Last month’s news that Hawaii International Film Festival executive director Robert Lambeth will leave the organization in 2017 hasn’t deterred one of the festival’s major sponsors from renewing their support for “at least another three years.”

“We are thrilled to announce … that we are renewing our title sponsorship of (HIFF),” Halekulani chief operating officer Peter Shaindlin said during a press conference this morning to open the festival, which runs through Nov. 13 on Oahu before traveling to Hawaii island and Kauai from Nov. 17 through Nov. 20. “The energy of this film festival is extraordinary. We love the arts at Halekulani, but this one is really fun.”

Lambeth announced he would officially resign next summer in order to take care of his ailing mother in California.

HIFF director of programming Anderson Le also confirmed the festival will partner with Walt Disney Animation Studios to host a private screening of the upcoming CG-animated film “Moana,” which stars the voice of 15-year-old Mililani resident Auli’i Cravalho alongside those of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Nicole Scherzinger. A select group of VIP guests will be treated to the special screening on Nov. 16, two days after “Moana” makes its world premiere at AFI Fest in Los Angeles.

HIFF officially begins its 36th year tonight with opening night film “The Last Princess” from South Korea, followed by centerpiece film “Lion” featuring “Slumdog Millionaire” star Dev Patel. The closing night film, “Your Name,” is an animated feature by Makoto Shinkai.

The annual HIFF awards gala on Nov. 11 at the Halekulani will honor Hong Kong-based actor Simon Yam, Oscar Award-winning producer Nicole Ronklin and actress and martial arts star Cheng Pei-Pei.

More than 160 films from 41 countries are scheduled to be screened during this year’s HIFF, including 19 United States premieres, 22 international premieres and 19 world premiere showings. Ticket prices start at $14, with discounts available for seniors, military, students, children and HIFF Ohana members. Visit hiff.org for more information and a complete schedule or call 447-0577.