The Waikiki Beach International Film Festival (WBIFF) is a global celebration of cinema that brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and film lovers from around the world in the vibrant and iconic setting of Waikiki Beach.

Dedicated to showcasing powerful storytelling, artistic excellence, and diverse voices, WBIFF features a curated selection of international feature films, short films, documentaries, experimental works, and student films across multiple genres and cultures.

Our mission is to create a platform where emerging and established filmmakers can connect, inspire, and gain global recognition, while audiences experience cinema that entertains, educates, and sparks meaningful conversations.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hawaii’s world-famous beaches, the festival offers:

1. Film screenings from around the globe
2. Awards and official selections
3. Filmmaker networking opportunities
4. Cultural exchange and creative collaboration

The Waikiki Beach International Film Festival is more than a film event—it is a meeting point of cinema, creativity, and culture, celebrating storytelling without borders.

The officially selected project in each season receives WBIFF laurel. All seasonal Award Winners receive laurel and customised certificate.

The awards are given in the following categories:

Best Narrative Feature (>30 mins)
Best Short Film (<30 mins)
Best Animated Film
Best Director Work
Best Producer
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor/Actress
Best Music Director
Best Film Score
Best VFX Artist
Best Documentary Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Student Film
Best VR/AR/360° Film
Best Animation Film
Best Silent Film
Best Women's Film
Best Drone Film
Best Mobile Film
Best Debut Filmmaker
Best Horror/Science Fiction Film
Best Music Video
Best Comedy Film
Best Romantic Film
Best Educational Film
Best Cinematography
Best Trailer
Debut Filmmaker
Student Film
Best Screenplay & lots more.


Besides the CATEGORY AWARDS, there are also OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS, AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS and HONOURABLE MENTION AWARDS, which are given, in all categories.

1. Eligibility
The festival is open to filmmakers worldwide.
Submissions are accepted in the following categories:

Feature Films
Short Films
Documentaries
Student Films
Experimental / New Media

Films of any genre and language are eligible.

2. Production Date

Films must have been completed within the last 10 years
Work-in-progress films may be accepted if clearly mentioned during submission.

3. Runtime Guidelines

Feature Films: Over 40 minutes
Short Films: Up to 40 minutes
Student / Experimental Films: No strict limit, but concise storytelling is encouraged

4. Language & Subtitles

Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
Subtitles must be clear, readable, and properly synced.

5. Multiple Entries
Filmmakers may submit multiple films, but each film requires a separate submission and fee.

By submitting a film, the entrant agrees to all rules and terms of the Waikiki Beach International Film Festival.