26 — U.S. premieres

14 — World premieres

14 — North American premieres

8 — International premieres

PERSONAL PICKS

We asked HIFF executive director Chuck Boller and director of programming Anderson Le to give us their top five movies you shouldn't miss. Here's their suggestions, and why:

BOLLER'S FAB FIVE

"Barbarian Princess" — The world premiere of a made-in-Hawai'i film that tells a story few know. Princess Ka'iulani was an extraordinary young woman who made a significant impact on Hawai'i and its perception throughout the world during her short life.

"Xinghai" — World premiere of a just-completed film by one of China's most prominent and influential filmmakers, director Li Qiankuan, and his wife and co-director Xiao Guiyun, both of whom will be at HIFF during closing weekend when their film screens (date, time to be determined).

"Rashomon" — Legendary film from the renowned Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. It's in black-and-white, and this is the first "foreign film" I saw as a teenager, and it totally hooked me on international cinema. "Rashomon" is part of HIFF's "Tribute to Madame Kawakita."

Shanghai University shorts — Incredible films from the School of Film-TV at Shanghai University, with the student filmmakers in attendance at HIFF. Part of HIFF's partnership with the University of Hawai'i's Academy for Creative Media and its SMART — Student Media Arts — Exchange with SU and HIFF's partner, the Shanghai International Film Festival.

"Red River" — Latest film from Chinese director Zhang Jiarui, who deserves wider recognition. Stars Zhang Jingchu, who is in four films ("Red River, "The Beaststalker," "Invisible Killer" and "Overheard"). Co-stars Nick Cheung, who is also in "The Beaststalker." All three people will be in attendance at HIFF.

LE'S FAB FIVE

"Air Doll" — A twisted and Japanese version of "Mannequin," starring Bae Doona ("The Host," "Linda, Linda, Linda") as a sex doll who comes to life and learns the human experience in modern day Tokyo.

"More Than A Game" — It's the LeBron James documentary that's opening in theaters on the Mainland, but not in Hawai'i until later this month. It's an amazing story of a close-knit group of friends who have stuck together since "small-kid time," and have been a loyal band of brothers ever since. Uplifting and crowd worthy.

"Love Exposure" — Director Sono Sion's magnum opus! Yes, it's nearly four hours (237 minutes) long, but it's an epic story that unspools at breakneck speed about two star-crossed lovers who are manipulated by one of the most sinister villains in recent cinema history.

"Died Young Stayed Pretty" — An unconventional documentary that is part personal story and visual history on the art and attitude of rock posters. This one is for punk rockers and art and design buffs.

"The Japanese Wife" — Aparna Sen — HIFF winner for "Mr. & Mrs. Iyer" in 2002 — returns with a touching, cross-cultural love story between pen pals (an Indian man and Japanese woman) who marry and love each other, but correspond over the years via love letters.

FEATURE FILMS

Synopses of films highlighted during HIFF. Also, "My HIFF" is a new feature where you can go to HIFF.org, type in the name of the movie you like and similar shows will be recommended.

OPENING NIGHT MOVIE

"Mother Madeo" Korean with English subtitles, 128 minutes, 8 p.m. Thursday

Hawai'i premiere. Kim Hye-ja lives a quiet life as a traditional healer, while looking after her grown, mentally challenged son, the childlike Do-joon (Won Bin). When a pretty, young student is brutally murdered and Do-joon is accused of the killing, will his mother's fierce and formidable love be able to free him and prove his innocence? Peppered with savage humor, "Mother" is colored with the visually engaging, carefully composed scenes of Korean sensation Bong Joon-ho.

MY HIFF: "Castaway On The Moon," "Old Partner"

CENTERPIECE MOVIE

"Red Cliff," Mandarin with English subtitles, 150 minutes, 8 p.m., Oct. 21

Hawai'i premiere. The largest film production in Chinese history is set in 208 A.D.: Militaristic Prime Minister Cao Cao convinces Emperor Han that the only way to unite all of China is to declare war on the kingdoms of Xu in the West and Wu in the South. Thus began a military campaign of unprecedented scale that ultimately shapes the future of an entire nation. Based on the beloved tome "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" that triggered the fall of the Han Dynasty.

MY HIFF: "Warrior and the Wolf," "Red River"

CLOSING NIGHT MOVIE

"The Warrior and the Wolf" Mandarin with English subtitles, 100 minutes, 7 p.m. Oct. 24

U.S. premiere. A visually stunning and epic tale of wild humanity, Tian Zhuangzhuang's tale is a circular narrative that explores the debasement of humanity through war and destruction. The film takes place during divided China's Era of Warring States, a valiant soldier Lu Chenkang (Joe Odagiri) struggles to retain his humanity in the face of perilous conflict and bloodshed.

MY HIFF: "Red Cliff," "IP Man"

AWARDS SHOW

4:30 p.m. Oct. 20, Dole Cannery, free

HIFF announces awardees during the festival so the top films can be shown again on the final day. On Oct. 20, winners will be announced for: Halekulani Golden Orchid for Best Narrative and Best Documentary, the NETPAC Award, PUMA Emerging Filmmaker Award, Vision in Film Award, Mahalo Nui Loa Award, Maverick Award, Achievement in Acting, and VOD Viewer's Choice Award powered by Oceanic Time Warner Cable.

The Audience Choice Awards (best narrative, best documentary, best short) will be announced at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the closing night film.