Posted on: Thursday, April 21, 2005

SHOW BIZ
Hereniko film hits Asia, 'Superman' rolls

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

FILM LOOPS: "The Land Has Eyes" has wings, too. Filmmakers Vilsoni Hereniko and wife Jeannette Paulson Hereniko have taken their hit movie to its Asian debut at the Singapore International Film Festival, then go on to Vietnam, where it screens at the Hanoi Cinematheque this weekend.

"We are really excited! Who'd ever dreamed in a million years?" said Jeannette.

The movie, first screened here at the Hawaii International Film Festival, opened its commercial run March 11 at the Dole Cannery theaters, where it has remained since, with a booking at least through May 6, possibly longer if demand warrants. The movie also has been showing at Hilo's Prince Kuhio theater and is pegged to open at the Windward Mall theaters on April 28. Thus, scores of folks are finally able to view an indigenous Polynesian movie made by local filmmakers. ...

And word from Down Under: Chris Lee, executive producer of "Superman Returns" (being filmed in Australia), hosted a dinner in Sydney for Hawaii International Film Festival and Academy for Creative Media supporters John and Sandra Stephenson (they're Kailua residents and she's a former Mrs. Jack Nicholson) and Academy-Award-winning actress Eva Marie Saint and her director husband, Jeff. Saint, of "North by Northwest" fame, is playing Martha Kent in the movie, and Lee asked her if she might serve on the HIFF jury for this fall's festival. If her schedule allows, she'll do it — "here's hoping my friend Chuck Boller extends the invite," said Lee. The movie has started filming on the streets of Sydney, with Brandon Routh playing Superman to Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane. To check on progress, go to bluetights.net. ...

WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Look for The Krush, with a new lineup of troupers led by original member Edwin Ramones, in a "Back to the Country" Mother's Day dinner show, May 8 at Dot's in Wahiawa. Brothers Michael and Jorell Nacapuy, Robin Canencia (brother of earlier member Bucci Canencia), Aaron Agsalda, Alvin Cameros and Annamarie Love are part of the re-formed group. Besides old Krush hits, the band expects to pay homage to the likes of Mackey Feary, Loyal Garner and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, with a portion of proceeds going to the Waialua United Church of Christ. Call 622-4115. ...

Gordon Freitas, Keiko Bonk and Cordell will appear in a free birthday salute to folk singer Pete Seeger, at noon May 3 at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Campus Center. ...

Classic Fridays, a series of nostalgic evenings, will be held from 7:30 p.m. April 29, May 6 and May 13 at the LaSalle Lounge of the Pagoda Hotel. Dalton Tanonaka, the concept creator, has lined up oldies bands for the gigs: April 29, Back-to-Back, Audissey, Flashback; May 6, Heartsong, Shining Star; and May 13, Scrubs, King Pins, Soulz and Flashback. A portion of proceeds will go to charitable groups in the community. Tanonaka is a member of Flashback. ...

I was misinformed: There are nearly 500 reserved seats (in the terrace section) remaining for The Brothers Cazimero's Lei Day concert May 1 at the Waikiki Shell. For some reason, two sections were blocked off — but the reserved seats since have been placed on sale.

Lawn seats are still on sale, too. ...

For Robert Cazimero, the kumu hula of Halau Na Kamalei at the recent Merrie Monarch Festival, winning the hula title at this time of his life certainly is a laurel greater than the Hawaiian Grammy he and brother Roland lost to the coterie of slack-key guitarists earlier this year. Robert also will be part of a documentary, "Na Hula Kane," which is in the works. ...

Suzi Mechler is departing the ranks of the Mountain Apple Company shortly. "But I'm looking forward to opening my new business doing CAD (computer aided design) work," she said. ...

RANDOM NOTES: Victoria Stringer marks her sixth anniversary tomorrow as a Hanks Cafe's Friday evening performer, a slot she's had nearly as long as the downtown spot has been open. ...

Guillaume Carriera has joined his brother Etienne as a dancer in "Splash," the revue at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. He jumped into two fast numbers the day of his hiring earlier this month. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.