With three days of sold out screenings, over 3,500 people in attendance and numerous premieres and parties, the 2nd annual New York Surf Film Festival (NYSFF) wrapped up on Sunday with an Awards Ceremony and after party at Red Bull Space.

The 2009 NYSFF, held September 25th-27th, featured an unprecedented arrangement of 36 films from around the world, intimate Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and lively parties with libations courtesy of Wild Rock Wine and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

At the awards ceremony, festival co-founder Tyler Breuer acted as the emcee presenting the winner in The Best Feature Film category to “Sea of Darkness”, directed by Michael Oblowitz, a modern day pirate tale portraying the ship Indies Trader and the men who sailed it.

Special recognition was also given in The Best Short Film category, awarding director Joshua Berry for “All Points South”, a film about how surfers and fisherman in Southern Chile are joining forces to fight against the rampant pollution from the pulp industry.

The esteemed Viewers Choice Award For Best Feature Presented by Jet Blue and The Dominican Republic deservingly went to “Out of Place”, directed by Scott Ditzenberger. “Out of Place” is an insider’s perspective of the small, underground community of Lake Erie surfers in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Viewers Choice Award For Best Short Presented by Jet Blue and The Dominican Republic went to “Runman’s  Groms: Lil Ray and his Friends”, Runman’s latest about Lil Ray the grom, other groms, and adults that act like groms.

Other highlights of the weekend included a question and answer session with legendary surfer Rob Machado, live performances by Beau Young, Denny Aaberg and Andrew Kidman and the Brown Birds from Windy Hill, and a photography gallery presented by Tcolla and Jack Brull.

At the Awards Ceremony there was a surfboard raffle to benefit The Surfrider Foundation’s NYC Chapter, Surf Aid, WAVES for Development and Surfers Healing. A surfboard was shaped for each cause by local and Californian shapers Josh Hall of Josh Hall Surfboards, Mike Becker of Nature Shapes, Mark Petrocelli of Faktion Surfboards, and Joey “Clams” Falcone of Grey Ghost Surfboards.  The NYSFF happily accepted a generous donation from the George C Fund to support these charities.

The inaugural Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) announced it will open with a special screening of director Mira Nair’s “Amelia,” a thrilling account of legendary aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart starring two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank and Golden Globe® winner Richard Gere. Organizers also revealed the 32 films that will comprise the rest of the Festival’s film slate. 12 of the films have roots in the Middle East and the balance is a diverse selection of acclaimed titles from the international festival circuit, from both emerging and established directors. The DTFF will run from October 29 to November 1, 2009 in Doha, Qatar.

Festival activities will be centred at the internationally-acclaimed, I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, an architectural homage to modernity and history that underscores the unique character of Doha. In addition, open-air screenings around the city will include a showing of the 1969 Egyptian film, “The Mummy (Al-Momia).” This classic, a restored print presented by Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Foundation, will be shown outdoors at the Souq Waqif, a traditional Middle Eastern bazaar in the heart of Doha.

The film program is highlighted by such titles as “Cairo Time,” starring Patricia Clarkson, “A Serious Man,” the critically hailed new film from Academy Award® winners Joel and Ethan Coen, and “The Informant!” from director Steven Soderbergh, a Warner Bros. release starring Matt Damon.

“We’ve programmed this slate with the local audience at the forefront of our minds. We are creating an exciting and varied film festival experience by bringing some of the best Arab and international films to Doha,” said Amanda Palmer, Executive Director of DTFF.  “We are proud of the commitment of our attending filmmakers, who will help us take cinema appreciation to a new level here. These filmmakers will share their storytelling by not only showing their films, but by also engaging in other film-related activities, such as workshops and classes, throughout the Festival.”

“The film program was curated through a true collaboration between our programming team in Doha and New York,” said Geoff Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “We believe the line-up for our first festival reflects the genuineness of that cultural partnership and is embodied in the remarkable diversity and aesthetic range of the work.”

“I am honoured to present ”Amelia” as the Opening Night of the inaugural Doha Tribeca Film Festival,” said Mira Nair. “Amelia was truly modern, a visionary, and my film explores her quest for balance between the ecstasy of the sky and the responsibility of the earth. It is, in a sense, an action adventure, with Hilary Swank as the true embodiment of the spiritual power of Amelia Earhart.”

DTFF was founded through a long-term partnership between the Qatar Museums Authority and Tribeca Enterprises. Uniquely Qatari in its identity, the Festival is modelled on the success of Tribeca Film Festival’s dedication to engage the local community and promote filmmaking talent. Its ongoing aim is to inspire, engage and educate a new generation of cinema appreciation locally; discover, mentor and fund regional filmmaking talent; foster a community through art and entertainment; and encourage open discussion and debate.

Festival organizers also announced that in its first year, 31 of the 33 films in the line-up will be eligible for two audience-based awards each carrying unrestricted cash prizes amounting to $50,000 (USD).  Audience award winners will be announced at DTFF’s closing night ceremony on November 1, 2009.  During the ceremony, the Festival will also announce a screenplay development and filmmaker grant program, illustrating its commitment to develop and support filmmakers year-round in the region.

The following is a list of all of the titles:

• About Elly (Darbareye Elly), directed and written by Asghar Farhadi. (Iran) - Qatar Premiere. Sepideh (Golshifteh Farahani) plans a weekend getaway with friends and invites her son’s kindergarten teacher, Elly (Taraneh Alidousti) to join, but a well-intentioned game of romance quickly turns tragic when she disappears. Saving face overtakes telling the truth as fear and guilt ensnare the group in mystery and lies. Winner of the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival’s Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature. In Persian with English and Arabic subtitles.

• Amelia, directed by Mira Nair, written by Ronald Bass and Anna Hamilton Phelan. (USA) - Special Screening. From acclaimed director Mira Nair comes the thrilling story of Amelia Earhart, the woman who changed the face of aviation forever. Amelia chronicles Earhart (Two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank) from her childhood roots in rural Kansas, through her early days as an adventurous student of the most respected male aviators, and to her rise to fame and subsequently heartbreaking disappearance on her world-renowned mission around the world in 1937. Golden Globe® winner Richard Gere stars as Earhart’s husband, promoter and publishing magnate George P. Putnam and Ewan McGregor stars as her long time friend and lover, pilot Gene Vidal. In English with Arabic subtitles. Fox Searchlight.

• Assila, directed by Thamer Al Zedi, written by Fedina Lydia and Itiqal Al Tair. (Hungary, UAE, Lebanon, Egypt) - World Premiere. Iraqi filmmaker Al-Zedi creates a stunning and artistic world to take families on an animated journey into the life of beautiful mare, Assila. Abandoned as a filly and facing death, Assila finds happiness when rescued by village children. When her new life is threatened years later, Assila is forced to run the most challenging race of her life. With themes of family, loyalty, love and courage, Assila is an inspirational story for the whole family. In Arabic with English subtitles.

• Big River Man, directed by John Maringouin. (USA/UK) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Martin Strel - overweight and over 50 - attempts the world’s longest, most dangerous swim: 3,375 miles down the Amazon battling gangs, isolated tribes, crocodiles, toxic waste, lethal whirlpools, and toothy piranhas. Plus, he does all this while guzzling two bottles of wine a day while under the watchful gaze of filmmaker John Maringouin. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• Bright Star, directed and written by Jane Campion. (UK/Australia) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Truly a transcendent work, Bright Star chronicles the final years of poet John Keats and the one love affair of his life. While avoiding the usual clichés of period dramas, filmmaker Jane Campion brilliantly realizes the 19th century world’s distinction between passion and sex.  Abbie Cornish’s portrayal of Keat’s love, Fanny Brawne, is particularly exquisite.  In English with Arabic subtitles.

• Buried Secrets (Dowaha), directed and written by Raja Amari. (Tunisia/Switzerland/France) - Qatar Premiere. Living ‘below stairs’ in an abandoned estate is a strict Tunisian woman and her two daughters, happily hidden from the world until a free-spirited couple and their children move into the house.  Filmmaker Raja Amari takes a camera and intrudes on characters who are intruding on each other in a way that proves no secret can stay buried.  In Arabic with English subtitles.

