For
Immediate Release
Contact:
Chris Dacus
T-Mobile Phone: 808-358-4971
October 16,
2003
LOUIS
VUITTON HAWAII PRESENTS: THE HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OFFERS
ANOTHER YEAR OF MUST SEE FILMS
Film
Festival offers movie buffs a wide diversity of films from 34 countries.
HONOLULU
– The Louis Vuitton Hawaii Presents Hawaii International Film Festival
2003 kicks off its 23rd annual event held on Oahu on October 30th –
November 9th and the neighbor islands from November 7 – 9. Signature
Dole Cannery Theatres returns as the home of the film festival with select
films shown at the Doris Duke Theater at the Honolulu Academy of Arts
and Hawaii Theatre Center.
“It’s
been a great year for filmmaking, and our slate of films for our 23rd
year reflects our mission of promoting cultural understanding through
the medium of film,” said Chuck Boller, executive director at HIFF.
“It is our goal to introduce films that incite and inspire our community,
that encourages awareness, discussion, and innovative thought. We’re
pleased to have 12 World Premieres and 31 United States Premieres. Our
focus is on films that highlight different people and cultures especially
Asian, Pacific Rim and North American, and the one’s we’ve
chosen this year continue to entertain and educate in ways mainstream
films often do not.”
Hawaii International
Film Festival will feature more than 164 films from 34 countries - Australia,
Canada, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany,
Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan,
Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines,
Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United
Kingdom, United States, and Vanuatu.
HIFF continues
its strong tradition of presenting a diverse mix of films from all over
the world with a total of nineteen distinct categories of films. Festival
enthusiasts will enjoy twenty seven home grown films and videos made by
filmmakers based in Hawaii. Thrill seekers will delight in one of the
most frightening films in years, THE GRUDGE, premiering appropriately
on Halloween night.
Re-experience
eight 1970s groundbreaking and innovative Chinese martial arts films in
all their original splendor – 35 mm film, wide screen and original
language - including cult classics – THE 36th CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN
and the ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN. The latest electrifying action films from
Asia like the Korean films YESTERDAY and TUBE and the amazing documentary
on the Beijing Opera acrobats – RED TROUSERS. Expose yourself to
Japanese music videos known as J-Pop [Japanese pop music] and the latest
anime including this year’s Cannes Film Festival hit THE TRIPLETS
OF BELLEVILLE.
FEATURED
FILMS
THE
COMPANY [Opening Night]
HIFF is proud to open the 2003 festival with Robert Altman’s latest
masterpiece THE COMPANY, a colorful and intimate look at the intense day-to-day
work of a ballet company. THE COMPANY explores the most delicate of arts,
ballet, and does so with an intensity and intimacy that Robert Altman
has so masterfully patented. The story delves into the subtleties of the
dancers’ interactions – both on and off the studio floor –
through the story of woman [Neve Campbell] poised to become a principal
dancer and struggling with the tremendous physical and emotional demands
of her vocation.
>>
October 30th, Hawaii Theatre Center, 6:30 p.m.
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS [Closing Night]
Winner at Cannes, and opening Toronto’s Festival, Denys Arcand’s
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS has won international acclaim – exquisitely
constructed by the famed writer-director. THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS joins
the ranks of clever ensemble dramas like THE BIG CHILL and MY DINNER WITH
ANDRE. Arcand’s affection for his characters is unconditional and,
as they ponder the social revolutions around them, proving once again
that he is a master of cinema, effortlessly entwining word, image and
passion.
>> November 7th, Hawaii Theatre Center, 6:30 p.m.
JAPANESE STORY [Centerpiece Gala]
JAPANESE STORY is that jewel of a film that encapsulates the full richness
of Pacific Rim Cinema – a tale of cultural differences, East and
West, and the results of this collision of worlds. Superstar Toni Collette,
a stalwart actor that has developed a rich and envious curriculum vitae
-- from her adorable debut in MURIEL’S WEDDING to her Oscar nominated
performance in THE SIXTH SENSE (Collette also served on the HIFF Jury
in ’97) -- plays Sandy Edwards, an ambitious geologist, who suddenly
finds herself having to babysit Hiromitsu (Gotaro Tsunashima), an aloof
Japanese businessman. These two diametrically opposed strangers soon find
themselves forced into a potentially life or death situation, one that
is aggravated against the backdrop of the harsh and cruel Outback. Isolated
from the modern world, Sandy and Hiromitsu begin to form an unusual bond,
discovering unique and sometimes compelling traits between the Eastern
Man and the Western Woman.
