Hawaii Films in Development

The LVHIFF trailer directed by James Sereno will be shown at Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival. Sereno is currently developing feature film "Growing Up Local." (Photo: Kinetic Productions)

The Honolulu Advertiser's Michael Tsai recently reported on two local films that are currently in development: "Menehunes," written by Rich Figel and optioned by TalkStory Productions, which is currently co-producing The N Network's "Boarding School," and "Growing Up Local," written by James Sereno of "Silent Years" and LVHIFF trailer fame.

In "Menehunes," a corporate troubleshooter investigates recent thefts at a Kauai hotel. His 12-year-old son and the son's local friends discover that the culprits may be menehunes, who are unhappy because the hotel was built on the site of one of their ancient villages.

"Growing Up Local" is based on Stuart Ching's short story "Way Back to Palolo," about a group of boys growing up in a rough Honolulu 'hood and having to deal with gangs and other growing pains. Dana Hankins' Redhead Productions is co-producing, and actress Kelly Hu is reportedly on board.

More info on both after the jumps...

>> 'Menehunes' rewrite optioned for possible movie [Hnl Advertiser, 11/4/05]
>> Homegrown film shows rarely seen Hawai'i [Hnl Advertiser, 11/14/05]