• Cairo Time, directed and written by Ruba Nadda. (Canada/Ireland) - Middle Eastern Premiere. In a poignant story about a woman, her missing husband, and his best friend, Ruba Nadda directs powerful yet restrained performances from Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig. While awaiting her husband’s return, Juliette (Clarkson) and Tareq (Siddig) fall into a friendship that says what words never can, and that forever changes their world. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• Capitalism: A Love Story, directed by Michael Moore. (USA) - Qatar Premiere. Once again, documentary filmmaker Michael Moore turns his critical, richly engaging, and deeply satirical storytelling on the world, and particularly America’s, crisis. In a film about the failures of capitalism, Moore analyzes what he calls “the biggest robbery in the history of the United States.” In English with Arabic subtitles.

• Coco Before Chanel (Coco avant Chanel), directed by Anne Fontaine, written by Camille Fontaine. (France) - Middle Eastern Premiere. From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of fashion and style, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel always followed her heart.  Here, filmmaker Anne Fontaine directs Audrey Tautou in a graceful embodiment of the reluctant courtesan and budding genius who would become one of the greatest style icons of all time. Benoît Poelvoorde, as the doting heir Étienne Balsan, and Alessandro Nivola, his British colleague, round out the dynamic cast.  In French with English and Arabic subtitles.

• An Education, directed by Lone Scherfig, written by Nick Hornby. (UK) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Rebellion and repression are percolating through the world of pre-Beatles England just as 16 year old Jenny meets a much older suitor/teacher. As Jenny learns the ways of the world - of smoke and art and music not her mother’s - she confronts the classic coming of age questions in a film that perfectly blends realism and poetry. Recipient of the audience award at Sundance International Film Festival. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• The Greatest, directed and written by Shana Feste. (USA) - Middle Eastern Premiere. In The Greatest, director Shana Feste literally opens a door to welcome you home to a family of grief. When the Brewer’s son suddenly and unexpectedly dies, his mother, father, and brother all spiral into their own particular neurosis. Until, that is, the dead son’s girlfriend shows up and everything changes. Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan star as mother and father Brewer. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• Harry Brown, directed by Daniel Barber and written by Gary Young. (UK) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Michael Caine portrays ex-marine Harry Brown, a lonely widower with only one friend in the world. When that friend is killed by the neighborhood gang, Harry takes matters into his own hands to find those responsible. Director Daniel Barber’s camera takes us deep into the dank streets and decaying crack houses of modern day London, while also taking us deep into the minds of men. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• The Informant!, directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Scott Z. Burns and Kurt Eichenwald.  (USA) - Qatar Premiere. Steven Soderbergh’s latest opus tracks the playful, quirky and self-conscious journey of corporate executive turned government spy Mark Whitacre, played by delightful Matt Damon. As eccentric and true to period as we have come to expect of Soderbergh’s films, The Informant! captures imagination and attention.  In English with Arabic subtitles. Warner Bros.

• Kobe Doin’ Work, directed by Spike Lee. (USA) - International Premiere. With unprecedented access and utilizing 30 cameras, Spike Lee brings the audience onto the court with superstar Kobe Bryant as his Lakers battle the Spurs in a game with major playoff implications. Through pre-game prep, fast breaks, team huddles, and post-game interviews, it’s just another day at the office for one of the NBA’s best. In English with Arabic subtitles. An ESPN Films presentation.

• London River, directed by Rachid Bouchareb, written by Rachid Bouchareb, Olivier Lorelle, and Zoé Galeron. (UK/France/Algeria ) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Taking its cue from any culture clash, London River bridges the worlds of two parents of the suspected victims in the aftermath of the July 2005 bombings. British Elisabeth (Brenda Blethyn) is initially wary of French African Ousmane (Sotigui Kouyaté), but the two soon find a connection that brings them together despite it all. In English and French with English and Arabic subtitles.

• The Mummy (Al-Momia), directed by Shadi Abdel Salam. (Egypt) - Qatar Premiere. The Mummy is a film about history rich with questions of heritage, ancestry and respect. The film discusses survival versus death and carries a kind of sadness about our mortality and morality. Filmed in 1969, this important Egyptian film has been painstakingly and beautifully restored by Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Foundation. In Arabic with English subtitles.

Restored in 2008 by The World Cinema Foundation at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata Laboratory with the support of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture from the original sound and camera negative preserved by the Egyptian Film Centre.

• No One Knows About Persian Cats (Kasi az gorbehaye irani khabar nadareh), directed by Bahman Ghobadi, written by Bahman Ghobadi, Roxana Saberi, and Hossein M. Abkenar. (Iran) - Qatar Premiere. Director Bahman Ghobadi penetrates Tehran’s underground music movement as he follows two teens on their attempt to form a new band.  At times critical and at times beautiful, No One Knows About Persian Cats is a love/hate letter to Tehran itself. In Persian with English and Arabic subtitles.

• One-Zero (Wahed-Sefr), directed by Kamla Abu Zekry, written by Mariam Na’oum. (Egypt)  ? Qatar Premiere. It is the final game in the Africa Cup and Egypt is playing Cameroon. The frenzied streets of Cairo are silent as everyone gathers to watch it. Eight lives cross paths at their boiling points and for a brief moment in time they find respite. Kamla Abu Zekry brings the character of Egypt alive and the issues of class, religion and gender to light in her multifarious story of contemporary Egypt.  In Arabic with English subtitles.

• Only When I Dance, directed by Beadie Finzi. (Brazil/UK) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Two teenage ballet dancers from the working-class favelas of Rio are determined to dance their way to a better life, but to do so they must grow up against harsh prejudice, doubt and some of the best dancers in the world. This inspiring documentary trails their path to beat the odds and follow their dream of making it in the elite world of professional ballet. In Portuguese, English and French with English and Arabic subtitles.

• Pomegranates and Myrrh (Al Mor wa al Rumman), directed and written by Najwa Najjar. (Palestine) - Qatar Premiere. In a beautiful feature debut, filmmaker Najwa Najjar creates a love triangle between talented dancer, Kamar “Caramel,” the man of her dreams and newlywed husband, Zaid, and her handsome choreographer, Kais. Through examining the bittersweet reality of life under conflict in Pomegranates and Myrrh, Najjar illustrates her own stand against the occupation. Yasmine Al Massri, Ashraf Farah, and Ali Suleiman star. In Arabic, English and Hebrew with English subtitles

• Racing Dreams, directed by Marshall Curry. (USA) - Middle Eastern Premiere. What Little League is to baseball, go-karting is to auto racing. Oscar®-nominated director Marshall Curry (Street Fight) follows the exhilarating and emotional journeys of three top racers competing for the national championship. Three adolescents and their families must discover if they have the talent and dedication-and sponsorship dollars-to one day become NASCAR superstars. Winner of the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival’s Best Documentary Feature Award. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• Red Cliff (Chi bi) directed by John Woo. (China/Japan/South Korea/Taiwan/USA) - Qatar Premiere. An epic struggle of the effects of war on individual relationships and fueled by striking performances and grand battle scenes, John Woo’s Red Cliff lives up to the expectations of being the most expensive Asian film ever produced. Staring Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi, and Chang Chen among others. In Mandarin with English and Arabic subtitles.

• Road, Movie, directed and written by Dev Benegal. (India/USA) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Not interested at the prospect of overtaking his family’s hair oil business, young Vishnu jumps at the chance to drive across India. Along the way, he meets a beautiful woman, a young runaway, and a wandering old entertainer. When they are stopped by corrupt cops, they discover a secret that changes their entire journey. From the producers of In the Bedroom and Lost in Translation. In Hindi with English and Arabic subtitles.

• Samson and Delilah, directed and written by Warwick Thornton. (Australia) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Warwick Thornton’s impressive debut is a feature about survival and being saved, much as Thornton credits cinema as ’saving’ him. An unconventional love story, Samson and Delilah follows aboriginal petrol-sniffing Samson (Rowan McNamara) and indigenous Delilah (Marissa Gibson) on their road to the other side. In English and Warlpiri with Arabic subtitles.
• Scheherazade: Tell Me a Story (Ehky ya Scheherazade), directed by Yousry Nasrallah, written by Wahid Hamed. (Egypt) - Qatar Premiere. Tell me the story of women from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Weave their challenges together, and show me the fabric of the relationship between men and women. Showcase a master storyteller, and you’ll see one unforgettable ‘night’ of cinema exploring the contemporary condition of women in Cairo. In Arabic with English subtitles.

• The September Issue, directed by R.J. Cutler. (USA) - Qatar Premiere. Documentary filmmaker R.J. Cutler takes us behind the fashion, the runways, and the style into the secretive world of high fashion magazine Vogue’s iconic editor Anna Wintour. Through unprecedented access at a truly fascinating institution, Cutler both perpetuates and unravels one of the world’s best dressed myths. In English with Arabic subtitles.

