Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
Hawaii from above. Flying in, it’s great to see the green hue of the water. It’s like visiting another country. I often refer to the continental US as America, but then what’s Hawaii? It’s a bad habit, but it’s that different. In fact, Asians can often grow up here without the same racism that exists in “America”. I’m here for HIFF, the Hawaii International Film Festival where I’m on the jury for best feature film. Here’s a few highlights from day 1. Of course, jumping into the water early in the morning before most are awake and seeing the sunrise, is the way to go. I do this daily.
There’s Goh Nakamura, Anderson Le, Gary Chou, and David Boyle. Their screening took place sunday.
After 25 years of Karate Kid, Tamlyn Tomita is one of the judges with me at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) and she looks great. Yes, it’s part of her job to be toned, slim, and ready to be in movies. She’s part of a Karate Kid II program that takes place tonite which was mostly shot in Hawaii which depicted Okinawa. Time flies is all we can say about it. Tonite, she’ll introduce the film. With Nathaniel Kohn, we deliberated the best feature film while we stared at the sun setting below. It wasn’t easy and we considered each film one at a time. It’s interesting to be part of this group since each of us comes from a different background. “Nate” runs the Ebert Film Festival, and is heavily vested and involved in cinema everywhere. He understands the art and mechanics of filmmaking. Tamlyn of course watches performance quite well, and hopefully for myself, it’s a little of everything. Those are people’s heads in the infinity pool. At left is Nathaniel Kohn from the Ebert Film Festival.
Continue reading
It’s been a year and HIFF is starting now. Check out their site HIFF.ORG. As many of you in Hawaii already know, that if you miss it here, you’ll have missed it completely. I’ll also be judging this film festival’s Features Competition section, so yes, I’ll be out there to see some films and take it in the events. I shall remain impartial and do what I can. You’d think that judging is easy and fun, but when you think about it, these films have the investment of some people’s lives. Doing this right, matters to me. Also judging is Tamlyn Tomita, 25 years after Karate Kid II. Yes, I am the man who is still fighting for her honor.
Continue reading