Our Mission
Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking advocates for women and girls (cis/trans), femmes, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender-queer to tell their stories through film with an intersectional lens. Our work is pivotal in creating a diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape in Hawaiʻi, and the impact resonates deeply within the community. By prioritizing narratives that are often overshadowed or neglected, HWF ensures that everyone's story, especially those of underrepresented voices, has the chance to be heard, making everybody count in a unique and transformative way.
One of the key ways HWF impacts the community is through our commitment to education. By offering workshops, mentorship programs, and screenings, we not only provide a platform to learn the art of filmmaking but also foster a strong sense of community and belonging among participants. This aspect of our work effectively builds a more equitable film industry from the ground up, where diverse voices can thrive, making everyone feel connected and part of a larger movement.
Moreover, HWF's focus on social justice themes within our projects acts as a powerful catalyst for social change. By tackling issues such as gender inequality, racism, and environmental concerns, we invite the community to engage with critical topics in a meaningful way. In doing so, Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking serves as a beacon of hope and change, demonstrating the profound impact that inclusive storytelling can have on a community.
HWF has a dedicated and highly competent staff and a very accomplished pool of professionals. Connecting and collaborating with several film and issue-based organizations, we proactively launch programs, productions, and initiatives that foster social change and justice through the powerful medium of film.
What We Do
How We Do It
Why We Do It
1
Educate the next generation of Hawaiʻi wāhine storytellers to tell impactful stories through film.
Through in-person programs, such as Making Media That Matters and the Reel Camps, virtual spaces and workshops to learn how to produce and create short films and media content.
2
Make films about women by women.
Reel Wāhine of Hawaiʻi is a documentary short film series on Hawaiʻi women working in the film industry.
3
Connect wāhine (cis/trans), femmes, nonbinary, genderfluid, and genderqueer in film with mentors and support for their creative projects.
Through our gathering series Wāhine in Film Talk-Story; workshops, mentorship, film labs like Wāhine in Film Lab; and our annual gathering Wāhine in Film Mixer, and Fiscal Sponsorship.
4
Create opportunities for film productions, employment in the industry, and video services for non-profits and local businesses.
The Internships and our Production Services contribute to the professional development of women and in filmmaking.
5
Discuss critical issues and amplify marginalized voices shared through film screenings.
Hosting our annual Women of Wonders Film Fest and screenings, such as the Indie Lens Series, celebrate, share, and unite people in conversation through important stories in film.
To create conditions for women and girls to express themselves through film
To promote a diverse and positive representation of women and girls in media
To raise awareness and visibility of wāhine (cis/trans), femmes, nonbinary, genderfluid, and genderqueerʻs work in film
HWF is a dedicated community that has been instrumental for women and girls aspiring to become filmmakers since 2011. Our mission is to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for them to enter the film industry and thrive in their careers. Throughout the years, we have partnered with various film and issue-focused organizations to create initiatives that promote social change through the impactful medium of film. We focus on the unique needs of local women and girls, designing programs that enhance and empower their lives. Each year, we build on our experiences to improve our services while remaining true to our mission. We believe in the transformative power of filmmaking as a tool for social change and strive to create an inclusive space for marginalized genders to express their voices and share their stories through film.