About festival
Hawaii Film Awards
Welcome to the Hawaii Film Awards, a beacon of creativity and diversity in the world of independent cinema! We invite you to join us for an electrifying online event that celebrates the artistry of filmmakers from every corner of the globe. While we cherish films that shine a spotlight on environmental issues and the lush beauty of Hawaii, we also embrace all genres, styles, and storytelling practices. Whether you're a fan of gripping dramas, heartwarming comedies, mind-bending sci-fi, or avant-garde experimental films, there's something for everyone at the Hawaii Film Awards. So, come immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of cinematic wonders and experience the magic of filmmaking in all its glory. Aloha and welcome to a celebration of cinematic excellence!
Each film submitted stands a chance to emerge victorious in the competition. Our panel of judges comprises filmmakers and industry experts hailing from distinct countries. We firmly believe that the multicultural composition of our judging team contributes to the vibrancy of our festival within the realm of indie cinema. With their diverse backgrounds and extensive expertise in filmmaking, our judges ensure that every submitted film receives thorough evaluation, enriching the festival experience for all filmmakers involved.
Director Festival
CEO @ Hawaii Awards
Term & Rules
Our Rules and Guidelines for 2024 Submissions:
Eligibility: Films submitted to the Hawaii Film Awards must have been completed after a 2021, to ensure relevance and freshness.
Submission Criteria: Filmmakers can submit their films through FilmFreeway, providing necessary details such as title, genre, runtime, director, and production year.
Each submission may require a nominal fee to cover administrative costs.
Film Categories: Filmmakers can choose the appropriate category/categories for their submission based on the genre, length, and theme of their film. Each film may be submitted to multiple categories if it meets the criteria for each.
Language and Subtitles: Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles to ensure accessibility for the jury and audience.
Copyright and Permissions: Filmmakers are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions, licenses, and clearances for copyrighted materials used in their films, including music, images, and footage.
Originality and Plagiarism: Submitted films must be original works created by the filmmaker(s), and any instances of plagiarism or copyright infringement will result in disqualification.
Judging Process: A panel of qualified judges, including industry professionals and experts in filmmaking, environmental issues, and cultural diversity, will evaluate the submissions based on predetermined criteria such as storytelling, cinematography, editing, and thematic relevance.
Screening and Distribution: Selected films will be showcased during the festival through an online platform accessible to registered attendees. Filmmakers retain the rights to their films and may choose to distribute them independently after the festival.
Code of Conduct: All participants, including filmmakers, judges, organizers, and attendees, are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, inclusivity, and professionalism throughout the festival.
* These regulations aim to ensure a fair and transparent selection process while upholding the integrity and quality of the Hawaii Film Awards
