“HIKAWA MARU” | Hawai‘i Premiere | Japan | Japanese w/English subtitles | 94 min.
From veteran anime director Shunji Oga comes the epic tale of the legendary Japanese ocean liner, the Hikawa Maru. In May 1930, young Jiro watches from shore as the ship leaves on its maiden voyage. Captivated, he vows to one day work on the ship. By luck, Jiro lands a job as a crewmember. Working in the kitchen, he grows up among the galley crew, serving passengers on the long journey between Japan and the United States.
But when World War II erupts, the Hikawa Maru is requisitioned by the military as a hospital and rescue vessel. In this tumultuous time, the ship’s crew must stand up for what they believe in, even when it means going against orders. Will Jiro and the Hikawa Maru survive the war?
“Hikawa Maru,” a beautifully animated film for audiences of all ages, is based on the true story of the ship and its crew, who were hailed for their role in saving lives during and after the war.
Screenings: Nov. 5, 3 p.m. | Nov. 13, 1:30 p.m. | Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m. (Hilo Palace Theater)
“PRESERVING OLYMPIC DREAMS AND PLANTATION MEMORIES” | Special Presentation | United States | English | 95 min.
“Preserving Olympic Dreams and Plantation Memories,” featuring the newly restored and digitized 1984 “Rice and Roses” documentary: “Coach,” produced by the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu’s Center for Labor Education and Research. This half-hour program tells the story of how Maui plantation kids trained in irrigation ditches in the 1930s and went on to win national and even Olympics championships under Coach Soichi Sakamoto.
This free screening event will be followed by a panel discussion presented by ‘Ulu‘ulu: The Henry Ku‘ualoha Guigni Moving Image Archive, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities as part of HIFF’s Film For Thought program. The event is free, but tickets are required.
Screening: Nov. 6, 2 p.m.
“Preserving Olympic Dreams and Plantation Memories” will be followed by a discussion with Hawai‘i Pacific University professor Jon Davidann as part of HIFF’s Film For Thought program in partnership with the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities.
