Big Island’s big film screening weekend

Two movies on different ends of Hollywood spectrum
11.7.2008 - Hilo, Hawaii

Two locally significant films will be premiered in Hilo this weekend, each representing both sides of the Hollywood spectrum.

Ryan and Sean’s Not So Excellent adventure will be screened this Sunday at the Prince Kuhio Theaters. The movie is based on the real life comic hijinks of Hilo teenagers Ryan Higa and Sean Fujiyoshi, who’s self-made YouTube videos have exploded in popularity and have been viewed by millions. The film, directed by Richard Van Vleet, stars the real life Ryan and Sean, and imitates reality with its plot… about a Hollywood producer who tries to cash in on the pair’s internet phenomenon by making them into movie stars.

As the two Hilo youths’ whirlwind introduction to Hollywood (real and fictitious) launches this weekend, another famous Hawaii actor is opting for a different life, out of the bright Hollywood lights. Jason Scott Lee is the subject of Rick Bacigalupi’s documentary film in progress, Toward Living Pono, which will be screened tonight at the Palace Theatre. The film focuses on Lee’s journey from movie stardom to living sustainably on his off-the-grid taro farm.

Toward Living Pono will be seen along with other “Big Island Innovators of Sustainability” shorts, part of this weekend’s `E Malama `Aina Sustainability Festival at Hilo’s Mo`oheau Park.

For more info visit livingpono.com, and ryanandseansmovie.com.