15th Annual Spring Showcase
Hawaii International Film Festival
Presented by Halekulani
April 4th-10th
This year’s Showcase will be screening films from 13 countries at Regal’s Dole Cannery 18, the beautiful Doris Duke Theatre and Historic Hawaii Theatre Center.
HIFF‘s Associate Director of Programming, Anna, shares her thoughts on the trio of films from Hong Kong that we have in the upcoming Spring Showcase. This includes Firestorm, a crime drama starring the famous Andy Lau; the spine-tingling horror film, Rigor Mortis, and, As The Lights Go Out, a thrilling drama about firefighters.
If you’re looking for heart-pounding action or spine-tingling horror, HIFF’s exciting spring line-up of Hong Kong titles has got you covered. We’ve got three of the hottest 2013/2014 films from Hong Kong at this year’s Spring Showcase that will truly leave you on the edge of your seat…
Hong Kong produces some of the best action/genre films in the world, and this year’s spring titles don’t disappoint. With some of the biggest HK hits of 2013/2014 featuring some of the hottest stars in Hong Kong, these three films are not to be missed:
1) Firestorm. Hailed by critics as the best Hong Kong action film of the year, Firestorm takes the classic cops and robbers genre to a new level. Written and directed by rising star Alan Yuen, this tale of justice and vengeance asks how far is too far, when operating within the bounds of the law is just not enough… Featuring HK superstar Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs (2002); House of Flying Daggers (2004) in the lead role as Inspector Liu, Firestorm is filled with top-notch action sequences, and hard-boiled drama that will hook you in and have you gripping your seat. Truly, a must see on the big screen. HIFF is honored to have this amazing film as part of our Spring Showcase program!
Screenings: Saturday April 5th 930PM Dole Cannery Theaters
*****
Monday April 7th 830PM Dole Cannery Theaters
2) Rigor Mortis, the scariest film at Spring Showcase, and a perfect movie for a night out with friends or a cuddle-up date with your girlfriend/boyfriend, Rigor Mortis is the biggest Hong Kong horror hit of 2013. Fans of Asian horror will delight in this over-the-top supernatural ride, filled with ghosts, demons and evil spirits. Directed by Hong Kong pop star turned director, Juno Mak, the film is an ode to the Hong Kong horror-comedy series MR. Vampire. In many ways an homage to classic HK cinema, Rigor Mortis reinvents classic genre tropes with incredible visuals, mind blowing effects, and spine-chilling suspense. Grab your popcorn, hold on to your seats, come along for a ride through this atmospheric nightmare world…
Screenings: Friday April 4th 9:15PM Dole Cannery Theaters and Thursday April 10th 9:15Pm Dole Cannery Theaters
3) As The Lights Go Out. Derek Kwok (Gallants, HIFF 2010; Journey to the West (2013) takes us deep into the world of the fearless firefighter in As The Lights Go Out. Just released in Hong Kong, this thrilling, edge-of-your-seat drama, offers a fully immersive experience for the viewer that must be enjoyed on the big screen. Using a combination of CG effects, stunning cinematography, and incredible sound effects, As The Lights Go Out puts you so close to the action, that you can almost smell the smoke. Featuring an all-star cast, including Simon Yam (The Thieves, HIFF 2012; Ip Man, HIFF 2008) , Nicolas Tse (The Stool Pigeon, HIFF 2010; Bodyguards and Assassins, HIFF 2010), Andy On (Unbeatable, HIFF 2013, Cold War, HIFF 2012), and Shawn Yue (Love in a Puff, HIFF 2010; Infernal Affairs, 2002), this is a definite spring showcase must see! We only have one screening, so get your tickets early!
Screening: Thursday April 10th 630PM Dole Cannery Theaters
HIFF’s presented by Halekulani Spring Showcase, would not be complete without a film made in or about Hawaii. The Showcase is fortunate to have KUMU HINA, a powerful new film from Pacific Islanders in Communications about the struggle to maintain traditional culture and values within the Westernized society of modern Honolulu, will be the Closing Night Film in the Hawaiʻi International Film Festivalʻs Spring Showcase — Thurs., April 10 at the Hawaiʻi Theatre.
The filmʻs entertaining stories are told through the voice of Hina Wong-Kalu, a remarkable native Hawaiian māhū, or transgender, teacher who inspires a young girl to claim her place as leader of the schoolʻs all-male hula troupe as she searches for love and a fulfilling romantic relationship in her own life.
As Hinaʻs arduous journey unfolds, her Hawaiian roots and values give her the strength and wisdom to persevere, offering viewers a profound new glimpse of island life and a deeper understanding of the true meaning of aloha.
This very special event will be the hometown send-off for KUMU HINA as the film embarks on a tour to spread a message of cultural preservation, empowerment, and inclusion – what Hina calls ʻthe true meaning of alohaʻ – across the U.S. and around the world. We hope you can make it, and that youʻll help spread the word too. Mahalo piha!
Review of Kumu Hina
Kumu Hina is a social documentary and is GLBT themed. However, after you experience this tale of struggle, love and the aloha spirit you will better understand yourself and our world. This film is a timely and transcendent work of art for humanity, especially in a country that loves to label everyone. This documentary shows us why we have no reason to judge others. Kumu Hina proves the Hawaiian Island’s culture, people and land need to be cherished. Hawaii is not merely a vacation spot.
The filmmakers are fearless and transcendent in showing the true “Aloha” Hawaii possesses. The subject matter is a piece of Hawaii’s history that needs to be honored and stop being pushed aside. As a social document, Kumu Hina will be relevant for many years (hopefully decades) to come.
For tickets, complete festival schedule and more info visit www.hiff.org.
Article by Entertainment Writer, Paul Booth
