Pacific Islanders in Communications
A young man in trouble with the law, Thunderbox Jr.,
enjoys a shared moment with his father in "Thunderbox,"
directed by Lee Tamahori.
Pacific filmmakers capture their own
Island images
By Tim Ryan
Star-BulletinThe fourth annual Pacific Island Images Film Festival, which showcases the work of indigenous filmmakers from the Pacific, will be held statewide from Wednesday through Aug. 2. The festival begins 7:30 p.m. Thursday with the Young Filmmakers' Showcase at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Art Auditorium. General admission is $4; $3 for students, seniors and faculty.
Topping the bill is "Hawaiian Sting," an irreverent comedy written by Big Island high school student Anthony Kahawaii, and starring Ray Bumatai.
Also featured is Charles Robinson's "Kumuhonua," which follows the Kamehameha School's delegation to the Marquesas as they join in an historic celebration of Pacific Navigation, "Huakai"; Vincent Kealaokalani's "Don't Be A Copycat"; and "Mai Time," a Maori teen show.
Filmmakers from Guam, Tonga, and New Zealand are featured Friday. Taueva Fa'otusia will introduce his film "Uiaki Fono: Resolving the Future," an exploration of the struggle between the traditional culture of Tonga and the encroachment of western influences.
In Shawn Sourgose's "But Not to Shock" a young Chamorro woman reflects on the life-changing event of her father's suicide.
Pacific Islanders in Communications
Wallace Akeo portrays the grandfather in "Hawaiian Sting."
After being expelled from school, a young man finds himself in the work force and in trouble with the law in "Thunderbox," an early short film from the director of the acclaimed "Once Were Warriors," Lee Tamahori.On closing night, the Maori Arts Festival is the focus of "Kapa Haka -- The People Dance," a film by Alison Carter highlighting men and women performing the traditional kapa haka in an effort to capture the distinguished title. In Micah Ven Der Ryn's "Tatau: What One Must Do" the tradition of the tatoo migrates to the modern world as young Samoan men in Los Angeles take part in the traditions of their homeland.
Additional free screenings will be held statewide: at Maui Community College, Kalama 103, Wednesday; BYU-Laie, Little Theatre, and Mitchell Pauole Center, Molokai on Thursday; Nanakuli High School, Friday; Windward Community College, Eckerdt 102, Saturday; Lanai Senior Center, July 30; Hilo's East Hawaii Cultural Center, July 31; Parker School Auditorium, Waimea on Aug. 1; and Anahola Clubhouse on Kauai, Aug. 2. Screenings begin at 7 p.m.
The film schedule for the University of Hawaii site follows.
Thursday:
"Huakai" (15 minutes)
Friday:
Saturday:
For more information call 591-0059.
