HONORING THE HAWAI`I INTERNATIONAL FILM ASSOCIATION

October 25 - At the 27th Annual Hawai`i International Film Festival Awards Ceremony, Governor Lingle outlined her Administration's commitment to the entertainment industry and presented the "Film in Hawai`i Award" to the Hawai`i International Film Association.

"The Hawai`i International Film Festival brings talented people to Hawai`i from around the country and world," the Governor said, adding that it reflects highly on the state of Hawai`i, its people and its place in the world."

The "Film in Hawai`i Award" is presented annually to a person or organization who has significantly contributed to the promotion of Hawai`i's film industry.  This year's recipient, the Hawai`i International Film Association (HIFA), was recognized for its work to represent local production coordinators who work directly with foreign producers in Hawai`i's film/video industry.
 
HIFA has also worked to foster cooperation and collaboration among federal and state government agencies, local labor unions and other members of the production community.

"Our job in government is to create an environment where creativity can thrive," the Governor said as she shared her Administration's efforts to boost economic incentives for movie-making in Hawai`i.

"Together, we can make certain that Hawai`i is the creative capital of the Pacific," she added.  

The Hawai`i International Film Festival is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. It has more than one dozen screening sites on six Hawai`i islands and draws an audience of 65,000 or more from around the state, the nation and the world.