• A Serious Man, directed and written by Joel and Ethan Coen. (USA) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Just, fair, and all around do-gooder Larry Gopnick really only wants a little council and a little wisdom from his Rabbi. Instead, he’s assailed by a freeloading brother, a disenchanted wife, a blackmailing student, and a dire suburb.  Joel and Ethan Coen bring together a superb cast from the Yiddish theatre for a perfectly witted chronicle of the (un)fairness of it all. In English with Arabic subtitles. Focus Features

• Sin Nombre, Cary Jôji Fukunaga. (USA/Mexico) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Good-girl Sayra of Honduras meets teen gang members Smiley and Casper of Mexico on a US-bound freight train as each is striving to claim a better life. Hugging rooftops and escaping from neighborhoods riddled with violence, these three young heros are caught up in a film of chase and romance. In Spanish with English and Arabic subtitles. Focus Features.

• Son of Babylon (Ibn Babil), directed by Mohamed Al-Daradji, written by Jennifer Norridge and Mohamed Al-Daradji. (Iraq/UK/Netherlands/France/Palestine/UAE/Qatar) - Qatar Premiere. On a journey to find her son, an elderly mother (Shazada Hussein) sets out on the 500 km journey across Iraq. As filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji follows her across a post Saddam Hussein country, he shows us a war torn world filled with the bitterness of merely surviving and the desperation/hope for a shared future. In Arabic with English subtitles.

• South of the Border, directed by Oliver Stone. (USA) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Oliver Stone set out to determine whether Venezuela President Hugo Chávez was really the “anti-American” force the media claimed he was. What ended up, however, is a film where Stone sits down with seven South American presidents and documents larger sentiments and trends between the United States and its ‘South of the Border’ neighbors. In English, Spanish and Portuguese with English and Arabic subtitles.

• Team Qatar, directed by Liz Mermin. (UK) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Equal parts competition movie and cultural examination, Team Qatar follows the first Qatari national debate team and their springy English coach as they train in Doha, London, and New York in preparation for the world championship in DC. Will this vibrant multicultural team handle the pressure and succeed on the world stage? In English with Arabic subtitles.

• The Time That Remains, directed and written by Elia Suleiman. (UK/Italy/Belgium/France) - Qatar Premiere. Nazareth-born filmmaker Elia Suleiman turns the camera toward his own family in a film that he directs, produces, and stars in.  From moments of true hilarity to the heartache of being an exile in your own land, “The Time That Remains” travels across 50 years of Palestinian history, while never letting us leave home. In Hebrew and Arabic with English and Arabic subtitles.
• Turtle: An Incredible Journey, directed by Nick Stringer, written by Melanie Finn. (UK/Austria/Germany) - Middle Eastern Premiere. Filmmaker Nick Stringer has captured the essence of struggle as he follows one loggerhead turtle from birth on a Florida beach, into the ocean, and toward the Arctic. The loggerhead turtle’s 25-year journey is one of the most treacherous and amazing migrations in nature, and Stringer has made an extraordinarily beautiful and suspense-filled film. Narrated by Miranda Richardson. In English with Arabic subtitles.

Cinephiles ready to immerse themselves in Japanese culture have 30 films from Japanese or Japanese Diaspora filmmakers to choose from this year at the 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF).

The impressive collection of films to be screened at the 11-day festival include the world premiere of SIDEWAYS, the Japanese remake of Alexander Payne’s award-winning film, the North American premiere of SNOW PRINCE from the creative team of DEPARTURES,which won the audience award last year at HIFF and a 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Anime is back at HIFF with three premieres – MAI MAI MIRACLE, EVANGELION 2.0, and FIRST SQUAD. The festival is also pleased to present AIR DOLL from director Kore-eda Hirokazu (award winning director of STILL WALKING and NOBODY KNOWS) and starring Korean starlet Bae Doona (THE HOST, LINDA LINDA LINDA, TAKE CARE OF MY CAT).

In addition, for film buffs, HIFF has programmed a special sidebar called TRIBUTE TO MADAME KAWAKITA, presenting four remastered 35mm prints of seminal Japanese classics from Akira Kurosawa, Seijun Suzuki, and Shohei Imamura. This tribute celebrates the late Kashiko Kawakita, the “Mother of Japanese cinema.” Chuck Boller, HIFF’s Executive Director says, “We are honored to celebrate Madame Kawakita’s tireless work in the promotion of Japanese cinema to other cultures with the presentation of newly remastered film prints from the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute in Tokyo.” Boller continues, “The best way to celebrate her work and the work of these cinema maestros is to not charge for these film screenings.” The film screenings from the TRIBUTE TO MADAME KAWAKITA will be free of charge.  Famed Japan scholar and film critic Donald Richie, who was also instrumental in the promotion of Japanese cinema for the past 50 years, will be presenting these fine works and conducting extended Q & As after select film screenings from this sidebar.

Another special sidebar this year is A SPOTLIGHT ON OKINAWA, presenting three films that take place on this beautiful island. Two U.S. premieres, COBALT BLUE and A MIDSUMMER OKINAWAN’S NIGHT DREAM. The Festival also will present one of the most popular Okinawan films in recent memory, NADA SOU SOU (TEARS FOR YOU).

Including the films from Japan, HIFF will be presenting films from the Japanese diaspora — WHITE ON RICE, starring Japanese actor Hiroshi Watanabe and directed by David Boyle. Watanabe (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) gives a thoroughly entertaining performance as Jimmy in this fish-out-of-water comedy. Another title is THE HARIYAMA BRIDGE, directed by Aaron Woolfolk, which will have its U.S. premiere. Starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover, thefilm addresses the bond and conflict between father and son, along with the discrimination and prejudice that exists between people.

Over 170 films from 36 different countries will be featured at this year’s festival. HIFF’s 2009 program is being held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas from October 15-25. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 1st for HIFF Ohana members and Monday, October 5th to the public. General admission tickets are available for $10 or $9 for students, seniors, children and military. Tickets may be purchased in person at HIFF’s box office at 650 Iwilei Road #101 across from Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas or by phone at (808) 548-5905. The film guide is available now online at www.hiff.org.  For more information please visit us at www.hiff.org.

FILM SYNOPSES (All screening times subject to change)

(MY HIFF: Indicates Other Films Viewers Might Like)

108

HYAKU HACHI

Spotlight on Japan

U.S. Premiere

Because of their limited talents on the field, Masato and Nobu are usually relegated to the baseball stands along with the rest of the fans, but during their senior year they make a pact to do their utmost to achieve a roster position.  Offering an interesting insight into the unique high school baseball culture in Japan, 108 (HYAKU HACHI) at its core, is a reminder to all sports enthusiasts of why we play the game. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2008 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 126M

Director:Yoshitaka Mori

Cast:Yoshiki Saito, Aoi Nakamura, Riki Takeuchi

25-Oct              3:15 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: SNOW PRINCE / DEAR LEMON LIMA

20TH CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END

20-SEIKI SHONEN: HONKAKU KAGAKU BOKEN EIGA

Spotlight on Japan

Return Engagement

It all begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write “The Book of Prophecy.” Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult led by a man only known as Friend has emerged and has gained a strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begins to occur, mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji. The only people who know about The Book are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is Friend? Can Kenji and his friends save the world in time to see the 21st Century? This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2008 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 142M

Director:Yukihiko Tsutsumi

Cast:Hideaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa

25-Oct              1:15 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: GOKUSEN / EVANGELION 2.0

20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE

20-SEIKI SHONEN: DAI 2 SHO - SAIGO NO KIBO

Spotlight on Japan

Return Engagement

It is now 2015, and Friend rules a disturbing new world. The surviving secret base members have spent the last 15 years in hiding, and finding out the truth about Friend.  They discover “The New Book of Prophecy,” the sequel to “The Book of Prophecy.” The sequel describes an event: “In 2015, at a church in Shinjuku, a savior will rise to uphold justice, but will be assassinated.” Bleak events will happen once again, but Kanna (Kenji’s 19 year-old niece) is unwavering in her vow to stop Friend. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 140M

Director:Yukihiko Tsutsumi

Cast:Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa, Airi Taira

25-Oct              4:15 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: FIRST SQUAD / REDLINE

