HIGH SCHOOL: THE FILIPINO CURRICULUM PROJECT: OUR STORY (Directed by Samantha Joelle Bulos and Marissa Halagao, Roosevelt High School and Punahou School)
- MIDDLE SCHOOL: KANAKA CONNECTIONS: HI & AK (Directed by Kainoa Thole, Raven Homeschool, Alaska)
If you missed the screening, you can watch the student films featured in the Student Showcase category here.
