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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, August 22, 2008

Travel the world with Summer Fest movies

By Lacy Matsumoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

"Encounters at the End of the World" screens today at the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts, as part of the HIFF Summer Fest.

ThinkFilm

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HIFF SUMMER FEST

Today-Sunday; schedule above right

Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts

$10 general, $9 students, seniors, children, military; $8 for each in groups of 10 or more

www.hiff.org, 550-8457

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The Hawaii International Film Festival is known for its intriguing selection of independent films from around the world, with an Asia-Pacific emphasis.

The HIFF Summer Fest, launching today, continues to highlight global filmmaking, but it's more streamlined with just six films, and is aimed primarily at local viewers.

This year it returns to the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts, after a three-year expanded stint at Dole Cannery dedicated to Korean films.

HIFF's media rep, Sean Shodahl, says the organization is putting on a summer festival for two reasons: to give members the opportunity to see new films, and to draw new interest to HIFF's offerings. The film festival recruits new members year-round.

With the rising cost of travel, HIFF is suggesting that its international offerings can provide an alternative adventure.

"This can be a 'stay-cation' — like a vacation, but where you can stay in Hawai'i and visit five different countries through the six films in three days," says Shodahl.

The films range from cinematic art pieces to typical good guy-vs.-bad guy action films.

"One of my favorite films is 'Encounters at the End of the World,' directed by Werner Herzog, who is a fearless filmmaker who makes great stories for the general public," Shodahl says. "It's great, sublime cinematography.

"My second pick is an action film called 'Once Upon a Time in Korea.'

"For those who love tearjerkers, the choice would have to be one of Japan's best-sellers called 'Walking My Life.' It's a heartfelt family drama," Shodahl says.

Films can sell out, and the theater has limited seating, so organizers encourage early ticket purchases.

"We anticipate selling out 'Walking My Life,' so we'd love to have people purchase their tickets online. If they are Downtown, people can always stop and visit us at our box office" at 680 Iwilei Road, Suite 100, Shodahl says.

• • •

THE FILMS

• "Once Upon a Time in Korea"

2008, South Korea, 123 minutes, Korean with English subtitles

Set in the early 1940s: A con artist and a jazz singer decide to steal back the "Light of Dong Bang," a 3,000-carat diamond — Korea's most sacred national treasure — from the Japanese government.

6:30 p.m. today; noon Sunday

• "Encounters at the End of the World"

2008, United States, 99 minutes

Filmmaker Werner Herzog explores the icy realm of Antarctica, where he documents the lives of the men and women of the McMurdo Station, a research center that exists for the advancement of science.

9:30 p.m. today

• "Walking My Life" ("Zo No Senaka")

2007, Japan, 125 minutes, Japanese with English subtitles A successful executive and devoted family man learns that he's dying of a terminal illness, so he decides to live his life to the fullest.

Noon Saturday; 6:30 p.m. Sunday

• "Mr. Cinema" ("Lo Kong Ching Chuen")

2007, Hong Kong, 110 minutes, Cantonese and Mandarin with English subtitles

A snapshot of Hong Kong over more than three decades. Left-winger Zhou and the city live through the financial crisis, the SARS outbreak and more.

3 p.m. Saturday

• "A Little Love, A Little Magic" ("Thoda Pyaar, Thoda Magic")

2008, India, 145 minutes, Hindi with English subtitles

When a slick businessman is to take care of four children he has orphaned, he gets divine intervention, which comes in the form of Geeta, the mischievous angel.

6 p.m. Saturday

• "Public Enemy Returns"

2008, South Korea, 127 minutes, Korean with English subtitles

Low wages and lack of respect tempt Detective Kang Chul-Joong to turn in his badge; however, he's forced to solve a murder case involving a high-powered business executive.

9:15 p.m. Saturday; 3:15 p.m. Sunday