Hawai’i International Film Festival 2025: ‘We Are Aliens’ Wins Top Jury Prize; Ke Huy Quan and Sung Kang Honored

Japanese director Kadowaki Kōhei’s animated feature “We Are Aliens” took the Kau Ka Hōkū (Shooting Star) Award at the 46th Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF), presented by Hawaiian Airlines. The jury prize, reserved for an international film, was announced at an awards reception at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikīkī on Nov. 1. The festival also honored actor Ke Huy Quan and “Fast & Furious” star Sung Kang, underscoring the event’s growing global profile. Kadowaki’s win highlights the strength of Japanese animation on the international festival circuit, while the honorees reflect HIFF’s commitment to celebrating Asian and Asian-American talent in Hollywood. With record attendance and a diverse slate, the 46th edition reinforces Hawai’i’s role as a vital bridge between Pacific Rim cinema and the wider film industry.