Sean Shodahl, programmer for the Hawaii International Film Festival, and Gina Caruso, film curator at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, will present a two-hour selection of Oscar-nominated live action and animated shorts at Friends of Film Friday, 7:30 tonight at Doris Duke Theatre.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a prescreening reception. Shodahl will present the Oscar nominated shorts and will lead a post-viewing Q-&-A discussion. Friends of Film Fridays members will vote on their favorite Oscar nominated shorts. T-shirts and DVDs will be given away as prizes during the prescreening reception. Information: 532-8700.

IMPROV OFFERED

Shannon Winpenny, who spent the past decade performing and studying with some of Chicago's best-known improv teachers and groups, is back in Honolulu and will offer an eight-week improvisation session beginning Wednesday.

Classes will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 1121 Nu'uanu Ave., second floor. Registration fee is $175. To sign up, call 384-3392 by today. Some training is desired but not required.

'KAMAU' AT TENNEY

Kumu Kahua Theatre's production of Alani Apio's "Kamau" has been invited to take part in the Festival of Pacific Arts this year in American Samoa. To help finance the trip, a special performance of the play will be given at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrews Cathedral. A silent auction and complimentary pupu and drinks will begin at 6 p.m.

Harry Wong III, Kumu Kahua's artistic director, co-directs the production with Wil Kahele, Kumu actor and board member. Advertiser drama critic Joseph Rozmiarek hailed it as "a moving and powerful piece on the nature of personal and cultural compromise."

Tickets are $100. For reservations, call 536-4441, or visit the Kumu Kahua box office between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.