January 12, 2006
Contributed by Liz Ahana
Ten films will be screened ranging from a 45-minute documentary to several public service television announcements of less than 30 seconds. Kamehameha Schools' students and graduates were involved in each production. A number of the films were award-winning entries in a variety of competitions. Many of these films were screened at the 2005 Louis Vuitton Hawai'i International Film Festival which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Included in the program will be the following films:
KSBS Champions: A five-minute film chronicles Kamehameha's first-ever state boys' soccer championship. The film by seniors Chahati Leslie, Adam Duncan and Randel Jim received an Award of Excellence at the International Student Film Festival.
Fishbowl: A comical coming-of-age tale based on Lois-Ann Yamanaka's novel Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers. Kamehameha graduate Leah Kihara, '92 crewed on this 27-minute production. This film won the Hawai'i Filmmaker's Award at the 2005 Louis Vuitton Hawai'i International Film Festival.
The Sand Island Drive-In Anthem: Winner of the prestigious Audience Choice Award for best short film at the 2005 Louis Vuitton Hawai'i International Film Festival, the production features cast member Stephanie Sanchez, '95 along with Mark Malalis, Augie Tulba, Bulldog, Stu Hirayama and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Lee Kaneakua, '74 was the key grip.
The 20-minute film features four local guys "stuck" behind the counter of an aging drive-in restaurant serving plate lunches - loco mocos and the best mac salad in Honolulu. One grueling day, tensions push the young men to the breaking point changing their lives forever.
Inertia: This 27-second anti-drug public service announcement produced by Rusty Alika Awana, '05 won a first-place Teen Video Award and an Award of Excellence at the International Student Film Festival.
True Love and Mimosa Tea: A 22-minute film directed by Cam Eason, tells an enchanting tale of romance with an Asian flair. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa stars as a sage who brews a mystical potion to bring two reluctant lovers (Tamlyn Tomita and Greg Watanabe) together. Elizabeth Lindsey, '74 appears as a physician and possible love interest to Tagawa.
Couch Potato: This 27-second public service announcement focuses on maintaining a healthy life style. It garnered an Award of Excellence at the International Student Film Festival. Peio Pualoa, '05 directed, senior Jeremy Lota was director of photography, senior Christian Couch wrote the script and junior Sean Samson starred in front of the camera.
Valtor the Great vs. the Universe: Winner of the Honolulu Magazine Best Short Film Award at the 2005 Louis Vuitton International Film Festival, Vince Keala Lucero, '93 was director of photography for this film from boy- director genius Gerard Elmore (Amasian: the Amazing Asian). Together they fashioned the 10-minute sci-fi tale of Valtor the Great who travels the universe aiding intergalactic armies for a mysterious "cause" … or is he just an insane teenager?
Wally Amos Literacy PSA: Seniors Jeremy Lota, Christin Couch and Randel Jim teamed up with the Kamehameha Schools advanced video production class & HSTV to present the Famous Amos cookie guy stressing the importance of reading literacy in a 30-second spot.
Wahine O Ke Kai: In 2004, Donna Kahi Kahakui paddled alone nearly 200 miles from O'ahu to Kaua'i to Lehua to Ni'ihau in a matter of just a few days. Quite a feat when you consider that six to nine men make up the crews competing in the 41-mile Moloka'i Hoe Canoe Race. Donna did it to raise awareness of the ocean and our kuleana (responsibility) to protect it. Vince Keala Lucero, '93 served as director of this 23-minute film that captures Kahakui's grueling challenge. The film received an honorable mention at the 2005 Louis Vuitton Hawai'i International Film Festival.
Aloha Live: "On the Road With Willie K. and Amy Gilliom," travel with two of Hawai'i's favorite stars as they entertain audiences on a 2003 Mainland tour. Heather Giugni, '71 captures poignant behind-the-scenes action in this 45-minute concert road film with her exquisite camera work.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
