KINETIC FILMS Julie Nagata plays the part of a teenage girl who has been abused for years by the men in her life, from uncle to boyfriend.

No fairy tale ending
for solemn tale

"Silent Years" is a perfect example that less can sometimes be so much more.

"Silent Years" USA, part of the Hawaii Panorama 7 showcase Playing at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Dole Cannery cineplex

This 12-minute short, directed by local filmmaker James Sereno and adapted from select poems by noted author Lois-Ann Yamanaka, follows a teenage girl (Julie Nagata) who has long suffered silently both emotional and physical abuse from most of the males in her life: an alcoholic uncle (Wil Kahele) she is living with, a macho boyfriend (Matt Miller) and an inattentive teacher.

The nameless girl looks down while she walks in public and only speaks when she's about to be beaten. Most of the time, she can't muster the courage to say no.

Nagata portrays a character ashamed of her submissive status, ignorant and too terrified to speak up or even escape.

There is little dialogue, except for what is overdubbed, which compels the viewer's attention. This universal story uses pidgin throughout, an effective way to tell this story in an honest, local manner.

The story begins in a beautiful bathroom with the girl-turned-woman about to take a shower, but she can only stare at her image in the mirror.

Action! The film festival runs through Sunday Venues: Dole Cannery cineplex, Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts; Hawaii Theatre; marine Sciences Building, University of Hawaii-Manoa Tickets: $8; $7 seniors and children; $6 festival ohana members. Available at Dole Cannery box office, by fax at 528-1410, or online at www.hiff.com Information: Call 528-4433 or visit the Web site, www.hiff.org Closing Night Gala Featured film: Hawaii premiere of Michael Clancy's "Eulogy," starring Ray Romano, Hank Azaria, Kelly Preston Show time: 8 p.m. Friday Place: Hawaii Theatre

By the end of the film, one can believe that the opening could be several years after her life with uncle and abuse by teenage boys.

We follow the girl through part of her school day where she's teased by a quartet of boys and her wannabe boyfriend. The girl is so frightened that she backs away crying, leaving her school locker open.

The next time we see the girl, she's sitting in a dark section of the school with Jimmyboy, who wants to kiss her. When she refuses, he tells her he insists he'll have that kiss on grad night. A teacher wanders by and congratulates the boy on his volleyball prowess for the school team but makes no effort to see who the girl is, if she needs help, or tells the couple to leave.

Jimmyboy doesn't get a kiss, but still manages to leave a mark on the girl's neck that indicates to the uncle that his niece may have been sexually active that night. Subsequently, he beats her for being "a slut."

Nagata's acting is all eyes and facial expressions, and she does a remarkable job. Miller is so real he'll have many men question their own treatment of females.

There's no reason to give away the ending, but it isn't your typical Hollywood fairy tale. We're left wondering -- hoping -- that this young woman can finally escape her emotional imprisonment.

But we'll never know.

Click for online
calendars and events.