On the Scene

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
1. HIFF OSCAR NIGHT GALA | Hawaii International Film Festival Executive Director Chuck Boller, fourth from left, talked with senior members of the "Hawaii Five-0" production team Feb. 27 during a break in the broadcast at HIFF's "Oscar Night America 2011" gala fundraiser at the Halekulani Hotel. Producer Jeff Downer, left, production supervisor Angie Laprete, executive producer Peter Lenkov, production manager Craig Cannold and assistant director Michael Zimbrich joined other HIFF supporters watching satellite coverage of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards show several hours before it was shown on KITV. The event was one of only 50 official "Oscar Night America" parties in the country, and the only one in Hawaii.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
4. HIFF supporter Adriane Flower, left, talked with EuroCinema Hawai'i board member Patrick Gey and his wife, Marissa. Flower said the HIFF gala was a welcome opportunity to dress up. Although she is active in the film business on both sides of the camera, she is also a full-time heath care professional. "And I don't dress like this at the hospital!" she said.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
5. Lei Ahu Isa attended the party as a guest of "Oscar Night America" committee member Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu. Guests got the red-carpet treatment and were photographed paparazzi style on arrival. Photographers also covered the pre-show cocktail party and silent auction area but were barred from the ballroom. For pictures of the red-carpet arrivals, see www.honolulupulse.com.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
3. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, left, and his wife, Judy, enjoyed the evening at the table hosted by HIFF supporter John Michael White and Qi Marie. The Carlisles are modeling the transparent medallions that were among of the souvenirs of the evening.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
2. Debonair Leslie "Buz" Tennent explored the silent auction with forensic pathology consultant Kanthi DeAlwis, left, and multitalented entertainer Autumn Ogawa. Bidding was so spirited that the auction deadline was extended, and some film fans spent more time checking their bids than watching the show.