Peter Fonda film to be closing night feature

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Peter Fonda's "The Hired Hand" will finally make an appearance at the Hawai'i International Film Festival as the closing night attraction 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Waikiki 3 Theatre.

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"We're excited to feature the Fonda film on closing night," said Chuck Boller, HIFF executive director.

When negotiations fell apart for the film the festival organizers wanted as the closing feature, Fonda's "The Hired Hand" was the next best alternative.

"But it works out well, because we couldn't get the feature we wanted for closing night," said Boller. "The film apparently doesn't need any more exposure and we can understand that. We were after a couple of other titles, but response to the Fonda film has been amazing. So we're thrilled."

However, Fonda has had to cancel his trip to Hawai'i to be with his wife, who recently injured her back.

"Though he is not coming, he's sending over a videotape tribute, which will be shown at the screening," Boller said.

The festival has had its problems, including delivery of some of its films. The fallout from the Sept. 11 attacks on the mail system has led to the delays, Boller said.

Among the delayed titles is "Firefly Dreams," a Japanese film that is a contender for the HIFF Golden Maile Award, set to screen twice — once tonight, a second time on Thursday.

"Season of Guavas" also arrived late and had to be rescheduled.

Although Friday is being called the closing night of the festival, films will be shown through the weekend. HIFF, in its 21st season, is screening about 170 films from 26 nations including 55 U.S. premieres and 12 world premieres through Sunday; the festival also kicks off on Maui, the Big Island and Kaua'i starting Friday and continuing through Sunday.