And the winner is...

"After careful deliberation the jury selected the winner of the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award in the documentary competition because it is not just a compelling documentary, but an example of groundbreaking cinema, made up of a number of unfathomable and inspiring but carefully told and quite real stories--any of which could have provided the basis for its own film. On top of that, the risks taken by the filmmaker were actually as intense as stories he depicts. We are very proud to announce the winner, Petition, directed by Zhao Liang."


On the flight home, I was thinking about how special it was to be a HIFF juror. Just think, only six people on the planet were invited to judge films for the world-class, prestigious, and super fun event (three for features, three for docs) and I was one of them. What a cool gig and what an honor. Leanne, Karin, and I had a lengthy and impassioned conversation about the movies we watched--each of which has significant value--but it was impossible not to be blown away by Petition. Liang could have received a serious beatdown for making that movie at any time, and the results are chilling and inspiring at once.


The best feature was Empire of Silver by Christina Yao. I didn't get to see it, but it features Aaron Kwok and Meg Tilly, and is about China's Wall Street. Incredible--and she seemed really nice, too.


Director Brent Anbe won the best short for "Ajumma, Are You Krazy?" The short about K-drama madness, as well as the entire field, were viewable on demand via cable, and voting was done that way as well.


Tse Chun's Children of Invention won the Puma Emerging Filmmaker competition. I didn't meet the filmmaker, but the movie is definitely worth watching and he seemed like a nice dude.


I also got to meet Anne Misawa, director of State of Aloha. I was a little worried since her doc didn't win, but she was super cordial and had nothing but nice things to say about Petition and GR as well. I honestly told her that the morning after watching her film, I walked out onto the beach and everything looked different...