Vilcek Foundation Announces 2026 New American Perspectives Program at HIFF
News related to:The Vilcek Foundation · 2 min read
HONOLULU, Oct. 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Vilcek Foundation, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF), has announced the 2026 New American Perspectives (NAP) program, which will run on O'ahu from October 21 to November 5, 2026. This program, a mainstay of the festival for the past two decades, will spotlight five immigrant filmmakers through screenings and special events, including a master class with Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan.
The NAP program is designed to celebrate the powerful impact of diversity in contemporary cinema in the United States. This year, the program will feature a panel discussion, a book talk, and a master class by Quan. The distinguished group of guest filmmakers includes Henry Ian Cusick, Liz Sargent, Alex Tarrant, and Michelle Zhou. These filmmakers will participate in Q&A sessions following select screenings and will also engage with K-12 classrooms in Hawaiʻi as part of HIFF's Guest Filmmaker Program.
HST at Honolulu Civil Beat, 3650 Waialae Ave, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96816. This event will bring together NAP guest filmmakers Henry Ian Cusick, Liz Sargent, Alex Tarrant, and Michelle Zhou to discuss their careers and the importance of diversity in the filmmaking landscape.
On November 1, Ke Huy Quan will host a book talk for his debut work, "Never Say Die: A Memoir," at da Shop: books + curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, at 11:30 a.m. HST. Following the book talk, Quan will lead a master class discussion. This event will be held at Consolidated Kahala Theatres, 4211 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, at 2:00 p.m. HST, where Quan will also screen his classic film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."
The NAP program will also showcase the following films:
- "Los Vampires," directed by Carlos Villarías and starring Henry Ian Cusick. This meta-horror film is set in 1930s Hollywood and will premiere in the United States on October 26 and 27 at 7:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. respectively, at Consolidated Kahala Theatres, 4211 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
- "Take Me Home," directed by and starring Liz Sargent. This intimate drama follows a Korean American adoptee and her family as they confront an uncertain future. The film will screen on October 24 and 25 at 6:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. respectively, at Consolidated Kahala Theatres, 4211 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
- "Sgt. Haane," directed by Tearepa Kahi and starring Alex Tarrant. This powerful film explores the legacy of a Māori hero who led a daring assault on the fortress of Takrouna during World War II. The film will premiere on October 23 and 30 at 6:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. respectively, at Consolidated Kahala Theatres, 4211 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
- "Big Little Things," directed by Michelle Zhou. This film explores the complexities of familial obligation and cultural expectations. The film will screen on October 25 and 28 at 8:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. respectively, at Consolidated Kahala Theatres, 4211 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
These films and events are part of the Vilcek Foundation's mission to raise awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and foster appreciation for the arts and sciences. The NAP program is a testament to the importance of diverse voices in the film industry and the impact of immigrant filmmakers on contemporary cinema.