OUR MISSION
We are a collective of independent filmmakers, actors, writers, producers and associates who are passionate about encouraging and promoting independent film production in Hawaiʻi. Our VISION is to FOSTER and SHOWCASE independent voices and talent in the filmmaking community in Hawaiʻi and throughout the Pacific Region.
We FOSTER by:
- Educating through discussion panels, workshops, presentations and hands on experience with the organization of regular pitch meetings and production cycles.
- Providing support through facilitating financial, crew and equipment resources as well as offering access to a streamlined application process for production insurance for independent filmmakers.
- Promoting contacts and connections with the organization of regular network meetings and opportunities for the local filmmaking community to meet.
We SHOWCASE by:
- Screening locally produced films at our annual film festival and 48 hour film challenge competition.
- Displaying local films and talent worldwide through our online media channels.
- Organizing regular screenings of locally produced, independent films.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
JENNIFER VARENCHIK
Interim Executive Director
Interim Executive Director
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
ELIZABETH RIAN
Pitch Cycle Director |
JERI LYNN ENDO
Volunteer Coordinator |
ATHENA TAITINGFONG
Communications Director |
LAURA LUCAS CLARK
Host / Directorʻs Table |
MYKA ARAKAWA
Host / Writerʻs Room |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TOM SCHNEIDER
Founder / Co-Chair |
KAINOA RUDOLFO
Founder / Co-Chair |
LISA BARNES
Board Secretary |
DANE NEVES
Board Member |
KELI'I GRACE
Board Member |
HOW IT BEGAN
We started HFC because we experienced first hand the many challenges that local, independent filmmakers are faced with when planning their projects. Having to secure locations, talent, crews, meeting spaces and equipment on a strict budget is a tough feat in any environment and proves to be uniquely difficult in a small community and remote location such as Hawai’i.
After joining together in late 2014, we established HFC as a collective for independent filmmakers throughout Hawai’i and the Pacific Region with one goal in mind - to get more local films made. Community and family are important in Hawaiian culture. We strive to infuse the same values in our collective where the main focus is to support and encourage each other in getting our stories told.
Now, after a decade of regularly scheduled events, pitch meetings, workshops and with over 250 active members, the benefit of our collective to the local community has become evident. HFC has become a springboard for many local talents to connect, hone their craft and build experience in filmmaking. At the beginning of 2017, HFC has officially transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to further expand our programs and service to the community.
Mahalo for your Kokua,
Kainoa Rudolfo - Founder
Tom Schneider - Founder
After joining together in late 2014, we established HFC as a collective for independent filmmakers throughout Hawai’i and the Pacific Region with one goal in mind - to get more local films made. Community and family are important in Hawaiian culture. We strive to infuse the same values in our collective where the main focus is to support and encourage each other in getting our stories told.
Now, after a decade of regularly scheduled events, pitch meetings, workshops and with over 250 active members, the benefit of our collective to the local community has become evident. HFC has become a springboard for many local talents to connect, hone their craft and build experience in filmmaking. At the beginning of 2017, HFC has officially transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to further expand our programs and service to the community.
Mahalo for your Kokua,
Kainoa Rudolfo - Founder
Tom Schneider - Founder