>> November 4th, Hawaii Theatre Center, 6:30 p.m.
THE RIDE [World Premiere/Waikiki Sunset on the Beach/ Hawaii No Ka Oi]
THE RIDE’s brilliant performances and faithful local dialogue refreshes
HIFF audience’s perception of Hawai’i films, bringing forth
an urge to redefine its conventions. The honor of earning his place as
the youngest world champion of all time in his sport brings the usual
perks for 21-year old professional surfer David Monroe – select
females, corporate and label endorsements, an army of fans, an agent,
limo’ rides, and the occasional explosions of arrogance. He even
surmises that the misadventures following a mishap on the waves in his
next competition – landing him in 1911 Waikiki, no less –
can only be explained as a well-orchestrated prank by his rivals. Viewers
will astonish at THE RIDE’s detailed, yet subtle, rendition of early
20th century Oahu – indeed, enough to entice a visualization of
walking alongside David’s experience while inviting them to eagerly
observe and contemplate the sometimes overused time travel theme from
a fresh, distinctive angle.
>> November 1st, Waikiki Sunset on the Beach, 6:00 p.m.
THE
COOLER [Signature Gala]
Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) is a walking, talking jinx. His luck ran
out in Vegas before he ever placed a bet, but a massive one-time debt
has kept him trapped there until he can repay it. For years, Bernie has
worked for Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin), the tempestuous owner of the
Shangri-La Casino and his only friend. A “cooler,” Bernie’s
singular task – and skill – is allowing his consistently,
virulently miserable luck to rub off on any gambler enjoying too hot a
streak. All he needs to do is stand near his targets and their fortunes
change instantly. However, when Bernie unexpectedly starts a torrid romance
with Natalie (Maria Bello), a pessimistic but sexy cocktail waitress,
his own luck reverses – at the worse possible time. He is within
days of paying off his loan and escaping Sin City for good. THE COOLER
is a grimly sensational fable about life in gambling’s glittering
desert.
>> November 2nd, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:15 p.m.
>> November 6th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 9:45 p.m.
SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN [Signature Gala]
This exquisite feature announces the comeback of Tian Zhuangzhuang, one
of China's most important "Fifth Generation" filmmakers, who
completed his last film, the highly regarded THE BLUE KITE, in 1993. It’s
the spring of 1946 … less than a year since the defeated Japanese
withdrew from China. A young woman languishes on the bomb-damaged walls
of the small town. She is bored … frustrated … unfulfilled.
The sound of a distant train whistle triggers thoughts of escape. But
everything changes when an unexpected visitor arrives from Shanghai. SPRINGTIME
IN A SMALL TOWN is a film that speaks a forgotten language - one of love
and constraint, of allusions and double meanings, and of graceful gestures
capable of condensing centuries of Chinese history and culture.
>> November 1st, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:15 p.m.
>> November 9th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 12:45 p.m.
MY TUTOR FRIEND [Signature Gala]
Internet-based novels, which have become a trend in Asian pop culture,
are the new source of choice for many film adaptations nowadays. MY TUTOR
FRIEND continues this narrative style and has become one of the biggest
box office smashes of the year. Second year university student Soo-wan
(Kim Ha-neul) comes from a blue-collar family who runs a fried chicken
shop and works as a private tutor to cover her expenses. One day she is
assigned to Ji-hoon (Kwon Sang-woo), a high school boy from a rich family
who cares more about his gangster side-business than his studies. Their
lessons begin with many conflicts and amusement, but like all romantic
comedies, end with love. MY TUTOR FRIEND, in the end, is a very sweet
and funny film…just check the cerebrum at the door and have a good
time.
>> November 5th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:15 p.m.
>> November 9th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 3:30 p.m.
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING [Signature Gala]
Photographed with all the sublime incandescence of the Vermeer portrait
for which it is named, GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING lifts the veil shrouding
the painter’s mid-seventeenth century home life in a transfixing
story told from the point of view of his young maidservant. Every frame
is a triumph of composition and light inspired by the Dutch master’s
work. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth, as Griet and Vermeer, are striking
for their inner glow of intelligence and quiet insightfulness. Based on
the acclaimed novel by Tracy Chevalier, Peter Webber’s first feature
is a beautiful study of the glorious surfaces and emotional depths of
the period.
