MADE IN HAWAII FILMS SHOWCASED AT 2009 HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY BANK OF HAWAII

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 8, 2009 -- HONOLULU, HI (October 01, 2009) – HIFF's Made in Hawaii section sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, presents world premieres of the best work to come from Hawaii's emerging and veteran filmmakers and documentarians. In addition to the presentation of these films, the Festival will also present a candid discussion by leaders in the local film industry in our “State of the Film Industry in Hawaii” seminar, especially notable as it faces a global recession, the closing of the Hawaii Film Office and the demise of Act 221.

HIFF will host the world premiere of the much-anticipated film BARBARIAN PRINCESS, based on the inspiring true story of Hawaii’s Princess Ka’iulani, at the Hawaii Theatre on Friday, October 16 at 8:00 p.m. The Festival is also pleased to present two documentaries that represent Hawaii's socio-cultural and political heritage. One is the world premiere of PIDGIN: THE VOICE OF HAWAII, a whimsical journey through Hawaii’s working-class language, from its rise as plantation jargon to a source of island identity and pride.
HIFF will also host the world premiere of Cinematographer Anne Misawa’s (TREELESS MOUNTAIN) newest documentary STATE OF ALOHA, which traces the journey of Hawai’i’s fifty years of statehood. HIFF will screen the expanded theatrical version of this timely and well-balanced documentary, signifying the 50th anniversary of Statehood. An expanded Q & A session will follow the screening with special guests from the community about what it means to be a State.

Stalwart documentary filmmaker Tom Coffman, will unveil his latest film, NINOY & THE RISE OF PEOPLE POWER, chronicles an eyewitness account of dictatorship, assassination and revolution matching Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and opposition leader Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in a power struggle that catches the United States in a diplomatic dilemma. Both NINOY and STATE OF ALOHA are competing for the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Documentary.

Then, on October 24th at 12:30 p.m. the Made In Hawaii seminar entitled “State of the Film Industry in Hawaii” will be held at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas. Industry leaders in the local film, TV and commercial fields will discuss the challenges ahead as Hawaii filmmakers deal with the expiration of ACT 221 tax credits for film production and the imminent closing of the Hawaii Film Office. Confirmed speakers are Donne Dawson, State Film Commissioner, producer Angela Laprete (ONE KINE DAY, YOU MAY NOT KISS THE BRIDE, LYCHEE THIEVES), Jason Lau and John Ching of Talk Story Productions (Julie Taymor's TEMPEST, BEYOND THE BREAK, AZTEC REX, HEATSTROKE, SPY VS. STU), Ric Galindez and Roy Tjioe of Island Film Group (BARBARIAN PRINCESS), indie and commercial directors James Sereno (Kinetic Films, SILENT YEARS and the upcoming GROWING UP LOCAL)
Please visit www.hiff.org for detailed information on the festival and the entire film guide.