The Hawaii International Film Festival presents a free Sunset on the Beach Saturday and Sunday in Waikiki.
On Saturday, “Saving Luna,” directed by Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit, tells the story of a baby male orca named Luna who gets separated from his family on the rugged coast of Vancouver Island. This leads to battles between government and First Nations, and between those who love Luna and those who think he should be killed.
On Sunday, “Pidgin: The Voice of Hawaiçi,” directed by Marlene Booth, profiles the working-class language from its rise as plantation jargon to a source of island identity and pride. Viewers on Sunday will also see the short film “Rip Smart,” directed by Steve Bristow, a computer-animated adventure about action sports star Rip Smart, who wins a surf tour championship then sets a speed record as he and his team save the World from the sinister Harry Czar.
Food and craft vendors open at 4 p.m. and musical entertainment begins at 6 p.m. The films start at 7 p.m.
HIFF’s 2009 program is being held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters, Oct. 15–25. For more information, go to http://www.hiff.org.