The 38th Hawaii International Film Festival, presented by the Halekulani, kicks off Nov. 8 and runs through Nov. 18. Executive Director Beckie Stocchetti, in her second year at the helm of HIFF, has been making strides toward bringing the festival to a healthier financial position and making it again one of the top film festivals.
Special guests this year include legendary film director Wong Kar-wai from Hong Kong and “Crazy Rich Asians” actress Awkwafina, who will be receiving the HIFF Maverick Award. Actor Steven Yeun from “The Walking Dead” and “Okja” will also receive a Maverick Award. From South Korea, actress Moon So-ri will screen her directorial debut, “The Running Actress.”
HIFF, which bridges East and West, has more than 180 films from 37 countries this year. Visit hiff.org.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Ms. Ma, Nemesis”
Episodes 5-6
6:45 p.m. Sunday
Ms. Ma narrowly escapes a dangerous situation with the help of Seo Eun Ji. She’s thrown into confusion, not knowing Eun Ji’s identity and motive.
Episodes 7-8
7:45 p.m. Sunday
Ms. Ma receives an endless stream of threatening letters. After a recent suicide, the people in the town are driven into a panic.
“Where Stars Land”
Episodes 5-6
7:45 p.m. Monday
Yeo Reum can’t help but feel for Soo Yeon after she learns he can’t feel any pain in his right arm and hand. Yeo Reum tries her best to do better, so she will no longer be considered a nuisance. Still, she gets tangled up in a complicated situation with a passenger.
Episodes 7-8
7:45 p.m. Tuesday
People become increasingly curious about Soo Yeon’s secret and he feels burdened by the attention. Soo Yeon and Yeo Reum team up with the security team to help a passenger. Will they get through the day without any conflicts or mishaps?
“Heart Surgeons”
Episodes 5-6
7:45 p.m. Wednesday
Tae Soo finds himself in a compromising situation when he must choose to save either his mother or a patient who’s waiting for surgery. He must act quickly, as his mother may not survive much longer. Seok Han feels for Tae Soo as he once lost someone he held dear. With Soo Yeon’s sudden appearance, a long overdue conflict between them surfaces.
Episodes 7-8
7:45 p.m. Thursday
A patient Tae Soo risked his position to save turns out to be related to a doctor whose life he ruined. Dr. Hwang, who shows up as the patient’s guardian, learns that Tae Soo used industrial adhesive to seal the patient’s heart.
“Rich Son”
Episodes 89-90
7:45 p.m. Friday
Soo Hee is torn as she holds the recipe book in her hands. Sun Young tells Bok Soon she can’t give up on Yong, putting Bok Soon in an awkward position. Young Ha and Gwang Jae’s meal box business is a hit. Hyo Dong receives a box from an anonymous sender, surprising Gwang Jae and Young Ha.
Episodes 91-92
7:45 p.m. Saturday
Gwang Jae is furious with Tae Il. Sun Young’s mother flips Yong’s shop upside down. Young Ha asks Tae Il why he betrayed Gwang Jae. Bum Joon makes Gwang Jae an unexpected offer.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
