Locally made short films will star at festival

• Films to be shown in the 'Ohina showcase

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

•	'Ohina: The Short Film Showcase' A festival of short, locally made films 7:30 p.m. today and noon, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow Doris Duke at the Academy Free; donations welcome 951-4412

"It's snowballed," said showcase co-organizer Jeff Katts of Pacific Focus Inc., referring to the array of subjects and titles submitted for consideration.

"We started in 1999 as a one-day event. With a lot of community support, we've gone through some growing pains. But we had 50 entries this year, narrowing down the final list to 13."

Film entrants came from Neighbor Islands, too, Katts said, with most shot on basic video, a few on mini-DVDs and one on high-definition video.

"And the entries are getting better and better," said Katts.

What constitutes a "short" film?

Running time is the key element, said Katts.

"We encourage under 10 minutes, so 'Haiku,' at less than two minutes, is somewhat of a commercial, and 'Winning Style,' at 17 or 18 minutes, is the longest," he said of this year's ticker-count. Short, by industry standards, often is under five minutes, with 30 minutes generally considered a documentary, and 60 minutes a movie.

This year's films tap common life themes: unrequited love, patching relationships, love gone awry, a little bit of spookiness, with a few cultural and social tangents — Filipino Americans, Native Americans, Harley riders, cyborgs on another planet.

Fate, too, is an issue, at least in two of the films:

"Flash," directed by Jay Hanamura, is a handsomely shot film, set at The Contemporary Museum and environs, dealing with a lad goaded into doing something that will change his life forever. The teen goes on a faux mission to explore the world of art, then steals a ceramic piece, only to encounter a situation he had not planned on.

"Silent Love," directed by Ken Sato, is shot interview fashion, with Todd reveling in the joys of love ... with a mime, Marlena. She speaks with her hands, which suits Todd, who is rebounding from a soured relationship ... until this one goes south, too.

Films to be shown in the 'Ohina showcase

"The Procrastinators," directed by Shawn Hiatt. A parody of the biker movie, starring Andy and Ray Bumatai, originally shot in high-definition video.

"The Message," directed by James Sereno. An ex-boyfriend makes an effort to pass a message to his ex-girlfriend on her wedding day.

"N'Philim," created by Wrecktangle Studio. An animation piece by New Media Arts Program students at Kapi'olani Community College.

"Silent Love," directed by Ken Sato. A love story about a man and a mime — and his quest for the romantic ideal.

"Eagle Song," directed by Lurline McGregor. A music video with Native American themes.

"I Scream, Floats & Sundays," directed by Leah Kihara. An experimental video about the overlooked perspectives of the Hawaiian female.

"Forgotten Promise," directed by Ryan Kawamoto. A young Filipino-American man with a tormented past seeks redemption.

"Flash," directed by Jay Hanamura. A story about a teenage boy who decides to steal something from an art gallery on a dare, and how that moment could change his life.

"To Your Dismay," directed by Jennifer Maness and Linley Park. An experimental video about one man's last attempt to connect with his girlfriend.

"Haiku," directed by Michael Ogasawara. A haiku is brought to life.

"Love's Journey," directed by Silton Buendia. A Hawaiian ode to the silent films of yesteryear.

"The Lost Little Girl of Manoa Valley," directed by Steven Katz. A supernatural tale based on a Glen Grant story.

"Winning Style," directed by Sean Terry. A tale about a high school student who has to fight for the girl he loves.