>> October 31st, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:15 p.m.
MAMBO
ITALIANO [Signature Gala]
Already heralded as the gay Italian MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Emile Gaudreault’s
delightful coming out farce is set in Montreal’s Little Italy. Adorable
closet case Angelo (Luke Kirby), an aspiring TV writer, makes the culturally
unheard of decision to move out of his parents’ house and into his
own quirky apartment. A chance encounter with Nino (Peter Miller), his
childhood best friend turned ultra-hunky cop, leads to romance - the ultimate
secret from their tradition-bound families. When Angelo finally can’t
endure the pretense that he and Nino are just roommates, he comes out
to his folks and the sauce really boils over. The resulting opera buffa
culminates in a dinner party out of Dante’s Inferno as both sets
of parents try to fix Nino up with Angelo’s psychotherapy-obsessed
sister. The lavish production features bright mambo rhythms, effervescent
pop songs and an appropriately campy/tacky ‘70s look. A warm-hearted,
laugh-out-loud comedy, MAMBO ITALIANO is sure to rock your gondola.
>> November 3rd, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:15 p.m.
LAST LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE [Signature Gala]
After a plunge in the variegated Thai universe of FUN BAR KARAOKE (HIFF
’97), 6IXTNIN9 (HIFF ’00) and MONRAK TRANSISTOR (HIFF ’02),
Pen-ek Ratanaruang brings his distinctive narrative style to a new frontier
in LAST LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE, a non-judgmental, intimate look at a unique
kind of modern loneliness. Kenji (Tadanobu Asano)) is a suicide-obsessed
Japanese man living in Bangkok who is searching for signs to prove the
significance of his existence. He has attempted suicide many times, on
each occasion preparing for his departure down to the smallest aesthetic
details. But Kenji’s fortunes take an unexpected detour when he
accidentally kills a yakuza gang member. The elegant fusion of reality
and surreal visions reaffirms Ratanaruang as one of the freshest, most
engaging voices in the panorama of contemporary Asian cinema.
>> November 4th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:15 p.m.
>> November 9th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 7:30 p.m.
DANIEL K. INOUYE: AN AMERICAN STORY [Hawaii No Ka Oi]
Truly an ensemble production, DANIEL K. INOUYE: AN AMERICAN STORY is a
fascinating and compelling biography about the life and times of Hawai`i’s
renowned and highly respected, Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Through interviews,
testimonials, archival and contemporary footage, the documentary assembles
a picture of Senator Inouye’s principled fortitude through growing
up as a Japanese American in Hawaii, fighting in World War II and during
his rise in American politics. Behind this fascinating biography is a
group of accomplished and talented local filmmakers. Together, they give
a moving and detailed portrait of a man who has not only been part of
American history, but has been active in making it. Director/producer
Heather H. Giugni successfully transfers the story of an exceptional life
into a film of inspiration.
>> November 5th, Signature Dole Cannery Theatres, 1:00p.m.
FREE SEMINARS
This year, Hawaii International Film Festival presents numerous free seminars
and screenings:
• THE
EASTMAN KODAK SEMINAR WITH DEAN SEMLER – Join this year’s
recipient of the Kodak Vision Award for Cinematography, Dean Semler [MAD
MAX, THE ROAD WARRIOR, DANCES WITH WOLVES, THE ALAMO] for an intimate
seminar on the art and technique of cinematography.
• “GLOBAL/LOCAL/EXOTIC SYMPOSIUM” - The three day symposium
series at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa explores the transformation
of local culture by transnational cultural circulation in the screen cultures
of the Asian region. Presenters include Ackbar Abbas, Marilou Diaz Abaya
and Elizabeth Daley. For more information visit www.asianfilms.com.
• LATIN
AMERICAN CINEMA - Using film clips and stills, Dr. Paul Schroeder will
present a broad survey of Latin American cinema.
• FROM
INDIE TO HOLLYWOOD – Meet screenwriter and producer John Castro
for a Q &A session on the hit independent film THE DEBUT.
• THE
ART & TECHNIQUE OF THE AMERICAN TELEVISION COMMERCIAL - The Association
of Independent Commercial Producers [AICP] presents an exhilarating show
of the best in commercial production.
