Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi Season 5 Premiere at the 44th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival

Honolulu, HI — [September 6, 2024] — The much-anticipated fifth season of Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi is set to premiere at the prestigious Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) this year. This landmark series, which celebrates the remarkable contributions of wāhine filmmakers in Hawaiʻi, continues to shine a spotlight on the diverse voices and stories that define the rich tapestry of Hawaiʻi culture and creativity.

The premiere event takes place on October 12, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Consolidated Theatre Kahala, where attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience the latest season's episodes, each offering an intimate look into the lives and works of Hawaiʻi's most influential wāhine filmmakers. This season promises to be the most compelling yet, featuring a dynamic lineup of directors, editors, producers, and screenwriters whose work has left an indelible mark on both local and global cinema.

Featured Filmmakers:

• Alison Week is a filmmaker based in Waimea, Hawaiʻi. She produces narrative and non-fiction films. Her personal film work aims to uplift stories of women and represent her island home. Recently, she co-directed the documentary feature Island Cowgirls, now airing as part of the Pacific Heartbeat series on PBS/World Channel. Directed by Shirley Thompson.

• Chaunnel "Pākē" Salmon is an award-winning filmmaker and entrepreneur from Hawaiʻi. She draws inspiration from Hawaiian surf legends and nature to showcase the beauty of Hawaiʻi's stories and culture to a global audience. Through her works, she transforms the legacy of abandonment into one of abundance, driven by Aloha ʻĀina. Directed by Vera Zambonelli

• Lola Quan Bautista, born and raised on the island of Guam, has been doing research on Micronesian migration, settlement in urban spaces, and ongoing connections between diasporic communities and their home island nations. Lola has directed and produced films that promote understanding and social justice.  Directed by Shaneika Aguilar.

• Robin Lung is a fourth-generation Chinese American filmmaker from Hawaiʻi. She specializes in bringing untold stories of minorities and women to the big screen. Her documentary, Finding KUKAN, won the American Library Association's Notable Film Award in 2019, and her first stop-motion animated film, Anna Unbound, premiered in 2023. Directed by Donna Choo.

• Shirley Thompson is a renowned documentary producer, editor and writer. She is best known for editing award-winning documentaries such as Baseball Behind Barbed Wire, The 'Ilima Lady, Island Cowgirls, Finding Kukan, and Pidgin: The Voice of Hawai'i. These films have received major funding from the NEA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and her work has received significant recognition, including an Emmy and a Peabody award. Directed by Lisette Marie Flanary.

• Tiare Ribeaux is a Kānaka Maoli filmmaker based in Honolulu. Her films use magical realism to critique social and ecological imbalances. Ribeaux's work explores the connection between our bodies and land and water systems, focusing on transformation. She has won numerous grants and awards for her artistic leadership, including the Sundance Native Lab Fellowship and the National Endowment for the Arts. Directed by Erin Lau.

Each episode delves into the personal journeys, challenges, and achievements of these extraordinary women, offering viewers a profound understanding of their artistic visions and the impact they have on the film industry. "We are thrilled to present the fifth season of Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi at HIFF," said Vera Zambonelli, Executive Producer and co-creator of the series. "This season not only continues to honor the legacy of our wāhine filmmakers but also inspires the next generation of storytellers who will carry forward the spirit of innovation and resilience."

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the featured filmmakers, cast and crew, providing an opportunity for audience members to engage directly with these trailblazing women and gain deeper insights into their creative processes and experiences.

Tickets go on sale September 16 at HIFF.org. Due to limited seating and high demand, early purchase is highly recommended. 

For more information about Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi and updates on the premiere event, please visit www.reelwahineofhawaii.org or contact Vera Zambonelli.

About Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi:Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi is a documentary series dedicated to highlighting the stories and achievements of Hawaiʻi women filmmakers who preserve Hawai‘i history and culture through film and inspire future generations to explore the art of filmmaking. The series is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and produced by Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking. https://www.reelwahineofhawaii.org/ 

About the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival:The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival is a premier cinematic event in the Pacific, showcasing an array of films from around the world with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific region. HIFF is committed to fostering cultural exchange and understanding through the power of cinema. https://hiff.org/ 

About Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking:

Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking advocates for women and girls to tell their stories through film. By prioritizing narratives that are often overshadowed or neglected, HWF ensures that everyone's story, especially those of underrepresented voices, has the chance to be heard, making everybody count in a unique and transformative way. https://www.hawaiiwomeninfilmmaking.org/ 

Media Contact:Vera Zambonelli

Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking, Executive Director808 206 0848vera@hawaiiwomeninfilmmaking.or