"We want to build a bigger presence in Waikiki," said HIFF executive director Chuck Boller of the beachfront gathering that draws a mixed audience. "It's a place where tourists and locals mix. And the visitors from Los Angeles adore the beach screenings, so next year, we'll expand even more."

Anderson Le, programmer for HIFF, has devised four theme nights for the beach screenings, which take place during HIFF's 26th annual fall festival, Oct. 19 to 29 at several venues. Most screenings are scheduled at Regal Dole Cannery theaters.

The Sunset on the Beach screenings, beginning at dusk, around 7 p.m., will feature:

i Bollywood on the Beach, Oct. 20, with "Rang De Basanti," a musical combining India storylines with Hollywood-inspired production numbers.

i Okinawan Night, Oct. 21, with "Check It Out, Yo!," a comedy with a rock band element.

i Surf Night, Oct. 22, with "Tow-In Surfing," a documentary with footage made at Jaws off Maui.

i Hawai'i Night, Oct. 23, with "Na Hula Kane: the Men of Hula," a documentary by Lisette Marie Flanary chronicling the artistry of kumu hula Robert Cazimero. Cazimero's Halau Na Kamalei will provide a live performance.

Sunset on the Beach screenings are free, with food vendors adding an element of Island-style partying on the lawn and beachfront.

The expanded HIFF involvement, with support from the Waikiki Improvement Assn., comes at a time of vigorous growth for the annual filmfest. HIFF was recently designated by the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. as one of only 20 accredited film festivals worldwide, signalling a platform for potential global recognition, Boller said.