• THE
CULTURAL & VISUAL LITERACY PROGRAM - HIFF reaches out to youths to
cultivate cultural sensitivity, critical viewing skills, and appreciation
for film as an art form.
CONCERT
LOU RAWLS BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HIFF - Hawaii Kai’s Koko Marina Center
welcomes world renowned jazz entertainer, Lou Rawls to its newly renovated
Marina Courtyard for an intimate concert under the stars on Wednesday,
Oct. 29, 2003 at 7 p.m. Lou Rawls is well known for hits like Lady Love
and Natural Man. This fundraising event, benefiting the Hawaii International
Film Festival (HIFF), will be topped off with a sneak preview of one of
HIFF’s award winning independent feature films “Long Life,
Happiness and Prosperity.” Tickets start at $100. For more information
and to purchase tickets please call Koko Marina Center management office
at 395-4737 or Hawaii International Film Festival at 528-3456 or visit
our website at www.hiff.org
for more information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Advance tickets
for the festival are available at the HIFF box office located in the Dole
Signature Theatres complex starting October 21st. Movie ticket prices
are $8.00 or $6.00 for HIFF members. Basic membership starts at $50 and
include 6 tickets. All movie pass membership starts at $250 and includes
a pass to all movies, filmmaker receptions, and award ceremonies. The
box office hours are as follows:
October 21
– 29
>> Monday through Sunday – Noon. to 6:00 p.m.
October 30
– November 9
>> Monday through Saturday – Noon. to 10:30 p.m.
>> Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Established
in 1981, Louis Vuitton Hawaii presents Hawaii International Film Festival
is dedicated to advancing understanding and cultural exchange among the
peoples of Asia, the Pacific, and North America through the medium of
film. HIFF is considered one of the world’s premiere film events
ideally positioned two months before The Academy Awards®. This year’s
festival includes over 150 features, documentaries and film shorts plus
numerous film seminars. The festival has premiered such movies as Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Once Were Warriors, The Piano, Shine, Shall We Dance
and Y Tu Mama Tambien.
FOR MEDIA ONLY: Film images and press releases can be found at
our media-only FTP site at ftp://hiff@64.29.67.121. To log in, enter username:
hiff and password: filmsarefun. Simply click and drag from the site onto
your desktop.
23rd Louis
Vuitton Hawaii presents Hawaii International Film Festival is proud to
recognize this year’s sponsors who include LOUIS VUITTON HAWAII,
Hawaii Tourism Authority, Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian,
Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Waikiki, Princess Kaiulani, Commercial Data
Systems, Blockbuster Video of Hawaii, Signature Theatres at Dole Cannery,
Cox Radio, Inc., Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Eastman Kodak Company, First
Hawaiian Bank, City & County of Honolulu, KBFD-TV, The Asia Network
(TAN), LavaNet, Castle & Cooke Properties, Inc., Service Printers,
Joots, Qantas Airways Ltd., Koko Marina Center, Fluxis Media, Gordon Biersch,
Hagadone, Hawaii Film Office, The Honolulu Advertiser, M & S Brokerage
, Cades Schutte & The Cades Foundation, Harold Sasaki, Ltd., Hawaii
National Bank, Meritage, Montaj 9, Security Resources, Verizon, Quiet
Storm, Aloha Airlines, Blue Waters Associates, Frear Eleemosynary Trust,
Jhamandas Watumull Fund, The Last Sanctuary, McInerny Foundation, Continental
Surf Hotel, Korean Airlines, KPMG, Navy MWR Hawaii, JN Chevrolet, Clear
Channel, Guide.net, In Production, Mac Made Easy, Nextel Hawaii, YOLK
Magazine, Professional Results, Inc., Central Pacific Bank, HonBlue/Blackbird,
KIKU-TV, KITV-4, The Korea Daily of Hawaii, Korea Times, Hawaii, Radio
Seoul, Hawaii, Korean Centennial Committee, Nippon Golden Network, Outrigger
Hotels, Australia American Chamber of Commerce, Australian Consul General,
The James & Sally Zukerkorn Foundation , TheoDavies Euromotors, Ltd.,
Kinetic Productions, Pacific Music Productions, Starbucks, Association
of Independent Video & Filmmakers, Fil-Am Courier, Giant Robot, Screen
Actors Guild, Lincolne Scott, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Minette Lew, Skinner
Entertainment, PBS Hawaii, Keiko K. Grant Language Services, Michael Yasutake,
and The Greek Corner.
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