20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION

20-SEIKI SHONEN: SAISHU-SHO - BOKURA NO HATA

Spotlight on Japan

North American Premiere

It is now 2017, and after the spread of the deadly virus in Tokyo, a wall was built around the city and people’s lives have been restricted. As World President, Friend tells everyone that on August 20, aliens will destroy mankind, and only those who believe in him will be saved. Kanna is now the leader of a group much more radical than her uncle’s team, but both continue to fight against Friend until the bitter end. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 150M

Director:Yukihiko Tsutsumi

Cast:Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa

24-Oct              6:00 PM              Dole

25-Oct              7:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: MAI MAI MIRACLE / 108

AIR DOLL

KUKI NINGYO

After Dark

U.S. Premiere

Adapted for the screen by director Kore-eda himself, the film tells the story of a life size AIR DOLL that develops a soul. On exploring the world around her, she soon falls in love with Junichi, a video store clerk. Just when everything seems perfect, an unexpected turn of events throws her fragile existence into turmoil. At the core, the film is a love story which explores the profound questions of human existence. Where do we find meaning in our own lives? What ultimately makes us human? This screening is sponsored by Giant Robot, Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 125M

Director:Kore-eda Hirokazu

Cast:Arata, Bae Du-na, Sumiko Fuji, Mari Hoshino

24-Oct              10:00 PM              Dole

25-Oct              12:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: LOVE EXPOSURE / FACE

APRIL BRIDE

YOMEI IKKAGETSU NO HANAYOME

Spotlight on Japan

North American Premiere

Based on a touching true story, this emotional drama chronicles the romance between handsome salaryman Taro (Eita) and the spirited and endearing Chie (Nana Eikura).  Even though Taro and Chie appear to be a perfect couple in love, not everything is perfect in their lives.  A crisis in Chie’s health brings the couple and their families closer together and teaches everyone to treat each day like the miracle it is. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 129M

Director:Ryuichi Hiroki

Cast:Nana Eikura, Eita, Satomi Tezuka, Misako Yasuda, Akira Emoto

17-Oct              12:45 PM              Dole

20-Oct              12:15 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: JAPANESE WIFE / NADA SOU SOU

THE BARE ESSENCE OF LIFE

URUTORA MIRAKURU RABU SUTORI

PUMA EMERGING FILMMAKERS AWARD NOMINEE

U.S. Premiere

Yojin spends his days tending to his grandmother’s vegetable garden.  One day he meets Machiko, and his need for her to like him leads to unexpected consequences.  The darling of new Japanese cinema, Satoko Yokohama confirms her talent and brilliant originality with BARE ESSENCE OF LIFE, a satisfying tale of rural eccentricity that combines black humor and fantasy with romanticism and drama. This screening is sponsored by Puma and Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 120M

Director:Satoko Yokohama

Cast:Kenichi Matsuyama, Kumiko Aso

18-Oct              2:00 PM              Dole

20-Oct              12:30 PM              Dole

BATTLE LEAGUE HORUMO

KAMOGAWA HORUMO

Spotlight on Japan

Hawaii Premiere

In Kyoto, there is the mysterious 1000 year-old tradition of the “Horumo” battle which is upheld by the four universities of the city. The battle is fought between 10 players from each team who each manipulate an army of 100 spirits (referred to as Oni) to fight their opponents. Each member goes through rigorous training to achieve fluency in the Oni language as well as learn the indefinable gestures that are required to complement it. Let the battles begin! This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 113M

Director:Katsuhide Motoki

Cast:Takayuki Yamada, Chiaki Kuriyama

19-Oct              10:00 PM              Dole

21-Oct              4:30 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: 20TH CENTURY BOYS / A MILLION

BLACK RAIN

KUROI AME

FREE PUBLIC SCREENING

A Tribute to Madame Kawakita

The title refers to the radioactive fallout which descended upon the ruined city of Hiroshima after the dropping of the first atomic bomb. Young bride-to-be Yoshiko Tanaka has the misfortune to be visiting Hiroshima on the day of the explosion, but incredibly, she is unhurt. Unfortunately, her townsmen have been profoundly affected by the “black rain;” over the next five years, the poison in their systems slowly but surely erodes their souls. Yoshiko’s life is shattered as surely as if the bomb had disintegrated her upon impact. This screening is sponsored by NETPAC.

Japan1989 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 123M

Director:Shohei Imamura

Cast:Yoshiko Tanaka, Kazuo Kitamura, Etsuko Ichihara, Shoichi Ozawa

18-Oct              2:45 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: HARIMAYA BRIDGE / THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLF

COBALT BLUE

GUNJO: AI GA SHIZUNDA UMI NO IRO

Spotlight on Okinawa

North American Premiere

Love and loss course through two generations on a remote island in Okinawa. A fatally ill Tokyo pianist, Yukiko Morishita (Misato Tanaka) comes to this small fishing community, falls in love with a fisherman (Kuranosuke Sasaki), and dies after giving birth to a daughter, Ryoko (Masami Nagasawa). After a tragic diving accident takes her lover and childhood friend, Kazuya (Shinji Rachi), Ryoko retreats into silent mourning until her father, community, and Daisuke (Seiji Fukushi) slowly bring her back. This screening is sponsored by WUB, Center for Japanese Studies and Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 119M

Director:Yosuke Nakagawa

Cast:Masami Nagasawa, Seiji Fukushi, Kuranosuke Sasaki

23-Oct              8:15 PM              Dole

24-Oct              8:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: NADA SOU SOU / MIDSUMMER OKINAWAN NIGHT’S DREAM

DANCE SUBARU

SUBARU

Spotlight on Japan

U.S. Premiere

Subaru is a naturally gifted ballerina who grew up in the shadow of her mother and brother’s illness.  Striving to be the best, she refines her dance skills through unconventional methods ranging from training in a cabaret to learning hip-hop.  Subaru’s ultimate challenge comes in the form of a prestigious competition where she learns that the road to becoming a professional dancer is filled with friends and rivals, happiness and sadness, as well as lessons learned. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 105M

Director:Chi-Ngai Lee

Cast:Yuta Hiraoka, Ara, Toshio Kakei, Ken Maeda

21-Oct              8:45 PM              Dole

23-Oct              9:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: QUICK QUICK SLOW SLOW / HONOKAA BOY

EVANGELION: 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE

EVANGERION SHIN GEKIJOBAN: HA

Asian Showcase

North American Premiere

After not seeing his father for more than eight years, Shinji Ikari receives a phone call, in which he is told to urgently come to the NERV Headquarters, an organization that deals with the destruction of the Angels through the use of giant mechs called Evas. Shinji’s objective is to pilot the Eva Unit 01,while teaming up with the Eva Unit 00 pilot, Ayanami Rei. This screening is sponsored by DHL, The Japan Foundation and Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 108M

Director:Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki

Cast:Megumi Hayashibara, Maaya Sakamoto, Megumi Ogata

24-Oct              9:45 PM              Dole

25-Oct              8:45 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: FIRST SQUAD / GOKUSEN

FLAVOR OF HAPPINESS

SHIAWASE NO KAORI

Spotlight on Japan

Hawaii Premiere

When Wan collapses with a minor stroke that leaves him unable to work, Takako begs him to take her on as an apprentice, so that his cooking will live on. Having no wife or heir, Wan agrees. He sees Takako not just as a successor but as a kindred spirit whose love for good food approaches his own. However, this is not the happy ending, but the start of grueling trials that test Takako’s mettle and resolve. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2008 | Japanese, Mandarin w/ English subtitles | 124M

Director:Mitsuhiro Mihara

Cast:Miki Nakatani, Tatsuya Fuji, Kei Tanaka

21-Oct              6:00 PM              Dole

23-Oct              3:30 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: NORIBEN / ANTIQUE

GOKUSEN THE MOVIE

Spotlight on Japan

North American Premiere

At first glance, Kumiko Yamaguchi seems like she can be easily intimidated, but much to everyone’s surprise, she remains unfazed by her students’ shenanigans.  Her courage and discipline comes from being raised by a family who also happens to be a feared yakuza clan.  With her strong sense of justice and her fierce brawling abilities, Kumiko follows her principles and upholds honor to solve the problems that trouble her students. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 118M

Director:Toya Sato

Cast:Yukie Nakama, Mokomichi Hayami, Jingi Irie, Yuma Ishigaki

16-Oct              6:00 PM              Dole

17-Oct              2:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: 20TH CENTURY BOYS / DANCE SUBARU

HALF KENNETH

SHORT PROGRAM#1

Kenneth, a Japanese American during WWII, hatches a planto escape from the internment camps and find his Caucasian mother. This screening is sponsored by Vitamin Water.

