The Hawaii International Film Festival is kicking off its 13th annual Spring Showcase. It runs April 16-22. The mini film fest is the precursor to HIFF's main event in the fall.

This year's event includes more than 30 limited-release, foreign and independent films, including the critically acclaimed Swedish film "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," and "Waking Sleeping Beauty" a documentary about the 1990s renaissance of the Disney empire.

The Spring Showcase opens with Australian director Bruce Beresford's ("Driving Miss Daisy," "Tender Mercies") "Mao's Last Dancer," the true story of Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin and his journey from poverty to international acclaim.

All films will be screened at the Regal Dole Cannery theaters. For a complete film schedule and more information on HIFF's Spring Showcase, visit www.hiff.org.