"Crazy Rich Asians" I saw this fantastic movie four times prior to this! I went with different friends in Kaneohe, Honolulu, and in California! Each time was enjoyable and thought provoking! So...when my friend, Amy M., suggested that we see this movie AGAIN, I said "yes" right away! I had been to this venue several times before this. I knew the drill... go early and park for free across the street at South Shore Market in Ward Village, then stand in line outside the gate to the IBM Courtyard. The gate is supposed to open at 6pm. That's why we aimed to be there at 5pm because the seating is first come, first served, except for the HIFF (Hawaii International Film Festival) members. They get a special line and enter first. The walk-in people get in last. There are monitors who decide when to start the next row of people when the line gets too long. The monitors also check tickets and distribute wristbands. This Valentine's Day evening was rainy, so a tent was in place. There was also a table filled with bags of complimentary popcorn for each guest! The comfy sofas in the front were reserved for people who won VIP Seats via an Instagram contest! We were early enough to sit on the slightly padded wooden folding chairs in the first row on the right side. The middle section's front row had reserved seating for the HIFF Members. The movie started around 7pm when it was dark enough. Overall, this is a unique venue because of the cool Hawaiian trade winds. In the summer, when it's not raining, there's no tent - which allows a beautiful view of the sunset colors in the sky! The fancy restroom is convenient. Food trucks and restaurants are nearby so you can bring your food in and enjoy a totally wonderful experience! read more

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This series of free movie showings is perfect for families, friends, and even going solo! Tips: Bring jackets/blankets. Some people even brought umbrellas (worth it during the rainy months). Bring your own snacks and beverages! Check-in starts at 6pm. The actual showing begins at 7pm. When you get your bracelet upon checking in, get yourself a seat then you can go in and out (grab a poke bowl from Paina!) Seats start filling EARLY, at least for Free Solo (maybe it was particularly popular?). If you have a big group, get there around 6pm. read more

This is such a great event for the community to come together with their families and enjoy a movie together. I was greeted by staff that were very pleasant. I was also given some popcorn for every person in my party. On my invitation and ticket it says it started at 6 p.m. but unfortunately it did it and I understand why. The sun will still up so it was hard to see the projector screen the movie probably didn't start until about 7 720. We weren't able to bring in any outside food unless it was purchased directly from the lunch truck located right side outside the event. So we did order some dinner from that lunch truck. We got chili and shoyu chicken. It was very tasty. Unfortunately they did not have any drinks for sale and all drinks had to be purchased from inside at the bar. Water and soda were $2 each and alcohol was more. The bathrooms were a little strange to me because it was sort of a co-ed bathroom and nowadays it's kind of hard to trust that type of situation. So even though my kid is 10 I felt like I still had to accompany them to the restroom because of this Factor. Both of men and women's bathroom were conjoined by the sinks the sinks were shared. To the right of the things that women could go in to the left of the sinks was the men's side even though I was slightly segregated it was so strange however the bathrooms we're beautiful. Overall I will definitely be coming back. read more

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Loved this HIFF sponsored presentation in support of LGBTQI-Pride Month... the film showed was such an ideal choice! "LOVE SIMON" seen previews, never made it in time to view in theaters. I think I seen it available on Netflix or Red Box, but overlooked it. I'm glad I attended this special event that was free. All it required was to register with Event Brite and print tickets, stand in line and enter upon doors opening. Exactly what fits my lifestyle... totally convenient! The movie was like real life drama/comedy with parts that will make you cry regardless if you're a sensitive-type. It offered a view of real type of issues young people struggle with and many who can relate one way or another. The movie was about tolerance for differences, fear of judgment and coming out. In addition, it pointed out other aspects of bullying, advocacy, value of friendships and the list goes on. Ultimately it's an ideal film depicting identity and being proud of who you are... The venue was nice being it was outdoors under the huge circus-like tent. I like the setup with comfy chairs and it was on a first-come-first serve seating arrangement, so the wait in line for a half hour wasn't bad at all. It would be pretty cool to be under the stars, but I get with the unpredictable weather, it is safer we were sheltered since at least the breeze helped! I also liked how they offered a bar, but prices were excessive for non-alcoholic beverages at $3 each (bottle water & can soda). Supposedly it's okay to bring in outside food, yet drinks needed to be purchased in-house. I was perplexed when I observed other folks bringing in outside beverages like iced-coffee, etc. They did have 'Olay Thai' as a food vendor. I love their food when I opt to stop in at the farmers markets. It would be cool if they had another food vendor or two so patrons have a variety of options. 'OLAY' offered a whole bunch of variety from panang curry, lemon grass fried chicken, bbq's sticks, spring rolls. Etc. The best part was prices were reasonable for the quality and quantity. But, I was super impressed with the temperature the food was served. They had trays on the typical sterno heaters under a pop up tent, yet it was restaurant style like freshly ordered food that was hot and ready. Not too much complaints. Glad I spent my Thursday night doing something out of the ordinary. It was exactly what i needed to unwind after a long day. I'll definitely pass along my positive experience and will look out for the next event that will be held here. If I heard correctly, they offer movies often. I just cant remember if it's every Thursdays or once a month. But, I'll be back... Btw, side note... Kudos for IBM who lit up their building with rainbow colors in honor of the upcoming "Honolulu Pride Festival"... They reported this year will be first time 100 participants in the parade and first for Pride parade to be televised... read more

Ever wanted to watch films in an outdoor setting, where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the breeze under the moonlit night, and it's free? Look no further than the Courtyard Cinema held at the Ward Village Courtyard at the former IBM Building. Every month on the 2nd Thursday, from 6pm- 9pm, you can watch a free film shown that night. Check out the website at www.wardvillage.com for Courtyard Cinema schedule and film showing. Remember, even though it's free, you still have to register online by entering your name , email address, and how many people are going. Go to the Eventbrite website, or the Ward Village website to click on the RSVP button and it brings you to the Eventbrite page. Once you click the RSVP button, enter your information, and they get your request, an email is sent with your ticket. Print out the ticket, or add on via mobile to Apple Wallet or Google Play for your iPhone or Android device. You need to bring the ticket so they can scan you for entry, and they put a wristband around you so you have in/out privileges that night. Doors open at 6pm, movie starts somewhere between 6:45pm-7pm. Usually by 5:30pm, there's already a line of people waiting to get in, but no worries, you can arrive a litte after 6pm if you're not one of those types that want frow row seats or something. There's always a food truck in front near the entrance that rotates every month, and once you enter, grab a bag or two of free popcorn. Also, no worries here about trying to sneak in food and drinks, cause you're allowed to bring in your own goodies to munch on. Of course, you can always check out a variety of eateries out in the Ward Village area from Ward Center, South Shore Market, or Ward Entertainment Center. Bring a jacket and blanket for those cold, chilly days, and parking is so convenient, since you can park in any of the structures in the Ward Village area. Of course, no worries about restrooms either if you need to relieve yourself. So, if you don't have anything planned, come out and watch a film for your viewing enjoyment! read more

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