Film Festival Seeking Submissions for Debut Event in Hilo

The Made in Hawai‘i Film Festival is seeking locally made films for an upcoming independent film festival highlighting local artists in August. The debut event will feature a series of Hawai‘i-made films including feature-length films, shorts, documentaries and music videos at Palace Theater in Hilo on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018.

“With the loss of the Big Island Film Festival in 2016, we really felt the absence of a film festival here on Hawai‘i Island,” says festival co-founder and executive director Zoe Eisenberg. “Focusing on films created in Hawai‘i felt natural. Our independent film scene is growing, and we want to showcase and support that.”

Film submissions will be accepted beginning June 4 through July 2, 2018. To qualify, submissions must include at least 50 percent of principal photography shot in Hawai‘i. The selections will be announced during the week of July 16. For submission guidelines and more information, visit www.MIHFF.org.

“We hope to provide a platform not only for local filmmakers to screen their work, but for the community to see how much Hawai‘i has to offer,” says festival co-founder and technical director Phillips Payson.

The films will be organized in categories and presented in six block segments of 90 to 120 minutes. Tickets will cost $10 for a single block or $18 for a day pass. All screenings will be followed by Q&A sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities with the filmmakers.