New local film taps
real time

FORMER KHON reporter Donalyn Dela Cruz has her hands full these days as communications director for the Democratic Party of Hawaii, but she's also finding time to pursue another passion, acting.

Last Thursday, she was on hand at the ARTS at Marks Garage for the world-premiere screening of "2," an experimental film directed by Robert Pennybacker that also featured Lopaka Kapanui.

Unlike a traditional movie where numerous takes are used to cut and paste together a final cut, the 26-minute-long production used uninterrupted, three-minute takes that played out in real time. Dela Cruz and Kapanui, in their roles as a couple trying to work out their relationship issues by spending a day together, were also given the freedom to improvise a bit while remaining in character.

"This was very challenging," Dela Cruz said. "It was just a completely different acting exercise ... and it made me better, I think."

Unlike other locally produced films, "2" was shot by cinematographer Ken Libby using a high-definition camera. The film's soundtrack was performed live during the screening by local musicians John Kolivas and Shoji Ledward.

And while director Pennybacker doesn't have another screening planned, he'd love to give local audiences another chance to see the movie. If you're interested in helping to make that happen, contact him via e-mail at rrp@hawaii.rr.com ...

THERE'S nothing like enjoying a nice meal outdoors with some quality Hawaiian music as a soundtrack. I was lucky enough to get both on Saturday at Chai's Island Bistro, as Robi Kahakalau and Sean Na'au'ao performed live at the restaurant, accompanied by bassist Guy Paredes.

After years of performing alongside one another at concerts in Hawaii, on the mainland and internationally, the pair have decided to take the plunge and record an album together. It will be the first time since Na'au'ao played with the Mana'o Company and Kahakalau with the Hawaiian Style Band that they will identify themselves as a group, instead of two soloists sharing a stage.

Although Na'au'ao wasn't willing to divulge the album's title just yet, he said fans can look forward to hearing it by the end of the year. He'll perform again with Kahakalau and Paredes at the restaurant on Sept. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 585-0011 for reservations ...

I WAS ALSO lucky enough to serve as one of the judges for the Hawaii finals of the Miss Hawaiian Tropic International Pageant, held Saturday night during "Feng Shui" at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

After losing to Kehau Lee in last year's finals, Waimanalo girl Leilani Bush took first place this year. She'll compete in the U.S. finals later this month at the Turtle Bay Resort. Uilani Laboy and Kerri

finished in second and third place, respectively ...