Sunset on the Beach is pleased to be a part of the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) with special programs and film presentations, bringing the world-renowned festival to a Waikiki Beach “theater” with no walls, and the moon and stars for a ceiling. The movies and entertainment are, of course, free.

Food booths will open at 4:00 p.m., and include K’S RESTAURANT, LE CREPE CAFÉ, and ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOT DOG.  The live entertainment starts at 4:30 p.m., and will feature new local artists, EMKE on Saturday, and slack-key virtuoso and vocalist Makana on Sunday. The films will screen at approximately 6:30 p.m., after the sun sets (6:05 p.m.).

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17th

6:25-6:40 PM HIFF Program HIFF FILM

6:40 PM “SAVING LUNA” (93 minutes, documentary) Luna, a baby male orca, gets separated from his family on the rugged coast of Vancouver Island. All alone, he tries to make friends with humans. People fall in love with Luna, but the government tries to keep him and people apart. This becomes hilarious and baffling, because Luna is determined to be friendly. This leads to battles between government and First Nations, and between those who love Luna and those who think he should be killed. Saving Luna explores a great mystery: Who are these lives with whom we share the planet, and what are the connections between us that we do not yet know?

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th

6:25-6:40 PM HIFF Program HIFF FILMS

6:40 P.M. “RIP SMART” (animated short film made in Hawaii, 22 minutes) Animated Hawaiian Action Sports star Rip Smart wins the Surf Tour Championship then sets a speed record as he and his team save the world from the sinister Harry Czar. 7:05 P.M. “PIDGIN” (documentary made in Hawaii, 59 minutes) After devoting two years to research and filming, director Marlene Booth makes her HIFF debut with a documentary focusing on a language that is interwoven into the fabric of life in Hawaii. Born on sugar plantations and at one time spoken by more than half of Hawaii’s population, ‘Pidgin’ – part English, part Hawaiian, with influences from other languages – captures the essence of multi-ethnic Hawaii.

PIDGIN: THE VOICE OF HAWAII profiles this working-class language from its rise as plantation jargon to a source of island identity and pride. The film draws on a variety of sources, including archival, academic and other expert commentary, man-on-the-street interviews and performances that shed light on this colorful language. Dedicating the documentary to the late Kanalu Young, who encouraged and guided Booth to learn more about the language, PIDGIN: THE VOICE OF HAWAII is a worthy homage to all who hold a special place for island life in their hearts.