'Surf Girls' ride into town

It's a still a ways off from being a done deal but Universal/ Imagine Entertainment's "Surf Girls" (a working title) began auditioning women at the Hawaii Film Studio for the starring roles. Surfing experience is required.

Director John Stockwell will be on Oahu as early as this weekend to look at locations with local location manager Randy Spangler.

Auditions for film -- described as a romance set in the world of big-wave surfing -- are expected to end early next week in time for production executives to view the material.

Filming would last several weeks, good news for local crew and actors who have endured a bleak production year after 2000's record total of more than $130 million.

Brian Keaulana has been hired to be in charge of water safety on the film.

Stockwell made his feature film debut in 1981 in "So Fine," with Ryan O'Neal and Jack Warden. The following year he was cast in Embassy Pictures' "Losin' It" with Tom Cruise and Shelly Long. He recently directed Touchstone Pictures' acclaimed "Crazy/Beautiful" starring Kirsten Dunst.

Art on the Rise tomorrow

The Kaimuki community is hosting a unique arts festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, welcoming all those in the vicinity of Wilhelmina Rise with an artistic streak.

The buying and selling takes place in the Wilhelmina Rise-Sierra Drive area.

All they ask of participants is to remember:

>> It's an art sale, not a garage sale, so don't try to unload last season's dress mistake or junior's old shoes.

>> Tie a bright bunch of balloons to mark your home if you're selling.

>> Wear a wiggy, out-there kind of hat.

>> Price your work to sell. They want everyone to go home successful and happy.

If you have work to sell or a garage to borrow, call Gerry Ralston at 737-1165.

Click for online
calendars and events.

---

Send WatDat? questions, stories
or any other story ideas or comments to:
Features, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080,
Honolulu, HI 96802 or send a fax to 523-8509
or E-mail to features@starbulletin.com.
Please include your phone number.