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Screen Time
Katherine Nichols
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Series focuses on energy independence
The last time
Don Brown programmed a film series on alternative energy in 2006, oil cost $32 a barrel. "Hopefully more people's eyes are open now that the price is over three times as much," noted Brown, who launched the Energy Independence Film Series again yesterday at the University of Hawaii.
Don't worry if you missed the beginning, however. Ten more films remain in the series. "We hope to attract legislators and others who can make a difference on policy issues, as well as concerned citizens."
Topics include solar, wave and wind energies, biofuels, algae and cellulose conversion. The series, which runs through November, also examines cultures that have successfully managed energy independence.
The next documentary in the lineup is "Power of the Sun," an exploration of solar energy, at 5 p.m. on Sept. 21. All films screen at Spalding Auditorium. Cost is $5, $3 for students and faculty. Call 223-0130 ...
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"Man on Wire," a fascinating documentary about wire walker Phillippe Petit, is showing in Kahului and opens at the Kahala Theatres tonight. On Aug. 7, 1974, Petit secretly rigged a tightrope between New York's newly constructed World Trade Center buildings 1,350 feet above the ground. Before he was arrested and carted off for a psychological evaluation, he not only walked between the twin towers, he performed for nearly an hour by balancing on one leg and lying down on the wire.
The eight-month planning and execution of what was dubbed "the artistic crime of the century" is the subject of the James Marsh film that earned impressive reviews from Variety, the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. The one-of-a-kind Petit is still alive and provides lively commentary throughout, as do his accomplices and former girlfriend.
Though a bit long in places, the details are astonishing. Moreover, the details of how these men outwitted World Trade Center security (a little less amusing after 9/11, perhaps), shot an arrow between the towers to attach the wire and prepared Petit for high winds during his show are highly entertaining. For a review, see Page D4 ...
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HawaiI filmmaker Edgy Lee will host a screening of "The Hawaiians: Reflecting Spirit," a documentary about the origins, renaissance and current social conditions of native Hawaiians. First she'll meet with fans and film aficionados in Kahala Mall's Center Court at 3 p.m. Sept. 21. The free screenings at the Kahala Theatres take place at 3:30 and 5:15 p.m. Between showings, Lee will answer questions and speak with the audience in the theater. Advance tickets (limit two per person) will be available at the Whole Foods Market customer service counter beginning at 11 a.m. Sept. 21. Call 732-7736.
"The Hawaiians: Reflecting Spirit," Lee's most recent work, is running on PBS, and premiered at the opening of the Smithsonian's Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.