MORE BIG ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL

One of the best things about film festivals is getting the chance to interact with other filmmakers. It's really a delight to connect with people and experience their efforts. I saw some things that I really enjoyed and some that didn't suit my taste. I remembered to take some photos of the people we met, although I wish I'd done more.

At the right is Leo Sears, founder and executive director of the Big Island Film Festival. He was a busy guy, of course, but it was nice to get some time to talk to him about his background and his vision for the festival. It's an ambitious undertaking, but he certainly carried a lot of energy into it.

Ray talks with Rick Stevenson, director of "Expiration Date, " after Rick was honored at the festival. I enjoyed hearing a veteran independent feature filmmaker share his thoughts about the process. Ron Beck, writer and director of "The Mini" and Ray. One disappointment is that we didn't get to see "The Mini," as it was showing opposite "Sixes and the One Eyed King" Friday night. Ron was in "Always Will," which showed at DancesWithFilms and was directed by Michael Sammaciccia, whom we met in Los Angeles. Mike was in "The Mini." I would have liked to have supported them.

I saw some really wonderful short films, ones that made me eager to see what the filmmakers will do in the future. James E. Hurd Jr.'s "Poet of the Swingin' Blade" about turpentiners in the 1930s is one of them. It was some beautiful writing from James and Linda Bannister. Here, James is at the right of Scott Ford. They said they were looking to put the story on stage, and I immediately thought of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Mason Farish, at left, created "On My Way to Pele," which gave me a chance to see parts of Hawaii I didn't get to experience while I was there, and it sure encouraged me to want to return! It also gave me a lot to think about in terms of storytelling from a sense of place that combines images and narrative.

A nice aspect of the festival was a morning chat led by Film Commissioner John Mason. It was a small, informal group, but it was a chance to talk about film and experiences from a practical standpoint. With so many films and things to do, it was nice to slow things down a bit and chat over coffee. He mentioned the range of locations on the Big Island, and he was sure right! If I had the opportunity, I do think I would go to Hawaii to film, or even to write. The Big Island Film Office has a list of movies shot there on its web site, www.filmbigisland.com, and I'll have to check some of them out. John is the tallest guy in the photo below, along with (from left) Scott, Pat, Ray and I.