COURTESY 'OHINA SHOWCASE Scene from "Amasian: The Amazing Asian."

Local filmmakers get shot
at displaying their talents in
sixth ‘Ohina movie series

This year's sixth edition is a conglomeration of indie shorts that continues the showcase's purpose of giving local filmmakers the chance to exhibit their wares to the wider community.

The 2004 'Ohina Short Film Showcase Where: The Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts When: 7:30 p.m. today and noon, 3 and 7 p.m. tomorrow Admission: Free -- first come, first seated -- and donations are welcome Info: 428-0100 or go online at ohina.org

Co-founder Jeff Katts said that, along with the "wide variety of film shorts, we have more college fare and animation. One is a musical, which is kind of cute, called 'I'm Coming Out of My Shell.' The variation of the level and types of animation is more obvious this year."

Besides "Amasian," the already well-publicized superhero spoof starring local comic Paul Ogata, Katts said another showcase standout, but on the other side of the spectrum, "is a six-minute piece titled 'Micah Cole.' It's an emotional standout, a documentary about a couple taking care of their premature baby. The way it was put together is very heartfelt."

University of Hawaii student filmmaker Michael Ogasawara is back again this year with two of his own shorts. "The boy's talented ... his technique in telling a story and conveying emotions is very simple. There is a cohesiveness to his work."

This year's program:

» "Sundance: The Moonchild Chapter" -- Directed by Blaine Dydasco A mythological tale about the very first sunrise.

» "The Red Samurai" -- Directed by Christopher Wong A little red samurai helps an old hermit get his house back.

» "A Visual Poem" -- Directed by Michael Martinez An experimental piece that explores sex and violence with visuals and music.

» "Love of My Life" -- Directed by Allen Taylor & Abcdee Callejo A music video about a couple's tragic loss to drugs.

» "Agent Orange" -- Directed by Anita AllisonA college student is interrogated by the FBI for chemical weapons.

» "Balls Away" -- Directed by Kevin Yoza A not-so-bright couple has unusual ideas for Christmas gifts for each other.

» "Do Not Disturb" -- Directed by Michael OgasawaraAn experimental piece about an old chest.

» "A Fortune Cookie" -- Directed by Brad OsbornAn ironic little comedy.

» "The Wat Up Show" -- Directed by Sam KapoiA piece showing the true local definition of "the confirmation."

» "Goggles" -- Directed by Mika PitoloA music video tells the story about the importance of safety in a high school science lab.

» "Beary Tales: Emotional Abuse" -- Directed by Sam Kapoi A piece dealing with the continuing issue of child abuse in Hawaii.

» "Cause and Defect" --Directed by Michael OgasawaraA piece about an accident and how it happened.

» "I'm Coming Out of My Shell" -- Directed by Mara KimAn animation piece about a snail.

» "Amasian: The Amazing Asian" -- Directed by Gerard Elmore The adventures of an under-appreciated superhero in Hawaii.

» "Island" -- Directed by Melinda Morey A experimental piece about an island.

» "Micah Cole: Homeward Bound" -- Directed by Kevin Yoza A moving documentary about a premature baby.