Make plans to join us for the third annual HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest in Honolulu, Hawai'i in April 17-19, 2026 at Consolidated Theatres Kahala.

HIFF 'Ōpio Fest is a film festival in Hawai'i dedicated to showcasing and celebrating original short films made by Hawai'i's next gen filmmakers!

Deadline: We're accepting short film submissions until January 16, 2026, 9:00PM HST.

At 'Ōpio Fest, there are opportunities for student filmmakers to meet some of their favorite film professionals who have forged exemplary Hollywood careers, as they impart career advice and their own personal journeys as filmmakers to Hawai‘i’s future filmmaking professionals.

Past dignitaries include Sydney Agudong and Kaipo Dudoit (LILO & STITCH 2025), Eric Bauza (LOONY TUNES, THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE), Auli‘i Cravalho (MOANA 2 and MOANA, THE POWER, MEAN GIRLS), Harry Shum, Jr. (GLEE, CRAZY RICH ASIANS), Jacob Batalon (SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME), Phillipa Soo (HAMILTON), Destin Daniel Cretton (director, SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS), Peyton Elizabeth Lee and (DOOGIE KAMEALOHA, M.D.).

For any questions, please email opiofest@hiff.org

Awards & Prizes

HIFF is committed to recognizing the best original short films created by student filmmakers in Hawai'i with the 'Ōpio Fest Awards.

Rules & Terms

YOU MUST READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING:

- The film’s director(s) must have been in high school or younger at the time of production.

- Open to Hawai'i students only.

- Films must be made by students with teachers and other mentors in advisory roles.

- Films must include end credits.

- The short film must be at least 2 minutes long and no longer than 10 minutes.

- Any device may be used to make the film. Have fun! Get creative!

- Films must have been completed no earlier than January 2025.

- All music and other copyrighted material used in the film must be properly licensed and attributed.

- All films with dialogue in a language other than English must be subtitled in English for Festival presentation.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jana Park

    WOW! This was an incredible weekend-long film festival full off creative films, educational events, and valuable networking experiences. Students from all over Hawai'i (and even Alaska!) gathered together to share their art and friendship. My students will never forget this experience. Highly recommended!

    April 2024
    Helpful