Hawaii International Film Festival faces budget deficit due to federal cuts
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii International Film Festival is bracing for a more than $200,000 funding loss as the White House moves to shut down the National Endowment for the Arts.
HIFF said it learned over the weekend that its NEA funding was canceled. The nonprofit said it also recently lost other funding sources tied to federal changes, resulting in a 20% budget deficit for the year.
In a statement, the festival said:
“These shifting policies threaten the success of independent cinema, film festivals, community spaces, and the existence of the NEA itself.
This sudden loss of funding presents a significant challenge for HIFF. Nevertheless, we remain committed to moving forward with our Fall Festival, free educational programs for students throughout Hawaiʻi, industry initiatives to support emerging creatives and underrepresented voices, and free year-round community screenings.
Through these programs, we will in no way change or compromise our mission to bring the best in international cinema to the people of Hawai‘i, to advance cultural exchange, and to uplift and provide opportunities for Hawai‘i’s creatives to produce, network, and collaborate.”
HIFF is putting a call out for donations to stay afloat.
Click here for more information and to donate.
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