2009 Hawaii International Film Festival Spotlights Films from the Philippines L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Sponsoring Spotlight on the Philippines

Honolulu, HI, October 21, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The 29th annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is pleased to present a special Spotlight On The Philippines sponsored by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. This new section highlights exceptional Filipino films and shines the spotlight on several talented filmmakers from the Philippines.

This year’s contemporary works are all US Premieres. They range from the comedy BFF: Best Friends Forever, starring Filipina Superstar and Hawaii favorite Sharon Cuneta and the queen of Filipino comedy Ai Ai Delas; to a hilarious story of life and death in Grandpa Is Dead, starring Filipina star Manilyn Reynes in person at the theater; to the indie teen romance that has sold out theaters across the Philippines since winning the Audience Award at Cinemalaya 2009 , If I Knew What You Said.

An additional Filipino film having its International Premiere (first time it has screened outside the Philippines) at HIFF is 24K. This L&L Hawaiian Barbeque sponsored film is nominated for HIFF's Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Narrative Feature. Director Ana Agabin will be at the theater in person to introduce her film and answer audience questions afterward. 24K is an exciting tale of a search for buried treasure left behind by the Japanese after their occupation of the islands, a popular subject in Filipino folklore.

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 Theaters from October 15–25. Tickets are on sale now. 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 Theaters or by phone at (808) 548-5905. The film guide is available now online at www.hiff.org. For more information please visit us at www.hiff.org.

Festival Information

Established in 1981, the Hawaii International Film Festival is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. HIFF is the premier international film event in the Pacific and has won the praise of governments, filmmakers, scholars, educators, programmers and film industry leaders throughout the world. For the discovery and exhibition of Asian and Pacific features, documentaries and short films in the nation, it is a primary source. The festival has premiered such movies as Once Were Warriors, The Piano, Shine, Shall We Dance, Y Tu Mama Tambien and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Plus, Departures, a Japanese film, had its U.S. premiere at HIFF in 2008, won the HIFF Audience Award and then went on to win the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

HIFF’s major sponsors include: Regal Entertainment Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, Halekulani, Hawaii Tourism Authority and The Vilcek Foundation.

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

###