One of the jewels of this year's Indigenous Wisdom Film Series is being shown at 5 p.m. Sunday at the University of Hawai'i at Mänoa Spalding Auditorium. 

"Afghan Star," winner of the world cinema audience award for best documentary and best documentary directing at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, tells the tale of "Afghan Pop Idol," the "American Idol" spinoff taking Afghanistan by storm. It shows how performers on the show risk their lives under Taliban rule to compete.

The film series started earlier this month and runs through May 9. All the films leave the audience with something to think about. Tickets are typically $5 for general admission and $3 for UH students and faculty, but Sunday's showing of "Afghan Star" carries a $10 admission fee. Check the schedule and view clips at UH Cinema Series on YouTube or call 223-0130. Also screening Sunday, at 3 p.m., is "Sacred Mandalas of the Heart," which looks at the mandalas of India and their healing powers.

Starting tonight, comedy improv troupe On the Spot presents "Friday Night Comedy in Aiea," a series of comedy shows at the Rosalie Woodson Dance Academy. The weekly comedy showcase is suitable for all ages. This month's featured comedians are Jose Ver and Jordan Savusa, and improv comedy from On the Spot and Sucker Punch. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door. Call 224-7585 for more information.