USA 2009 / Japanese w/ Emglish subtitles / 22m

Director: Ken Ochiai

16-Oct              5:45 PM              Dole

THE HARIMAYA BRIDGE

American Indies

U.S. Premiere

An American father travels to rural Japan to claim some important items belonging to his late son, from whom he was estranged. Taking place in Kochi, a rural part of Japan where traditional customs remain strong, he learns several significant secrets his son left behind. THE HARIMAYA BRIDGE is a strong human drama that addresses the bond and conflict between father and son, along with the discrimination and prejudice that exists between people.

Japan, South Korea, United States2009 | English, Japanese w/ English subtitles | 120M

Director:Aaron Woolfolk

Cast:Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, Danny Glover

16-Oct              6:30 PM              Dole

19-Oct              12:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: TALENTIME / PRECIOUS

HONOKAA BOY

HONOKAA BOI

Spotlight on Japan

Hawaii Premiere

Leo, a Japanese boy, travels to Hawaii with his girlfriend, but they get into an argument over trifles creating tensions in their relationship. Six months later, Leo is living in the small town of Honokaa and training as a projectionist at The People’s Theater. One day, he falls in love with a local girl named Mariah, but this love causes some trouble. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 111M

Director:Atsushi Sanada

Cast:Masaki Okada, Chieko Baisho, Jun Hasegawa

21-Oct              12:15 PM              Dole

22-Oct              11:30 AM              Dole

MY HIFF: BARE ESSENCE OF LIFE / BEST OF TIMES

IKIRU (TO LIVE)

FREE PUBLIC SCREENING

A Tribute to Madame Kawakita

IKIRU details the existential struggle of one ordinary man in his desperate search for purpose. Upon learning he has terminal stomach cancer, a low-level government bureaucrat leaves his job of thirty years without a word to find meaning in the year he has left to live. He is completely alone in the world — his wife is dead, his son is practically estranged, and his co-workers are little more than strangers. This screening is sponsored by NETPAC.

Japan1952 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 143M

Director:Akira Kurosawa

Cast:Takashi Shimura, Shinichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka

17-Oct              5:45 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: RASHOMON / NECESSITIES OF LIFE

LOVE EXPOSURE

AI NO MUKIDASHI

After Dark

Hawaii Premiere

Yu has no choice. His father, a Catholic priest, is urging him to confess, but in order to confess he must sin. So, Yu becomes a famous porno photographer, specializing in up-skirt photos. During one of his perverted excursions he meets and falls in love with schoolgirl Yoko.  However, a villainess named Aya intervenes. Soon, she’s manipulating these two star-crossed lovers in the name of the cult for which she works, the Zero Church. A four-hour magnum opus from Sono Sion (SUICIDE CLUB). This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 237M

Director:Sion Sono

Cast:Takahiro Nishijima, Hikari Mitsushima, Sakura Ando

22-Oct              6:15 PM              Dole

24-Oct              3:30 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: VAMPIRE GIRL VS. FRANKENSTEIN GIRL / GOKUSEN

MAI MAI MIRACLE

Family Fest

North American Premiere

Shinko, a third grade elementary school student, loves to daydream about the world of one thousand years ago. Her fantasies travel far into the days of the Heian Period (year 794-1185).  One day a girl called Kiiko transfers from Tokyo and joins Shinko’s class where they become good friends. Before long, the two of them become engulfed in a strange incident of one thousand years ago. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 95M

Director:Sunao Katabuchi

Cast:Mayuko Fukuda, Ei Morisako, Manami Honjou

24-Oct              3:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: SAVING LUNA / EVANGELION 2.0

A MIDSUMMER’S OKINAWAN NIGHT DREAM MANATSU NO YORU NO YUME Spotlight on Okinawa

North American Premiere

Mensore!  (Welcome!) A beautiful tropical island in Okinawa is the backdrop to Shakespeare’s comedic classic.  The famous tale of supernatural fairies interfering in the lives of mortals gets an original cultural retelling, complete with sanshin playing spirits called Kijimun and a traditional shisa lion dance!  The merriment begins when Yuriko (Yuki Shibamoto) flees to her rural Okinawan hometown to escape an unwanted boyfriend.  Once there, Yuriko crosses paths with a Kijimun who changes her life forever. This screening is sponsored by WUB, Center for Japanese Studies and Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 105M

Director:Yuji Nakae

Cast:Yuki Shibamoto, Honami Kurashita, Tomi Taira, Susumu Taira

18-Oct              12:30 PM              Dole

21-Oct              3:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: COBALT BLUE / FACE

NADA SOU SOU (TEARS FOR YOU)

Spotlight on Okinawa

Hawaii Premiere

NADA SOU SOU tells the story of the Shingaki siblings - Yota and Kaoru. Left to fend for themselves at a very young age after their father abandons them, these two half-siblings have only each other.  As vowed on their mother’s deathbed, Yota is obligated to provide the best for Kaoru, and does so almost to the extreme. This screening is sponsored by WUB, Center for Japanese Studies and Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2006 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 118M

Director:Nobuhiro Doi

Cast:Satoshi Tsumabuki, Masami Nagasawa, Kumiko Aso

24-Oct              10:15 AM              Dole

25-Oct              11:00 AM              Dole

MY HIFF: BEST OF TIMES / COBALT BLUE

NORIBEN - THE RECIPE FOR FORTUNE

Spotlight on Japan

North American Premiere

Based on the popular manga of the same name, Noriben tells the story of 31-year-old Nagai Komaki who divorces her aspiring, yet failing, novelist husband and moves back to her hometown with her young daughter, Non-chan. An old childhood flame, persistent ex-husband, and a reluctant culinary mentor begin to complicate matters, clouding Komaki’s dreams of independence and financial stability.  Packed with delicious visual imagery, this film is sure to please the senses. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 107M

Director:Akira Ogata

Cast:Manami Konishi, Yoshinori Okada, Jun Murakami

19-Oct              6:00 PM              Dole

23-Oct              12:30 PM Dole

MY HIFF: INGREDIENTS / FLAVOR OF HAPPINESS

RASHOMON

FREE PUBLIC SCREENING

A Tribute to Madame Kawakita

A priest and a woodcutter, each looking stricken, discuss the trial of a notorious bandit for rape and murder. As the retelling of the trial unfolds, the participants in the crime — the bandit (Toshiro Mifune), the rape victim (Machiko Kyo), and the murdered man (Masayuki Mori) — tell their plausible though completely contradictory versions of the story. This landmark film, directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, is a brilliant exploration of truth and human weakness. This screening is sponsored by NETPAC.

Japan1980 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 88M

Director:Akira Kurosawa

Cast:Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyo, Masayuki Mori

16-Oct              6:15 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: STORM / INVISIBLE KILLER

SIDEWAYS

Gala Presentation

World Premiere

In a last-ditch effort to sow their wild oats, Michio (Fumiyo Kohinata) and Daisuke (Katsuhisa Namase) take off on a final road trip to California’s wine country the week prior to Daisuke ’s wedding. When the men encounter two fascinating women (Kyoka Suzuki and Rinko Kikuchi), the duo is forced to re-examine their lives. SIDEWAYS is a delightful Japanese adaptation of its American counterpart.  Plus, local boy, Jake Shimabukuro, composed music for the soundtrack. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese, English w/ English subtitles | 123M

Director:Cellin Gluck

Cast:Fumiyo Kohinata, Katsuhisa Namase, Rinko Kikuchi

17-Oct              6:15 PM              Dole

24-Oct              12:45 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: BEST OF TIMES / INGREDIENTS

SNOW PRINCE

SNOW PRINCE: KINJIRARETA KOI NO MELODY

Spotlight on Japan

North American Premiere

Ten year-old Sota lives in poverty with his grandfather in a small, snowy village. Sayo, a girl from a wealthy family, has been his best friend ever since they were little, despite the difference of their family’s social position. One night, Sota traverses down a snowy night path to Sayo’s house only to find that her father’s storage is on fire. The final outcome that awaits Sota is a gentle reminder that genuine happiness always exists in your heart.  From the team that brought us DEPARTURES. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network and The Japan Foundation.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 115M

Director:Joji  Matsuoka

Cast:Shintaro Morimoto, Marino Kuwajima, Tadanobu Asano

20-Oct              6:45 PM              Dole

24-Oct              7:15 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: NECESSITIES OF LIFE / MAI MAI MIRACLE

