HONOLULU (KHON2) -- This October, the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) is bringing together filmmakers and movie lovers from around the globe to celebrate diverse stories and voices. One standout feature for the 2024 festival is "Grafted", a gripping horror film directed by Sasha Rainbow. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Sasha Rainbow, a New Zealand filmmaker, shared how she stumbled into filmmaking. "I became a filmmaker totally by accident," she explained. Rainbow had always been creative but never considered a career in film. "I loved movies so much, but I didn’t know that you could do it as a job." Although New Zealand has a thriving film industry, she didn’t realize filmmaking could be a career until later in life. Initially, Rainbow pursued fashion design since she believed it would lead to a creative job. However, she found herself more interested in styling and working on photoshoots. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to London. An ex-boyfriend, a musician, needed a music video, so she rallied friends, spent a small budget, and created it. "He ended up getting signed to Island Records," she recalled. Suddenly, she was in demand. "They asked me to do his next music video. I was freaked out, but I realized I had been doing all the things a director does." For Rainbow, filmmaking became a continuous learning experience. She explored documentaries and music videos which eventually led her to work on "Grafted". "Everybody has a story to tell," she said. "It doesn’t have to be through film or writing. It can be through how you engage with your community, the food you cook, or how you bring people together." Reflecting on her journey, she recognized that she has always had a camera in her life since she was five. A special moment came when she and her sister won a camcorder in a contest. "I documented everything during my university years, but I never thought of myself as a filmmaker until much later," Rainbow remembered. Rainbow’s worldview is deeply rooted in her family’s political history. "I come from a very political family," she explained. Her grandfather was a political prisoner, and her father was the first Green Party member in New Zealand. "These conversations shaped my perspective." After a frank discussion with her grandmother, who encouraged her to use her filmmaking for something meaningful, Rainbow realized she wanted her work to reflect her values and passions. "My creative voice is about telling stories that matter," she said. "I feel a strong conviction that when I take on a project, it’s essential that I’m talking about something I care about." Rainbow said she aims to blend entertainment with deeper themes as she believes that films should leave audiences with new thoughts or reflections. Rainbow shared that "Grafted"'s intriguing plot tells the story of a Chinese student who comes to New Zealand with a scholarship to continue her father's scientific research. The film opens with her childhood and her father's struggle to help her overcome societal pressures regarding a genetic birthmark. "He was determined to fix her," she said. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes; and the story jumps ten years into the future where she attempts to reshape her own identity. As the main character navigates university life, she faces challenges trying to fit in with her cool but cruel cousin and her social group. "When things fall apart, she decides to take science into her own hands," Rainbow teased, hinting at the film's thrilling direction. Despite the horror genre's intensity, Rainbow assures audiences that "Grafted" contains elements of satire and humor, making it accessible even to those who might be hesitant about horror films. "It’s a darkly funny body horror film," she described. The film is expected to entertain while also addressing serious themes about identity and belonging. Rainbow expressed excitement about her first visit to Hawaii. "Coming here feels like coming home," she said, drawing connections between Hawaii and New Zealand's Pacific cultures. She appreciates the kindness of the people at the festival and has relished her time at the North Shore. The Vilcek Foundation, a nonprofit supporting immigrant artists, has been a significant part of this year's festival. Liz Boylan, a communications officer for the foundation, highlighted their mission: to showcase the stories of immigrant filmmakers. "This program is a way for us to center immigrant voices," she stated. The collaboration between the Vilcek Foundation and HIFF aims to uplift diverse narratives and perspectives. As "Grafted" hits HIFF screens, audiences are eager to see how Rainbow’s unique vision unfolds on screen. "It’s an unfolding adventure," she said of the filmmaking process. As the festival continues, the blend of compelling storytelling and community spirit makes HIFF a special event for all involved. For those interested, tickets for "Grafted" and other films can be purchased online by clicking here. As audiences gather to watch these stories, they can expect a journey through various experiences that reflect the complexities of identity, culture and belonging. Rainbow's film screens on Oct. 12 at 9:15 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 8:30 p.m. at Kahala Theaters. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 With a mix of horror, humor and heartfelt storytelling, "Grafted" promises to be a highlight of this year’s festival as viewers explore deeper themes while enjoying a thrilling cinematic experience. Don't miss the chance to catch this exciting film!