09-04-2025
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival returns, kicking off with ‘The Wedding Banquet' remake
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawai'i International Film Festival is back, bringing a blend of international cinema and local talent to the islands for its 2025 Spring Showcase.
This year, the festival has teamed up with ʻŌpio Fest, spotlighting the next generation of storytellers from Hawai'i and beyond.
Local literacy nonprofit puts spotlight on National Bookmobile Day
The festival kicks off April 8 with a special Hawaii premiere of 'The Wedding Banquet,' a fresh, funny and heartfelt remake of the 1993 classic by Ang Lee.
Director Andrew Ahn, a Los Angeles-based Korean-American filmmaker known for his work on Netflix's 'Bridgerton,' will attend the premiere at Consolidated Theatres in Kahala and engage with the audience about his modern take on this beloved story.
Starring Bowen Yang, best known for 'Saturday Night Live,' Kelly Marie Tran of 'Star Wars' fame, and Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone, 'The Wedding Banquet' is a joyful exploration of family, culture and a twist, the film tells the story of Min, who proposes a green-card marriage to his friend Angela, hoping to avoid complications with his strict, traditional family. The plan quickly unravels when Min's grandmother shows up, throwing an extravagant Korean wedding banquet.
Ahn shared his vision for the film, emphasizing the importance of family.
Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news
'I hope when people watch 'The Wedding Banquet,' they take away this feeling of how important family is. Whether you're queer or straight, as much as we fight with each other, we also fight for each other. We want to care for each other, and our love and intimacy are worth celebrating,' Ahn explained.
The film, which features a stellar cast and heartfelt themes, will open nationwide in theaters on April 18.
HIFF's 2025 ʻŌpio Fest will run throughout the week, featuring screenings, panels, and family-friendly events at Consolidated Theatres Kahala and across Oahu.
ʻŌpio Fest highlights emerging voices in film, showcasing student films, and offering a space for the next generation of filmmakers to share their stories.
For more information on showtimes, tickets, and the full festival lineup, visit
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
