Celebrating Immigrant Voices: Five Filmmakers Spotlighted at the 2025 Hawai'i International Film Festival
Celebrating Immigrant Voices: Five Filmmakers Spotlighted at the 2025 Hawai'i International Film Festival
The 2025 Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF), supported by the Vilcek Foundation, is set to spotlight the creative works of five award-winning filmmakers who have made their mark in the world of cinema while hailing from different corners of the globe. Under the New American Perspectives (NAP) program, this initiative has been designed to amplify the contributions of foreign-born artists in the film industry, emphasizing the importance of multicultural narratives in storytelling.
Rick Kinsel, the president of the Vilcek Foundation, voiced the urgency to recognize and celebrate the influence of immigrant filmmakers within the industry. According to Kinsel, "It has never been more vital to champion the contributions of immigrants in filmmaking. Cinema blends language, images, music, and performance into stories that transcend borders. Through their work, immigrants expand our vision, deepen our empathy, and illuminate our shared humanity. To amplify these voices is not only essential—it is an act of cultural preservation."
Spotlight on the Filmmakers
This year’s cohort of filmmakers includes:
1. Shih-Ching Tsou - Director of "Left-Handed Girl"
2. Lloyd Lee Choi - Director of "Lucky Lu"
3. Leon Le - Director of "Ky Nam Inn"
4. Nani Sahra Walker - Director of "Shakti"
5. Amy Wang - Director of "Slanted"
Each filmmaker's work reflects their personal experiences and the diverse narratives surrounding immigrant life.
Shih-Ching Tsou's Left-Handed Girl
Shih-Ching Tsou, originally from Taiwan, explores the complexities of identity and family through her film Left-Handed Girl. Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film tells the bittersweet story of a single mother and her daughters as they navigate their new urban environment in Taipei. With an emphasis on generational trauma and familial bonds, Tsou's debut promises to touch the hearts of many.
Lloyd Lee Choi's Lucky Lu
Canadian filmmaker Lloyd Lee Choi presents Lucky Lu, a narrative that encapsulates the immigrant experience in America through the eyes of a food delivery driver in New York City. The stakes become dire for Lu when his bike is stolen right before his family arrives, setting off a frantic and desperate quest that highlights themes of resilience and sacrifice.
Leon Le's Ky Nam Inn
Vietnamese director Leon Le delves into post-war Vietnam in Ky Nam Inn. The film centers on Khang, who relocates to Saigon to translate 'The Little Prince'. His life takes an unexpected turn upon meeting an older widow, navigating the delicate balance of desire and duty against a backdrop of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
Nani Sahra Walker's Shakti
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Nani Sahra Walker's Shakti addresses social issues in Nepal, such as the plight faced by Dalit women. Through a powerful mother-daughter story, the film weaves together themes of trauma, resilience, and the fight for justice in a patriarchal society, making it a relevant piece in today’s socio-political landscape.
Amy Wang's Slanted
Rounding out this compelling line-up is Amy Wang’s Slanted, a provocative narrative that examines the pressures of cultural identity and societal acceptance. Following the journey of a high school student yearning to be popular, Wang’s unique perspective sheds light on the struggles of young immigrants dealing with issues of race and self-worth.
Festival Engagement and Q&A Sessions
The five films will be screened at the Kahala Theatre in Honolulu from October 17 to October 26, 2025, providing audiences with the opportunity to engage directly with these filmmakers through Q&A sessions following each screening. Furthermore, Wang is set to participate in HIFF's Guest Filmmaker Program, bringing her insights to local K-12 classrooms, further inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
Beckie Stocchetti, Executive Director of HIFF, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, "The New American Perspectives program embodies HIFF's mission to celebrate cinema as a bridge across cultures." With nearly two decades of partnership with the Vilcek Foundation, HIFF continues to offer foreign-born filmmakers a crucial platform to share their narratives and bring light to their journeys.
Conclusion
The Vilcek Foundation plays a pivotal role in illuminating immigrant contributions to arts and sciences in the United States, and with the NAP program, it nurtures the voices that contribute to the rich tapestry of cinema. Mark your calendars for this year's event as we celebrate these extraordinary filmmakers and their impactful stories—an experience not to be missed in the vibrant artistic community of Hawai'i.
For more information on the screening schedules and filmmaker biographies, visit HIFF’s website or the Vilcek Foundation’s site.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.