SYMBOL

SHINBORU

After Dark

U.S. Premiere

Hitoshi Matsumoto (DAINIPPONJIN, HIFF 2007) is back with his second feature film SYMBOL, a mind-melting journey into the deepest realm of the imagination. A Japanese man wakes up alone in a brightly illuminated white room with no windows or doors. His absurd and hilarious attempts to escape the room releaserandom objects from the walls, creating a life-sized Mouse Trap game in which a rope, a toilet plunger and an earthenware jug full of sushi just might be the keys to his escape. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 93M

Director:Hitoshi Matsumoto

Cast:Adriana  Fricke, Hitoshi Matsumoto

20-Oct              9:15 PM              Dole

24-Oct              3:45 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: AIR DOLL / WHITE ON RICE

VAMPIRE GIRL VS FRANKENSTEIN GIRL

KYUKETSU SHOJO TAI SHOJO FURANKEN

After Dark

Hawaii Premiere

Monami is a centuries-old vampire with the appearance of young schoolgirl.  Keiko is a former schoolgirl who has been transformed into a Frankenstein-type monster.  When both decide to claim their high school’s heartthrob, Jyugon, as her own, an epic battle ensues — where blood is sprayed, limbs are severed, and everyone in their paths is annihilated.  Meanwhile, Jyugon can only ponder why no one has bothered to ask him how he feels. This screening is sponsored by Nippon Golden Network.

Japan2009 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 85M

Director:Yoshihiro Nishimura, Naoyuki Tomomatsu

Cast:Yukie Kawamura, Eri Otoguro, Eihi Shiina

15-Oct              10:30 PM              Dole

16-Oct              10:30 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: AIR DOLL / GOKUSEN

WHITE ON RICE

American Immigrant Filmmakers on Profile

Hawaii Premiere

Jimmy, 40-years-old and divorced, shares a bunk bed with Bob, his 10-year-old nephew. He lives with his sister Aiko and her family. His brother in-law, Tak, thinks he’s a disaster. And although Jimmy may lack social grace, he is determined to find a new wife.  His plan seems like it’s all falling into place when Tak’s beautiful niece Ramona moves in. But once Jimmy sets his sights on stealing her from his best friend Tim, he sees his intentions go hilariously awry. This screening is sponsored by The Vilcek Foundation.

United States 2009 | English, Japanese w/ English subtitles | 86M

Director:Dave Boyle

Producer:Duane Andersen, Dominic Fratto, Michael Lerman

Cast:Hiroshi Watanabe, Nae, Mio Takada, Lynn Chen, James Kyson Lee

19-Oct              7:30 PM              Dole

20-Oct              9:30 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: FRUITFLY / ETIENNE!

ZIGENURWEISEN

FREE PUBLIC SCREENING

A Tribute to Madame Kawakita

This tale features the relationship between a Japanese professor of German descent and Nakasago (Yoshio Harada), a former friend he runs into while on vacation. Nakasago has been charged with murdering a married woman who ran away with him. As the two former friends become more and more involved, the professor begins to get a glimpse of Nakasago’s odd life, and undertones of witchcraft provide an eerie overlay to the fate of the missing woman. This screening is sponsored by NETPAC.

Japan1980 | Japanese w/ English subtitles | 144M

Director:Seijun Suzuki

Cast:Yoshio Harada, Naoko Otani, Toshiya Fujita

18-Oct              6:00 PM              Dole

MY HIFF: PLACE OF ONE’S OWN / ACROSS THE RIVER

The Chinese film “City of Life and Death,” from director Lu Chuan’s which depicts the atrocities committed during the 1938 Japanese siege of China’s former capital, Nanjing, won the Golden Shell Saturday at the 57th San Sebastian International Film Festival.

1937. Japanese troops have entered China’s temporary capital, where their cruel occupation will be known as “The Rape of Nanjing.” Shot in wide lens black-and-white, the film alternates Japanese and Chinese points of view to brush a compelling and impressionist portrait of the day-to-day living conditions in the devastated city and recount the minute ethical dilemmas demanded by surviving in wartime.

The 2009 awards:

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST SCREENPLAY to
ANDREW BOVELL, MELISSA REEVES, PATRICIA CORNELIUS AND CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS for “BLESSED” (Australia)

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY to
CAO YU for “CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH” (China)

SILVER SHELL FOR BEST ACTOR to
PABLO PINEDA for “YO, TAMBIÉN” (Spain)

SILVER SHELL FOR BEST ACTRESS to
LOLA DUEÑAS for “YO, TAMBIÉN” (Spain)

SILVER SHELL FOR BEST DIRECTOR to
JAVIER REBOLLO for “LA MUJER SIN PIANO” (Spain-France)

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE to
“LE REFUGE” by FRANÇOIS OZON (France)
The Jury wish to recognize a sensitive and personal cinematic experiment, that builds its story around the circumstance of its actress, Isabelle Carré. François Ozon presents this character’s experience without judgement or comment leaving each of us free to share it.

GOLDEN SHELL FOR BEST FILM to
“CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH” by LU CHUAN (China)

“Precious”, by director Lee Daniels, which screened as part of the Zabaltegi section won the TVE’s “Otra mirada” award.

In a statement yesterday, CineVegas President Robin Greenspun and Artistic Director Trevor Groth announced that the CineVegas Film Festival will not be held in 2010.

“Given the current economic climate and the pressures it has created, we made the difficult decision to put CineVegas on hiatus for the coming year. CineVegas has become such a well respected film festival, and rather than allow the economy to affect its level of quality we have opted to put the event on hold,” said Robin Greenspun, Festival President.

“We are so proud that CineVegas has grown to become a premiere showcase for uninhibited filmmakers and a scintillating festival experience for our attendees. CineVegas has developed a growing legion of supporters over the years who truly appreciate film and life on the edge, and we thank them for all of their support. We are very sad to be announcing this hiatus, but it is our hope to keep the CineVegas brand alive and re-launch the Festival once the economy recovers,” said Trevor Groth, Artistic Director.

CineVegas will continue to have a presence in Las Vegas with one off screenings and special events.

Update: LasVegas Sun is reporting that the festival will no longer have a full-time staff, and mentions that Anita Nelving, the festival’s managing director, cannot confirm plans to return in 2011 after a year off.

Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” will open the weeklong 7th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), in Morelia, Mexico on Oct. 3.

Alejandro Ramírez, president of the Morelia International Film Festival, stated in a press conference yesterday that the heart of the festival is made up of the four sections in competition: Mexican Short Film, Mexican Documentary, Michoacán Section and Mexican Feature Film.

“This year, 44 short films, 20 documentaries, 11 Michoacán works and six features by filmmakers from different states of the republic, such as Michoacán, Nuevo León, Chiapas, Jalisco, Nayarit, State of Mexico, Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Mexico City, will participate,” he said.

Ramírez said this year there is a 20 percent increase in participation in the festival with a total of 600 short films, 120 documentaries and 52 features.
The section of Mexican Feature Films includes exclusively first and second time directors. Those competing this year are Alamar by Pedro González Rubio, El Calambre by Matías Meyer, Chamaco by Miguel Necoechea, La Mitad del Mundo by Jaime Ruiz Ibañez, Norteado by Rigoberto Perezcano and Vaho by Alejandro Gerber.

The 7th FICM will also screen a selection of films from the International Critics’ Week of the Cannes Film Festival 2009, including Lascars by Albert Pereira-Lazaro and Emmanuel Klotz (Francia-Alemania); Mal día para pescar by Álvaro Brechner (España-Uruguay); Rien de personnel by Mathias Gokalp (Francia); Whisper With the Wind by Shahram Alidi (Iraq); and Adieu Gary by Nassim Amaouche (France). The last film won the Grand Prize of the Critics? Week sponsored by Cinépolis.

Daniela Michel, general director of FICM, said there will be 45 international premieres, among them: Looking for Eric, by Ken Loach; Los abrazos rotos, by Pedro Almodóvar; The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, by Terry Gilliam; The Limits of Control, by Jim Jarmusch; Coco antes de Chanel, by Anne Fontaine; and The White Ribbon, film by Michael Haneke, winner of the Palm d’ Or at the Cannes Festival 2009.

