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.