29th ANNUAL HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS FREE FUN FILM SEMINARS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 8, 2009 -- HONOLULU, HI (October 1, 2009) –The 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) isn’t just about screening great movies. HIFF also offers free specialized seminars to the public, with appearances from filmmakers and film industry veterans, to further moviegoers’ understanding of the filmmaking process.

The four informative seminars this year include a discussion with renowned Japanese film critic Donald Richie; a panel discussion and video about Hawaiian history called THE ROYAL GIFT; a candid talk with local industry professionals about the state of the film industry in Hawaii today; and finally, a first-hand account from a filmmaker about how to make movies with little or no budget.

Over 170 films from 36 different countries will be featured at this year’s festival. HIFF’s 2009 program is being held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters from October 15–25. Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 1st for HIFF Ohana members and Monday, October 5th to the public. General admission tickets are available for $10 or $9 for students, seniors, children and military. Tickets may be purchased in person at HIFF’s box office at 650 Iwilei Road #101 across from Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters or by phone at (808) 548-5905. The film guide is available now online at www.hiff.org. For more information please visit us at www.hiff.org.

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. Images of the films can be downloaded at
http://picasaweb.google.com/hiff2009images/2009FallFilmImages?authkey=Gv1sRgCOjSudrp5ob2iwE&feat=directlink. For more information please visit our website at www.hiff.org.
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