HIFF over the weekend
It’s the 30th anniversary of the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) at Dole Cannery Theatres. Over 200 films were submitted, and I was able to watch five films over the weekend. The thing that I love about HIFF is that it showcases films that shed light on a variety of issues. It also features stories that have beautifully crafted story lines and brings an assortment of people together.
“The Secrets of The Tribe”. Photo Courtesy: HIFF
The first film I watched, “Deep In the Clouds,” by Jie Liu, told a story of a remote village in China. The village faced trials and tribulations to survive amid traditions and government rule. Another film “Beijing Taxi,” by Miao Wang, followed the lives of three taxi drivers. It was interesting to see how the lives of these three taxi drivers were affected by the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. “The Secrets of The Tribe”
by Jose Padilha was an interesting film that revealed different angles surrounding the primitive Yanomami tribe of the Amazon. It discussed many different controversies among well-known anthropologists that ranged from personal to academic theories.
One of my favorites was “Chasing Rainbows” by Greg Andermann and edited by Peter K. Tang. It’s a very informative film about Civil Union Bill HB444 and uses Hawaii as its main backdrop. The film remains neutral throughout the film, interviewing psychologists, state officials and even spiritual leaders from each side of the issue. You can catch it again on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Chasing Rainbows
Thursday, October 21 at 3:30pm.
chasingrainbowsfilm.com
Twitter: @crfilm
Being Filipino, I just had to watch “Manila Skies”
by Raymond Red. The film surrounds the life of Raul, a man who has been trying his best to make money in the city of Manila in order to return home to the provinces of Romblon. The film is about an hour and a half, and the storyline is based on true events. This film kept my mind on edge and I recommend that everyone, whether you’re Filipino or not, see this film. The film is in Tagalog, but there are English subtitles. You can catch it on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Manila Skies Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
HIFF runs until Sunday, Oct. 24. We should all take advantage of film festivals like this. You’re able to learn from these films, while supporting international filmmakers and the festival itself. Happy 30th Anniversary HIFF. May you have many more to come.
Hawaii International Film Festival
Oct. 14-24
Dole Cannery Theatres
www.hiff.org (for films and ticket information)
More of Jermel-Lynn’s blogs can be found at nonstophonolulu.com/category/blogs/socialencore. Follow her on Twitter @jermel_lynn or email her at jermel@nonstophonolulu.com
