On the far side of the movie spectrum is the "I" movie — yes, the independent film. For cinemaniacs who crave something away from the mainstream, there's the Island Independent Film Festival, presented by Cinema Paradise, which launches Thursday with four nights of films from around the world — and much partying, too.

The films will be screened at Downtown hot spot NextDoor, 43 N. Hotel St; the box office is at thirtyninehotel. Admission to films and parties is $10, unless otherwise noted. An all-access pass — $60 — guarantees seating and includes entry to all parties. 953-0002, www.whatiiff.com.

The lineup:

THURSDAY

6 p.m. "Munyurangabo" (Rwanda, USA; 2007, 97 minutes, in Kinyarwanda with English subtitles; directed by Isaac Chung). Two young friends in Rwanda are on a journey of revenge, and ultimately, reconciliation.

8 p.m. "Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)" (USA; 2006, 85 minutes; directed by Jason Kohn). Documentary connects the corruption, kidnappings and even the plastic surgeries in Brazil.

OPENING PARTY

NOV. 9

6 p.m. "Lost in Beijing" (China and Hong Kong; 2007, 112 minutes; directed by Li Yu). The promise of higher wages brings a couple to the big city, where he becomes a window cleaner and she a masseuse. And yes, complications ensue.

8 p.m. "In Search of a Midnight Kiss" (USA; 2007, 90 minutes; directed by Alex Holdridge). Comedy follows the slacker Wilson and his egotistical date Vivian on their wild New Year's date around Los Angeles.

10 p.m. After-party with DJ Dan ($20 admission)

NOV. 10

6 p.m. Showdown in Chinatown finals. The short-film competition celebrates its second anniversary. Filmmakers: Be sure to check out www.showdowninchinatown.com, where the topic will be posted at 4 p.m. today. The films will be due by 4 p.m. Nov. 9; a pre-screening panel will choose the top 12 films for the main event, which includes cash prizes. Admission: $20 at the door; $15 at www.groovetickets.com. Followed by a party with DeShannon Higa and grOOve.imProV.arTiSts.

NOV. 11

6 p.m. "All for Melissa" (USA; 2007, 98 minutes; directed by Gerard Elmore). Jared, a computer troubleshooter, is obsessed with an actress, but could true love be closer at hand? The locally made film made its debut at the recent Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival.

8 p.m. "Planet BBoy" (USA, 2007; 95 minutes, in English, French, Japanese and Korean; directed by Benson Lee). Documentary explores the resurgence of break-dancing.