Bethany film at GirlFeST

If you missed the down-home documentary about shark attack victim and pro surfer Bethany Hamilton, there's another opportunity this weekend. "Heart of a Soul Surfer" will screen at GirlFeST at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Academy of Arts on Beretania Street. It's part of a series of films about women or created by women. This one qualifies on both fronts.

"We're really stoked that we could be a part of GirlFeST," said filmmaker Becky Baumgartner. "(The movie) is about one of the most inspirational girls of this era."

The DVD has been popular enough to kindle new versions with subtitles in six languages -- French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and (Brazilian) Portuguese. "This will take the movie to a ton of different countries," Baumgartner said. "We're really excited about that."

An enhanced DVD -- expected in early 2008 -- comes with a few special features, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of "A day in the life of Bethany." If they followed her this week, footage surely included surfing heats in the Reef Hawaiian Pro surf contest at Haleiwa.

Jasmine Trias fans, take note: The "American idol" sensation/recording artist has a new television series in the works. "Pacific Groove" is a lifestyle show highlighting Hawaii's fashion, food, entertainment and night life. It's set to air on OC16 next fall and is becoming a way for Trias to stay connected to Hawaii now that she has moved to Los Angeles to pursue her singing and acting careers.

"We want to bring out heart-wrenching stories," said Lincoln Jacobe, president and CEO of Hawaii Pacific Entertainment and executive producer of "Pacific Groove." In addition to breezy content, the show will contain plenty of "inspiring moments with Jasmine." Most segments will be shot in Hawaii, when Trias returns for a week every couple of months. But Jacobe said they'll also shoot in the Philippines, in Asia and on the mainland.

"It's really to keep her connected to her fans, who made her who she is today," said Jacobe, referring to the wildly supportive audience that propelled her through the ranks on Season 3 of "American Idol."

Anyone who attends Trias' 21st-birthday party at Pearl Ultra Lounge tomorrow -- detailed in Jason Genegabus' "In the Mix" column in HiLife this week -- will get a sneak peek on screens throughout the swank Ala Moana venue.

In case you don't keep track of her hectic schedule, Trias recently finished a stint in Las Vegas with the Society of Seven, and has gained enormous popularity in the Philippines with songs featuring Tagalog lyrics. Her film and television career is getting started with her new show, the lead role in a short film, "Kung Paano," and another new movie, slated to start shooting in the Philippines in 2008.

If you missed the student showcase at the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Academy of Creative Media will screen works by student and faculty members tomorrow at 6 p.m. in Spalding Hall Auditorium. Filmmakers featured include Jeremiah Tayao, Henry Mochida, Jennifer Tokunaga, Joelle-Lyn Sarte, Seong Whang, Dana Ledoux Miller and Russell Blanchard.

"Screen Time" is an occasional feature in the Today section. E-mail knichols@starbulletin.com.