Friday, November 2, 2007

2007 Island Independent Film Festival


Hot on the heels of the Hawaii International Film Festival, the 2007 Island Independent Film Festival (iiFF) starts this Thursday, November 8th, and runs through the weekend ending on Sunday, November 11th. The festivities will be taking place at Next Door, a cinema/lounge/concert hall located at 43 N. Hotel Street in Chinatown, Honolulu.

Ticket Info:
Box Office is located at 39 Hotel St. and open 5:00-8:00 p.m. on show days.
Admission to films and parties is $10, unless otherwise noted. $60 all-access passes that guarantee seating and include entry to all parties are available. Filmmakers Lounge open 5:00-8:00 p.m. at 39 Hotel from Thursday through Saturday. Persian Kebobs and fresh Fruit Cocktails available.

Here's a quick look at the schedule of events for the festival.

Thursday, Nov. 8th:

6:00 p.m. "Munyurangabo"
















Director - Lee Issac Chung
Rwanda, USA / 2007 / 97 minutes / Documentary
In Kinyarwanda with English subtitles
Official Selection of Cannes Film Festival

The finest and truest film yet on the moral and emotional repercussions of the 15-year-old genocide that wracked Rwanda. This is, flat-out, the discovery of this year's Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard batch. A remarkable debut that is set, shot and completely immersed in rural Rwanda. Surprisingly African in theme and sensibility, this film is nothing short of a marvel.


8:00 p.m. "Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)"












Director - Jason Kohn
Brazil, USA / 2006 / 85 minutes / Documentary
Winner Grand Jury Best Documentary & Best Cinematography at 2007 Sundance Film Festival

Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rain forests, and vibrant culture. However, in recent years, the country has developed more of a reputation for corrupt politicians, kidnapping, and plastic surgery. Manda Bala artfully connects these seemingly disparate elements and conducts a dazzling, yet harrowing, examination of the tragic domino effect that has reshaped the face of the country and created an entire industry built on corruption.


10:00 p.m. Opening Night Party


Friday, Nov. 9th:

6:00 p.m. "Lost in Beijing"












Director - Ping Guo
China / 2007 / 112 minutes / Dramatic Feature
Hawaii Premiere, Censored in China

Controversy swirled as Chinese censors threatened to block this film from screening unless certain cuts were made. Of course, said cuts involved removing scenes that shed a negative light on China; like a doctor taking a bribe, prostitution shops and something to do with the heavy sex scenes. The film's carefully layered script and outstanding ensemble cast helped rise it above at its premiere in Berlinale 2007.


8:00 p.m. "In Search of a Midnight Kiss"








Director - Alex Holdridge
USA / 2007 / 90 minutes / Dramatic Feature based on actual events
Official Selection of 2007 Tribeca, Austin & AFI LA Film Festivals

Shot for $12,000 and a huge hit at Tribeca - tells the story of a down-on-his-luck guy who posts an ad on craigslist looking for a New Years Eve date. A complicated hottie responds, and the film follows the couple through a crazily heart breaking evening in a luminously photographed downtown L.A. So well-written, charming and beautifully photographed that it is inconceivable to think of audiences not falling in love with this little gem.

10:00 p.m. After Party - DJ Dan
$20 at the door


Saturday, Nov. 10th:

10:00 a.m. Youth Media Workshop @ OC 16 Studio
Sponsored by the Hawaii Film Office and OC 16

7:00 p.m. Showdown in Chinatown Championship
S.I.C. celebrates its 2nd anniversary. Filmmakers have one week to produce a 10 minute film. The top 12 films will be shown and will compete for cash prizes.
$20 at the door, $15 at groovetickets.com.

10:00 p.m. After Party
DeShannon Higa and the gr00ve.improv.artists


Sunday, Nov. 11th:

6:00 p.m. "All For Melissa" preceded by Youth Media Workshop Film
















Director - Gerard Elmore
USA / 2007 / 98 minutes / Dramatic Feature
Local Feature premiered at 2007 HIFF
Q&A w/ director Gerard Elmore

Your chance to see local director Gerard Elmores' hilarious and poignant take on the love triangle. Jared is madly in love with smoking hot actress Melissa, while his good friend Alicia has feelings for him, but of course his obsession with Melissa blinds him. When Jared finally has the chance to be with Melissa, does he follow his heart? The best local produced feature in years starring literally everyone you know and a few surprises. A hit at HIFF.


8:00 p.m. "Planet B-Boy"














Director - Benson Lee
USA / 2007 / 95 minutes / Documentary
Premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
Hawaii Premiere
Q&A w/ director Benson Lee

A powerful documentary about the vibrant global resurgence of break-dancing, Planet B-Boy goes inside the underground hip-hop dance scenes around the world, as the best crews prepare for the "The Battle of the Year." Combines spectacular dance footage with poignant insight explaining why these dancers make tremendous sacrifices for their art. Director Lee will be in attendance for a Q&A.

Peep the trailer:


10:00 p.m. Closing Party with Nocturnal Sound Krew
Breakdance Showcase

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