THE 2008 Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival returns for its 28th year, with 150 films from 36 countries to be screened from Oct. 9 to 19.

This year's theme, “;Staycation,”; is an acknowledgment of the tough economic times that have forced some to cut back on entertainment. HIFF executive director Chuck Boller revealed the festival had also been affected, losing more than $100,000 in sponsorships.

“;We don't have as many parties this year because of the cost,”; he said. “;(And) we printed fewer copies of the (programming) guide, but it's online in three different formats on our Web site.”;

Still, Boller and crew have worked hard to make the festival an enjoyable experience. Last year's launch of the HIFF Cafe, with food and drinks by Creations in Catering, was popular among those who wanted something more than just hot dogs and popcorn. Gourmet meals and snacks, along with a full bar, will be available from 1 to 9 p.m. starting Oct. 10.

Along with the vacation-via-movie-screen, HIFF provides numerous opportunities to meet industry types in addition to other film buffs. According to Boller, romance is alive and well here.

“;My secretary, last year, met her future husband,”; he said with a smile. “;People tell me HIFF is unique because of all the action ... in line.”;

Want to read more about the festival? Check out my blog for movie picks, plus exclusive comments from filmmaker Gerard Elmore, who directed the trailer for this year's festival. Monday's Star-Bulletin will contain expanded coverage, and our John Berger will have photos from this week's opening press conference in his On the Scene column on Tuesday ...

  AFTER SHUTTING DOWN to serve a three-week liquor license suspension, Waikiki nightclub Fashion45 is back with a new lineup of parties.

Good Life Entertainment now occupies the Friday night slot, moving its Stylus weekly from Lotus Soundbar. Last weekend's grand re-opening featured Las Vegas' DJ Re:Turn and a performance by Wasabi. Japanese DJs Kenbo and Masako visit next weekend, followed by Los Angeles-based DJ Virman on Halloween.

On Saturdays, radio station 102.7 Da Bomb presents Club 1027. And Midnight Motion Productions, MN Media and 808street.net have joined forces to host Vivid on Wednesdays with $3 drinks and $99 bottle service; Wild Wild Wes and S1da host with DJ Blake on the decks.

Oh, and the most important thing to remember about these new parties? They're all 21-and-over. Looks like the club learned its lesson ...

  MORE CLUB NEWS: The Vertical Junkies, fresh off the launch of Surf Shack Saturdays at The Shack Waikiki, followed up last weekend with their first foray into Chinatown. Thrash offers free cover before 11 p.m. to those who bring a skateboard, with the Nocturnal Sound Krew on the decks ... Nearly three years after launching Redda Fire at the Living Room, DJ Jahson the 45 Revolver has decided to scale back. Redda Fire is now set for every first Thursday, with Jahson also spinning every fourth Saturday during Dancehall City at Indigo ... Flash Hansen and Matty Hazelgrove placed their Oceanfront party on hiatus after renovations started at the Sheraton Waikiki. Hansen said they'll “;take a breather”; and look forward to RumFire becoming “;two to three times (bigger) on (the Diamond Head) side with multiple levels”; and the addition of a new VIP cabana area. The dynamic duo continue to host SKYLiNE at the Sheraton Waikiki, as well as Candy Bar Fridays at Pearl Ultralounge and Release at the Sheraton Kauai ...

  CONCERT NEWS: Natural Vibrations is getting ready to attack the mainland yet again. They're set to play four dates in Southern California and Las Vegas next week, but will first give back to local fans with a free show at Brew Moon on Friday ... Metalcore band Underoath arrives this weekend in support of their latest album, “;Lost in the Sound of Separation.”; They play Pipeline Cafe Saturday with opening act One Step Life before heading back to the mainland for shows with Saosin and The Devil Wears Prada. Tickets for Saturday's concert are $25 at all Ticketmaster outlets ... Laugh Factory Hawaii announced last week that appearances by comedians Anjelah Johnson and Dat Phan have been canceled. No reason was given and it appears the dates won't be rescheduled; ticket refunds are available now at the original point of purchase ...