The Hawaii International Film Festival has its Spring Showcase presented by Halekulani March 31 to April 9. This will be the 20th anniversary for the Spring Showcase. HIFF is known for its fall festival in November, which is the main
The Hawaii International Film Festival has its Spring Showcase presented by Halekulani March 31 to April 9. This will be the 20th anniversary for the Spring Showcase. HIFF is known for its fall festival in November, which is the main event for the year and Spring Showcase is the smaller festival with more focus on films and less events.
The Korean section of the film festival has always been a strength for HIFF, but with recent and regular theatrical releases of South Korean films in local theatres, it’s becoming more of a challenge to get feature films to show at HIFF.
But HIFF has always been a conduit for South Korean documentaries, animation, short films and independent films to get a chance to be seen by industry critics and a chance for locals to see these films which normally would not get theatrical distribution.
The list of South Korean films for HIFF Spring Showcase this year are “The Prison” (opening night film), “Bluebeard,” “Confidential Assignment,” “Detour” and “The Master.” Visit www.hiff.org for more information on Spring Showcase.
Upcoming episodes
“Saimdang, Memoir of Colors”
Episodes 9 and 10
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Yi Gyum feels bitter when Saimdang refuses support for Hyun-ryong. Saimdang decides to make paper for her family’s livelihood. Whieumdang holds a mother-and-son poem and painting competition, and the subject catches Saimdang by surprise.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Saimdang calls Yi Gyum for help to find Hyun-ryong, who’s been coming home late. Yi Gyum discreetly probes into Min Chi-hyung’s past, especially on Woonpyungsa events. Saimdang accepts an unreasonable order for 5000 color papers.
“Happy Home”
Episode 38 and 39
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Gyeong-ok relays a message of apology to Hae-ryung on air, to try bring her back to Hyun-ki. Mi-soon submits a paternity test for Woo-ri and Man-ho. Meanwhile, Mi-soon asks Se-ri who Woo-ri’s father is.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: It is revealed that Woo-ri is not Man-ho’s son. Se-ri leaves, leaving a note asking for Woo-ri’s welfare. Gyeong-ok goes to see Young-woo, which angers Ji-gun. Ji-gun warns Gyeong-ok to stay away.
“Perfect Bride”
Episodes 35 and 36
Tonight, 6:30 p.m.: Nae-shim has harsh words for Geum-shik for meeting Jae-soon after the divorce. Geum-shik seriously rethinks the relationship afterwards. Gab-dol and Gab-soon make a firm resolve to push forward with their marriage.
Tonight, 7:45 p.m.: Do-geum prepares for Shi-nae and Soo-jo to meet. He also prepares himself to part with Soo-jo. At Gab-soon’s aggressiveness to push forward with the wedding, Gab-dol feels guilty thinking of his sick mother.
“Innocent Defendant”
Episodes 8 and 9
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo remembers how he became the suspect to save his daughter. Min-ho runs into Sun-ho’s mistress and seeks Yun-hee’s help, out of desperation. Jung-woo gives up his case and decides to escape to find his daughter.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo becomes uncontrollably furious at remembering Min-ho’s action. But he feigns ignorance and continues to observe Min-ho. Min-ho purposely provokes Jung-woo to get a rise out of him, leading to their psychological battle.
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Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. This column offers synopses of the dramas playing throughout Hawaii. Chung can be reached at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.