Buzz Building Over 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival Gala Screenings

Honolulu, HI, October 10, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The 29th annual Hawaii International Film Festival (Hiff) will host an array of acclaimed films in its Gala Screenings this year with some already generating Oscar-buzz, and which include the works of awe-inspiring talents such as the late Heath Ledger.

Hiff is pleased to present the Hawaii premiere and Gala Screening of The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, starring the late Heath Ledger and directed by Terry Gilliam. Ledger captivates audiences as he gives his final performance in this imaginative race against time. Hiff will also host the Hawaii premiere of Precious – Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, directed by Lee Daniels. This film won the prestigious Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, has gained praise and support by Oprah Winfrey, who signed on as executive producer, and has already begun to create talk among the Academy Award community.

Other Gala Screenings include the Korean drama Scandal Makers directed by Hyeong-Cheol Kang; the Japanese remake of the popular U.S. film Sideways, directed by Cellin Gluck; the U.S. premiere of the thriller Storm from German director Hans-Christian Schmid; and the Hawaii Premiere of The Young Victoria, directed by Jean-Marc Vallee and starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson and Jim Broadbent.

Over 170 films from 36 different countries will be featured at this year’s festival. Hiff’s 2009 program is being held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas from October 15–25. Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 1st for Hiff Ohana members and Monday, October 5th to the public. General admission tickets are available for $10 or $9 for students, seniors, children and military. Tickets may be purchased in person at Hiff’s box office at 650 Iwilei Road #101 across from Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas or by phone at (808) 548-5905. The film guide is available now online at www.hiff.org. For more information please visit them at www.hiff.org.

The 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival will be held October 15-25. For more information please visit our website at www.hiff.org.

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