‘No Maori Allowed’ Wins Top Prize at Hawaii Film Festival, as Don Lee, Ando Sakura and Cliff Curtis Claim Spotlight (EXCLUSIVE)
26.10.2023 - 14:45
/ variety.com
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief No Maori Allowed, directed by Corinna Hunziger was named the winner of the Pasifika Award and recipient of a $5,000 cash prize at the Hawaii International Film Festival. It recounts the story of a teacher who unearths a secret past in the town of Pukekohe. Thet causes M?ori community figures to come forward to share personal stories that shaped their lives.
The festival’s Kau Ka H?k? or shooting star award for an international emerging filmmaker making their first or second feature film, was awarded to “Asog,” by Sean Devlin. It is a tragicomic road film that follows a non-binary Filipino comedian pursuing their dream of becoming a pageant queen. The jury also provided honorable mentions for performance to “Mustache,” directed by Imran Khan and to “Tiger Stripes,” directed by Amanda Nell Eu.
This year’s Best Made In Hawai‘i Feature winner was H?k?le’a: Finding The Language of the Navigator, directed by Ty Sanga. “[The director] presents a fresh perspective on the iconic canoe by focusing not on the boat itself but the people and elements around it which allow the Hokule’a to reach ever new horizons, said the festival’s Made in Hawai‘i jury. It also presented an honorable mention in the feature film category to “My Partner” directed by Keli‘i Grace.
The Made In Hawai‘i jury also recognized “Aikane,” directed by Daniel Sousa, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson for the section’s best short film. “Kala,” directed by Matt Yamashita, and “Sunset on 44” by Devan Fujinaka received honorable mentions. But Hawaii’s spotlight also fell on some of the biggest names in Asian cinema.
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