COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII OUTREACH COLLEGE
Anita learns to be self sufficient in "Anita the Beekeeper".
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Atta girl films
A free movie festival highlights the achievements and challenges faced by girls
The University of Hawaii Outreach College's most successful program continues this month with two Sundays of films celebrating the achievements, challenges and adventures of girls.
The free "GRLS r GR8 Mini-Film Fest" kicks off this weekend with "The Adventures of Ociee Nash," recommended for keiki ages 5 to 10.
GRLS R GR8 MINI-FILM FESTIVAL
Presented by the Kids First! Film Festival
Screenings: 3 p.m. Sunday and April 13
Place: University of Hawaii at Manoa Art Auditorium
Admission: Free
Information: www.outreach.hawaii.edu
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Hollywood Behind-the-Scene says the movie, set in 1898, "is a story of personal triumph that exudes a 'feel good' ambiance that satisfies film-goers of all ages. Writer/director Kristen McGary (brilliantly) cast Keith Carradine as Papa George Nash and Mare Winningham as Aunt Mamie Nash. ... Critics and audiences alike give thumbs up to this wholesome look at life based on the book, 'A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street.'"
Skyler Day makes her screen debut as the spirited 9 year old for whom nothing could be more exciting than romping through her beloved Mississippi countryside with her brother Ben (Bill Butler) and her faithful four-legged companion, Woofer.
Ociee's idyllic life, however, is thrown into a tailspin when her father realizes that because of the death of Ociee's mother, and Ociee's run-in with a mysterious gypsy, the rough and tumble world of their rural farm is not the place for the girl to be growing up. Papa decides it is time to send Ociee to Ashville, N.C., where her Aunt Mamie can try to teach her to become "a young lady."
At the movie screening, more than a dozen door prizes will be given away as well.
ON APRIL 13, the fest will present a program of "spirited shorts," featuring "Adina's Deck" and a selection of "Girl Stars."
» "Adina's Deck: The Exclusive Detective Agency Specializing in Solving Cyber Bully Mysteries" is geared towards 9 to 14 year olds. It centers on four tech-savvy girls who solve their peers cyber-bullying mysteries. Cyber bullying is defined as threatening, harassing, humiliating or embarrassing someone via the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.
The film series originated from research that was conducted at several Bay Area middle schools, which uncovered a significant lack of awareness about real-life consequences in the face of virtual identity. Yet cyber bullying can result in depression, anxiety and suicide. More than 30 middle school girls contributed to concepts used in the script, and 150 youths served as crew and actors for the film.
» The production of the "Girl Stars" was supported by UNICEF in India. Each story is a real tale of girls from the northern part of the country who have changed their lives by attending school.
The series originally traveled as a road show through remote villages in India via a pink-decorated truck rigged with a large-screen television. Under a makeshift tent, villagers watched the success stories of girls from rural settings like their own who, despite all odds, became self-sufficient individuals through education.
Three episodes of the series will be screened: "Anita the Beekeeper," "Laxm the Archer" and "Kiran the Junkyard Dealer."
» Other short films screening April 13 include "Rosa," based on the Caldecott-honored book about the Alabama woman who refused to sit at the back of the bus in the time of the segregated South, thereby igniting the civil rights movement; "Kristy," in which a tomboy and her mother have a showdown regarding clothing; and "Natalie at Five O'Clock," about a geeky-looking teenager who tries to transform herself into the dancing queen she feels like inside.