This year’s closing film comes from South Korea, an adventurous and sophisticated heist film titled “The Thieves.” Praised in its native land as one of the top grossing films of all time, the film from director Dong-hoon Choi pins grifter
This year’s closing film comes from South Korea, an adventurous and sophisticated heist film titled “The Thieves.” Praised in its native land as one of the top grossing films of all time, the film from director Dong-hoon Choi pins grifter against grifter as they vie to become the keeper of the diamond beauty, Tear of the Sun.
While the filmmakers from South Korea represented well this year with over 15 films, director Sasha Friendlander thanks all who supported her documentary “Where Heaven Meets Hell,” winner of the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Documentary Feature. The humanistic story is one of reality, about the painful experiences of four sulfur miners at Kawah Ijen, an active crater in Indonesia. On HIFF’s Facebook page, Friendlander credits HIFF for the sold out screening of her film. The New York-based director/producer/cinematographer/editor feels “both honored and humbled” to have received this prestigious award that she dedicates to the miners.
Documentaries were in abundance with over 50 short and feature length screenings at this year’s festival. Director Tadashi Nakamura showcases one of the island’s finest musicians. “Jake Shimabukuro: Life On Four Strings” showcases the four-string master through home practices to touring the world. Nakamura captures a humble person, a passionate musician touring worldwide spreading aloha through his ukulele.
As HIFF films bridged cultures, it also brought about filmmakers of all ages. The Kupuna Lens Shorts Showcase featured 10 films. The workshop was free for Hawai‘i residents 60 and over. Participants learned to write, film and edit a short documentary film. This 12-week course was sponsored by HIFF and ‘Olelo Community Media. A slew of skate movies made its way into the festival this year with the shorts program “Sons Of Animal Style.”
The Career Achievement Award was presented to Japanese actor Koji Yakusho whose career in motion pictures spans over 30 years. The popular actor gained tinsel town exposure in films like “Memoirs Of A Geisha” and the award-winning “Babel.” In its closing, HIFF thanked its numerous festival and media sponsors for their support in another successful showcase of films.