National premieres at the 7th FICM will include Daniel y Ana by Michel Franco, official selection of the 15 filmmakers at Cannes 2009,  the documentary La transformación del cine en música by Julián Hernández and Roberto Fiesco about singer Eugenia León; El general by Natalia Almada; Rabioso sol, rabioso cielo by Julián Hernández; Redención by Juan Pablo Cortés and José Antonio Hernández;  Sobreviviendo a Warhol by David Pablos and Viaje Redondo by Gerardo Tort.

Source: Morelia International Film Festival

The 29^th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival, the premier international film event in the Pacific, will present and spotlight Hawaii-born actress Maggie Q with its “Maverick Award.” Her newest film, the Chinese epic tale The Warrior and The Wolf , directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang, will close the festival on Saturday, October 24^th at 7:00 p.m.

Maggie will receive the Maverick Award during HIFF’s closing press conference on Friday, October 23^rd. The Maverick Award is given in honor of a cinema artist who defies the rules, forging a unique film career, and transcending labels and thresholds to vacillate between Hollywood and global cinema.

“Hawaii is always excited to recognize one of its own success stories and this year we are proud to honor local girl from Mililani, Maggie Q, who is clearly making a name for herself across the globe,” says HIFF executive director Chuck Boller.

Adapted from Japanese writer Yasushi Inoue’s novel, the fantasy film tells the love story of an ancient Chinese general set within the context of an ancient war that took place before the unification of China. The film also stars Japanese A-list actor Jo Odagiri.

Over 170 films from 36 different countries will be featured at this year’s festival. HIFF’s 2009 program is being held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas from October 15-25. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 1st for HIFF Ohana members and Monday, October 5th to the public. General admission tickets are available for $10 or $9 for students, seniors, children and military. Tickets may be purchased in person at HIFF’s box office at 650 Iwilei Road #101 across from Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas or by phone at (808) 548-5905. For more information please visit us at www.hiff.org.

The 9th annual installment of the Coney Island Film Festival hits the shores of Coney Island from Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This year’s festival features ninety six films from around the world; a stunning array of high and low-brow fare, as diverse as the neighborhood it represents. Subjects range from the profound to the profane, showcasing the independent spirit and irreverent nature of the one and only Coney Island.

This year’s centerpiece film is Charles Denson’s, The Prince of Mermaid Avenue. The story of Jimmy Prince, owner of Major Meats on Mermaid Avenue, who retired after a sixty-year run as an anchor of the Coney Island community.

Documentary Feature highlights include the New York Premiere of Micropunta’s The Poor Man’s Follies, shot during the 2008 Coney Island season, the film chronicles the lives of the people who make Coney Island the eccentric and unique slice of Americana that it is today, and the struggle for its future.  Zachary Levy’s Strongman follows the hopes and dreams of “Stanless Steel”–the only man alive who can bend a penny with his fingers, as tries to gain control of a world that seems constantly beyond his grasp.  Kate Valentine’s Ed Hamell Rant & Roll, a celebration of the day to day life of a journeyman musician through fast-moving, often-hilarious performances on stage, backstage, and behind the wheel driving from one venue to the next.. Also making its New York Premiere is Costa Mantis’s Flying Pumpkins, The Legend of Punkin Chunkin. Come along and have some fun with an unlikely assortment of men, women and children who share a common passion - making pumpkins fly!

Feature film highlights include the World Premiere of Elizabeth Lucas’s Red Hook. College freshman Jenny Traylor joins her dorm’s welcome-week scavenger hunt. But as she and her friends decipher the cryptic text-message clues on their cell phones, it becomes terrifyingly clear that the stakes in this game are life and death… CIFF presents the New York Premiere of Gorman Bechard’s Friends (with benefits). What happens when two best friends decide to secretly blur the lines dividing friendship from relationship? Complications arise…a lot of complications. Craig Butta’s Sea Legs, a vivid, harrowing journey through the funk, vitality and downward spiraling world of Coney Island. In keeping with annual tradition, the festival will screen the 1979 Coney Island classic The Warriors at 10:30pm on Saturday, October 3rd.

The Coney Island Film festival offers a huge variety of Shorts: Dramas, Comedies, Documentaries, Animation, Experimental, Made in Coney Island, Horror Films, Music Videos and Silent Films are all represented, making CIFF a festival with something for everyone! Short highlights include Bryan Nest’s The Vaudevillian, a ventriloquist’s relationship with his dummy is strained after they lose their job with a traveling vaudeville act. In Martin Rosete’s Basket Bronx, Alex is an African-American kid from the Bronx who dreams of playing basketball like his idols, however the gang of older guys in the neighborhood keep reminding him that he cannot. Mollye Asher’s Slim and Lena a modern film noir set in the grit and glamour of the neo-burlesque scene. Animator Bill Plympton’s Horn Dog is the fourth film in the famed Oscar® nominated “dog” series. Here are more misadventures from our plucky canine, as he fends off an obese dog, attacking oysters, and a wayward killer violin bow, while trying to win the love of his heart’s desire.

Two programs featuring shorts which use Coney Island as a backdrop screen during the festival, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 2pm. The festival’s closing night screening is a mixed bag of shorts concluding with Jan Stephens’s animated Freak Show Sensations of The Season wrapping the festival in the appropriate setting, Sideshows By The Seashore Theater, home of The Coney Island Circus Sideshow.

The festival will begin with an Opening Night Gala on Friday, October 2nd. Step Right Up and The Prince of Mermaid Avenue screen at 7:30pm at The Coney Island Museum, followed by an opening night party, 9:30 p.m. at the Freak Bar at Sideshows by the Seashore. It’s an evening of live sideshow performance, music, and burlesque that will kick off the festival with a riotous bang. An awards ceremony takes place Sunday, October 4th after the final screening at the Eldorado Auto Skooters next door.

Event Details are as follows:
Coney Island Film Festival
October 2, 3 and 4, 2009

Films screen at Sideshows by the Seashore (1208 Surf Ave., Ground Floor) and the Coney Island Museum (1208 Surf Ave., 2nd Floor) in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Take the D, F, N or Q lines to the Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue stop. All screening venues are within easy walking distance of the subway.

Tickets:
Opening Night Gala screening & party: $25
Full Festival Pass (excludes “The Warriors”): $45
Saturday Pass (excludes “The Warriors”): $15
Sunday Pass: $10
Special Saturday Night Showing of The Warriors: $10
Any Individual Program Screening: $6

Advanced tickets for all programs and events are on sale now at our website.

For the full schedule and a complete list of films at the festival, visit www.coneyislandfilmfestival.com

source: Coney Island Film Festival

The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is teaming up with The Vilcek Foundation to present five films in a program titled “American Immigrant Filmmakers On Profile” (AIFP).  The screenings will be held during the Festival from October 15-25 at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters.

Three of the AIFP films will highlight the talents of foreign-born directors:  BOMBAY SUMMER by Joseph Mathew Varghese, A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES by S. Leo Chiang, and THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH by Quentin Lee. The other two films, WHITE ON RICE and PRINCE OF BROADWAY, will showcase the prowess of immigrant actors Hiroshi Watanabe and Karren Karagulian, respectively.

These directors and actors will be available after the first screenings of their films to answer questions from the audience.

Executive director of The Vilcek Foundation, Rick Kinsel, believes immigrants often face difficult transitions when moving to the United States, and adds “They have a unique perspective on life.  These films allow talented filmmakers and actors to share their creativity, experiences and stories with the world, while heightening awareness about the enormous contributions immigrants make to arts and culture in this country.”

All of the AIFP delegates will be volunteering as guest speakers in HIFF’s youth education programs while attending the Festival.  Quentin Lee will meet with sixth-through-eighth graders at Hongwanji Mission School, S. Leo Chiang will visit with high school students at Assets School, Hiroshi Watanabe will talk to students at McKinley High School, Joseph Mathew Varghese will visit students at Waipahu High School, and Karren Karagulian will conduct a video conference that will be accessible to schools across the state.

The Vilcek Foundation honors and supports foreign-born scientists and artists who have made outstanding contributions to society in the United States. For more information on The Vilcek Foundation please visit www.vilcek.org.  For more information on HIFF please visit www.hiff.org.

Film Synopses and Delegate Bios:

BOMBAY SUMMER

AIFP guest: Joseph Mathew Varghese

BOMBAY SUMMER explores the fleeting friendship between three young people and its eventual disintegration in the face of betrayal and personal loss.  At the center of the story is Geeta, a young middle-class woman, adept at balancing the needs of family and life in modern India.  She is in the middle of a secret affair with Jaidev, a struggling writer who comes from a rich, traditional family.  Their lives take a dramatic turn when they befriend a young migrant, Madan.  Madan ekes out a living as a commercial artist, but has begun to undertake various illegal ventures to make ends meet.  Even though they come from different backgrounds, the three bond as friends.  Interweaving stories of their personal lives, the film follows their journey of self-discovery and loss.  The original and gripping soundtrack of the film was composed by French musician, Mathias Duplessy.

