Pacific Island Film Festival: A Platform for Hawaiian and Pacific Filmmakers

An exciting cultural event is currently unfolding in New York City, spearheaded by a filmmaker with deep ties to Hawaii. Stacy Young, who is at the helm of the Pacific Island Film Festival, is utilizing her platform to elevate the art of filmmaking from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

“What little I can do to help is to give a platform in a different area and give exposure to the amazing stories that we tell here because we know them,” Young stated. She emphasizes the richness of storytelling inherent to the region, underscoring the familiarity with local faces and histories.

Young is joined by the International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) in this endeavor, aiming to promote Pacific talent and connect filmmakers with the right decision-makers in the industry. “What we’re hoping to do with the film festival is bringing those films in front of decision makers in New York City,” she explained.

The Pacific Island Film Festival, now in its second year, is showcasing a diverse array of 25 films that represent voices from the Pacific, captivating audiences worldwide. Young noted, “Our local industry and the offshore industry brings in about four hundred million in production spend directly into the economy each year.” However, she acknowledged that the industry has faced some challenges, particularly due to the strikes in 2023, which have resulted in a tapering off of production.

Currently, Hawaii has limited productions, with “Rescue High Surf” being the only series actively in progress. Nonetheless, discussions surrounding new projects, including series and major feature films, are underway. “So we know that there are things in the pipeline,” Young added.

Young expressed a commitment to ensuring that when productions come to Hawaii, they utilize local talent. “What we want to do is when we bring those dollars and movies and films and TV shows here to film, we want them to use talent that’s here in Hawaii,” she stated. This approach aims to maintain financial support within the local community while showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the islands.

The Pacific Island Film Festival runs from October 17th through the 20th in New York City, bringing together filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the power of storytelling. Young concluded, “Now it’s really incredible to see local talent from Hawaii and the Pacific making such a global impact.”