Don Ho: 1930-2007

Don Ho, one of Hawaii's most famous and beloved entertainers, died of heart failure on Saturday in his Waikiki home. An Oahu native, "Mr. Waikiki" was so known because he was the biggest draw in the popular tourist enclave for decades.

Ho made a number of guest appearances on hit television shows such as "The Brady Bunch," "I Dream of Jeannie," "Charlie's Angels," "Fantasy Island," and "Sanford and Son." He also had his own morning variety show, the "Don Ho Show," that ran on ABC from 1976 to 1977. But he is, of course, best known for his singing career, and for recording the widely known "Pearly Shells" and "Tiny Bubbles."

Ho is survived by his wife, 10 children. 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a public tribute for Ho, tentatively scheduled for May 5th in Waikiki, where fans can pay their respects to one of Hawaii's icons.

>> Don Ho dies [Honolulu Advertiser, 4/15/07]
>> Admirers reminisce about 'Mr. Waikiki' [Honolulu Advertiser, 4/16/07]
>> Public invited for final aloha to Don Ho [Honolulu Advertiser, 4/16/07]
>> Don Ho - 1930-2007 - We'll Remember You [Hnl Star-Bulletin, 4/15/07]

>> Don Ho, Hawaii's best ambassador, dies at 76 [Hnl Star-Bulletin, 4/15/07]

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KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab '07 Seeks Applicants

The Korean Film Council's Filmmakers Development Lab (KOFIC FDL) is seeking applicants for its second go-round. KOFIC FDL launched last year, and invited five overseas Korean filmmakers (Philip Chung, Abraham Lim, Young-il Kim, Jinoh Park, and Mora Mi-ok Stephens) to participate in a one-week lab at the University of Hawaii's Academy for Creative Media.

In addition to UH, the FDL is associated with IFP and the Center for Asian American Media. Lab fellows will gain entrance to New York's IFP Market in September, and the Pusan International Film Festival in October to hobnob with film industry glitterati who could potentially greenlight their projects.

So, if you are a Korean or overseas Korean who is fluent in English and has directed at least one short or feature film, apply! FDL dates are Aug 26-Sep 2, 2007, deadline is April 30, and details are after the jump.

>> KOFIC FDL

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"Empty Streets" Depicts PTSD of Hawaii War Veteran

Kauai-raised filmmaker and Hawaii Student Film Festival founder Paul Booth has just completed shooting his directorial debut, "Empty Streets," a short film based on his friend's experience with PTSD. Booth's high school pal Ely Kalilikane suffered heavy emotional and psychological trauma upon his return from a tour of duty in the Middle East.

The $2,000-3,000 budget film was shot in Northern California, where Booth is now based, with a Panasonic DVX100 and a skeleton crew. Besides Booth and Kalilikane, the film's Hawaii connections include co-writer Eve Hands of Kauai, actor Desiree Duclayan-Parsonson of Kauai, and Anthony Haviland of Maui.

Booth is currently editing "Empty Streets" and preparing to submit it to film festivals. He expects to release it via educational venues and the Internet as well.

>> Kaua‘i filmmaker tackles war and the effects on veterans [The Garden Island, 3/30/07]
>> One Night In Lodi [Lodi News-Sentinel, 3/10/07]

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Hawaii's Own "Inside the Actors' Studio"

NETPAC/USA is hosting Hawaii's own version of "Inside the Actors' Studio." University of Hawaii cinema studies professor Wimal Dissanayake will play James Lipton when he interviews Malaysian filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad, whose feature film "Mukhsin" won the Grand Prix in the Generations competition at the Berlin Film Festival. "Mukhsin" and Ahmad's other films will screen for free at the Honolulu Academy of Art's Doris Duke Theater from April 13-15 at 7:30pm. But first, go to the talk! You'll get tea, scones, and conversation about Ahmad's views on feminism, Islam, storytelling, love, and making films in Malaysia. Details:

Date: Fri, April 13
Time: 4pm
Place: Honolulu Design Center, 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.
Price: $25 ($23 for NETPAC/USA members)
Cash or checks to NETPAC/USA only. RSVP by April 9 to jphmovies@aol.com.

Roy Disney to Give Master Class in Animation 4/20

As part of the education/workforce development requirement for claiming Hawaii's 15-20% film tax credit, Roy Disney will be giving a master class in animation on 4/20 at UH's Academy for Creative Media. Disney is currently filming a feature-length documentary, "Morning Light," that follows the youngest crew ever to attempt the 2,000+-mile Transpacific Yacht Race between California and Hawaii. Here are the details of the master class:

Date: Fri, April 20
Time: 5-7 pm
Place: UH ArchitectureAuditorium
Reception + refreshments to follow. RSVP to Lily Ching at lilychin@hawaii.edu.

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