Hawaii Premiere

United States 2009 | Hindi w/ English subtitles | 102m

Director: Joseph Mathew Varghese

Producer: Joseph Mathew Varghese, Sanjay Bhattacharjee

Cinematographer: Amol Rathod

Script: Joseph Mathew Varghese

Cast: Tannishtha Chatterjee, Jatin Goswami, Samrat Chakrabarti, Gaurv Dwivedi

18-Oct  4:00 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

19-Oct  2:30 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

Joseph Mathew Varghese came to the U.S. in 1994 and enrolled in an arts school to fulfill a personal dream of becoming a photographer.  After freelancing as a photojournalist, Varghese took on the more challenging format of feature-length documentary filmmaking. His two documentaries, THE LAST SEASON: THE LIFE AND DEMOLITION OF BALTIMORE’S MEMORIAL STADIUM and CROSSING ARIZONA, premiered at the Maryland and Sundance Film Festivals, respectively.  Varghese now lives in New York.  BOMBAY SUMMER is his first narrative feature film.

THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH

AIFP Guest: Quentin Lee

A promiscuous woman finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy and needs to figure out who the baby’s daddy is…NOW.  Angela Yang loves sex.  She loves it so much she needs to make baseball cards of her lovers to help her remember where she’s been.  It isn’t until Angela becomes pregnant that she thinks twice about her lifestyle. Her gay best friend, Gabriel Lugo, tells her to “take care of it,” but her conservative sister, Juliet, persuades Angela to marry the baby’s father and lead a “normal” life like her. Angela listens to her sister, chooses to keep the baby, and goes on a quest to find the identity of the father by any means necessary.  Is it the “Nice but Boring guy,” the “Mysterious guy” or the “Five Second guy”?  Watch Angela’s hilarious quest to make herself an honest woman!

World Premiere

Canada, United States 2009 | 89m

Director: Quentin Lee

Producer: Stanley Yung, Koji Steven Sakai, Quentin Lee

Cinematographer: Quyen Tran

Script: Koji Steven Sakai

Cast: Karin Anna Cheung, Wilson Cruz, Archie Kao, Lynn Chen, James Shigeta

18-Oct  3:00 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

19-Oct  1:00 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

Quentin Lee’s feature documentary, 0506HK (2007), documents Lee’s return to Hong Kong, where he was born and raised.  As he explores his desire to move back there from Los Angeles, he interviews local artists, filmmakers, friends, and family about why they are in Hong Kong and why they choose to be there. With humor and wit, Lee explores culture, belonging, politics, and ultimately the question of where the best place is for him to exist as a filmmaker.

Lee’s first feature film, SHOPPING FOR FANGS, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1997.  He wrote and co-directed the film with Justin Lin, as well as produced and self-distributed it through Margin Films, a company he founded in 1997.  Lee also produced and directed two other narrative feature films, DRIFT (2000) and ETHAN MAO (2004).  This fall, he is publishing Campus Ghost Story, a horror graphic novel, with co-creator John Hahn.  Lee’s latest film, THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH (2009), is a comedy that will make its world premiere at HIFF.

PRINCE OF BROADWAY

AIFP Guest: Karren Karagulian

PRINCE OF BROADWAY is the story of Lucky and Levon, two men whose lives converge in the underbelly of New York’s wholesale fashion district.  Lucky, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, makes ends meet by soliciting shoppers on the street with knock-off brand merchandise.  Levon, an Armenian-Lebanese immigrant, operates an illegal storefront with a concealed back room where counterfeit goods are showcased to interested shoppers.  Lucky’s world is suddenly turned upside-down when a child is thrust into his life by a woman who insists the toddler is his son.  While Lucky copes with his new domestic dilemma, Levon struggles to save a marriage that is falling apart.  The seedy side of the wholesale district is revealed through a journey that continually confronts the interplay between what is fake and what is real. PRINCE OF BROADWAY has been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and has already won many awards at various festivals including the Boulder International Film Festival, the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Marrakech International Film Festival.

Hawaii Premiere

United States 2008 | 102m

Director: Sean Baker

Producer: Darren Dean

Cinematographer: Sean Baker

Script: Sean Baker, Darren Dean

Cast: Prince Adu, Karren Karagulian, Aiden Noesi, Keyali Mayaga

20-Oct  7:00 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

21-Oct  3:45 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

Karren Karagulian was born in 1969 in Yerevan, Armenia. After school, he served for two years in St. Petersburg for the Russian Army.  At the age of 22, he immigrated to New York.  After playing a lead role in Koorosh Yaraghi’s short film, MEN IN PATIENCE, he played minor roles in two Sean Baker films, FOUR LETTER WORDS and TAKE OUT.  PRINCE OF BROADWAY is Karren’s first leading role in a feature film.

A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES

AIFP Guest: S. Leo Chiang

A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES is a documentary about the struggles and triumphs of the Vietnamese-American community rebuilding in post-Katrina New Orleans.  Versailles is a community in eastern New Orleans first settled by Vietnamese refugees.  After Hurricane Katrina, Versailles residents impressively rise to the challenge by returning and rebuilding before most neighborhoods in New Orleans, only to have their homes threatened by a new government-imposed toxic landfill just two miles away.  A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES recounts the empowering story of this group of people who, having already suffered so much in their lifetimes, turn a devastating disaster into a catalyst for change and a chance for a better future.  S. Leo Chiang’s TO YOU SWEETHEART, ALOHA screened at HIFF 2004.

Hawaii Premiere

United States 2009 | English, Vietnamese w/ English subtitles | 68m

Director: S. Leo Chiang

Producer: S. Leo Chiang

Cinematographer: S. Leo Chiang, Francis James

Cast: Father Vien Nguyen, Mimi Nguyen, Minh Nguyen, Ngo Minh Khang, Joel Waltzer

17-Oct  8:15 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

20-Oct  12:00 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

S. Leo Chiang was born and raised in Taiwan.  He immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and earned an MFA in film production from the University of Southern California before beginning his filmmaking career.  His films include To You Sweetheart, Aloha, about the 94-year-old ‘ukulele master Bill Tapia, and One + One, a documentary about mixed HIV-status couples.  His most recent film, A Village Called Versailles, is about the transformation of the Vietnamese-American community in post-Katrina New Orleans.

WHITE ON RICE

AIFP Guest: Hiroshi Watanabe

Jimmy is 40, divorced, and shares a bunk bed with his 10-year-old nephew.  For most men, this state of affairs would be ego-crushing, but Jimmy is strangely unperturbed.  Despite an utter lack of social finesse, he embarks on an enthusiastic mission to replace his ex-wife with someone better.  Assisted by his suave friend Tim, Jimmy wrangles dates with all the women in his office (without success) and completely flubs a set-up arranged by his sister Aiko. To make matter worse, his carefree attitude provokes the ire of Aiko’s straight-laced husband, Tak, who is quickly losing patience with Jimmy’s freeloading.  Jimmy hardly seems to notice, and when Tak’s beautiful niece Ramona comes to visit, he begins to court her shamelessly.  When Jimmy shirks his responsibility to the family in order to follow Ramona to a party, the resulting mayhem causes everyone to take another look at how they relate to one another.  WHITE ON RICE won Best Screenplay and the New Acting Award at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Hawaii Premiere

United States 2009 | English, Japanese w/ English subtitles | 86m

Director: Dave Boyle

Producer: Duane Andersen, Dominic Fratto, Michael Lerman

Cinematographer: Bill Otto

Script: Dave Boyle, Joel Clark

Cast: Hiroshi Watanabe, Nae, Mio Takada, Lynn Chen, James Kyson Lee

19-Oct  7:30 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

20-Oct  9:30 PM Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters

Hiroshi Watanabe was born in Tokyo, Japan.  After working for many theatre productions and some films there, he moved to the U.S.  He has had roles in theatre productions such as “Odd Couple” and “Pillow Talk,” and he has acted in films such as BIG DREAMS LITTLE TOKYO, THE LAST SAMURAI and LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA.  WHITE ON RICE is Watanabe’s first experience playing a lead role - one he finds very exciting!