HIFF boss steps into lead role of short film
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Chuck Boller usually books and hypes films as executive director of the Hawaii International Film Festival.
With the HIFF Spring Fling under way, Boller is ready for his closeup. Albeit, a modest movie debut in a teeny 10-minute comedy, in which he'll play a character named Handsome Howard.
"They simply needed an older guy like me," Chuck Boller said.
"It's a short film by Steve Meyers, who used to be a film festival volunteer," said Boller. "They asked me to be in it, basically playing a newscaster or talk-show host. They simply needed an older guy like me."
He was a tad queasy about being called Handsome Howard: "I hope they change it," he said. "I don't think people think I'm handsome, though in the movie, a young woman has a crush on the character."
The project, still untitled, is destined to be shown on 'Olelo, date to be determined.
There's no pay — just some potential glory.
"But it could also be my film closing," Boller said.
There's also no assurance the short will ever make it on a HIFF program.
Meyers, the director, has a 40-year career in theater; he worked on TV soaps, the Jackie Gleason show, and in theatrical endeavors in London, off-Broadway, on Broadway and in national tours.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
