RIIFF 2007 Screenings Narragansett, RI

Location:
The Shorebreak
 At the Pier Cinema
3 Beach St
Narragansett, RI 02882
401.783.1022
75 seats, www.theshorebreak.com

Date: Fri, 8/10, 7:00 PM: 
Heart of a Soul Surfer: The Bethany Hamilton Documentary
Becky Baumgartner, director
32 min. USA, 2007
Filmed in Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Samoa, Thailand, U S A
Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year-old girl destined for a successful surfing career, lost her arm to a 14-foot tiger shark on Oct. 31, 2003. The attack didn't cause this determined Soul Surfer to give up. Instead, it compelled her to discover her purpose in life as she overcame the loss of her arm and got back on the board just three weeks later.__

Heart of a Soul Surfer digs deep into the heart of Bethany's abiding faith in God, and tackles difficult questions such as 'Why does God allow bad things to happen in our lives?' It features exclusive surf & family footage of Bethany before & after the attack, including

Bethany's first attempts at surfing with one arm, as well as her winning the 2005 NSSA National Surfing Championship just 19 months later.__Bethany's story has been told by many different people around the world, but this is the first time she and her family have been able to share it from their heart and perspective. __

This is a powerful, true story that you won't want to miss!

Na Kamalei: The Men of Hula
Lisette Marie Flanary, Director
57 min. USA, 2006
An engaging documentary created with grace, heart and a healthy dose of history, NA KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA follows the journey of Hawaii's oldest all-male hula group to the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival in 2005. Their journey gains additional significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the group's existence.__Not only does the film explore major cultural and gender stereotypes faced by original members of the male Halau Na Kamalei, it also illuminates the historical factors that shaped these stereotypes. Having led the Halau since its inception in 1975 (and widely known for his prolific career in Hawaiian music), Robert Camizero played a major role in the '70s resurgence of Hawaiian cultural pride, one that also kick-started the reclamation of lost masculinity in hula.__It is Camizero's outspoken personality, along with the sincere passion demonstrated by the group's “hula brothers,” that makes this film a pleasure to watch. Several members have been with the Halau for the entire 30 years, and they and their families express through candid interviews how the dance has defined their lives. Other highlights include extensive footage of the Halau Na Kamalei practicing and their powerful performance at the 2005 Merrie Monarch Festival. Winner of the Hawaii Film Festival's Audience Award for Best Documentary, NA KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA offers a fascinating insight into the historical significance of one of Hawaii's most well-known, yet misunderstood traditions.

Date: Sat, 8/11, 8:00 PM: 
The Union: The Business Behind Getting High
Brett Harvey, director
105 min. CANADA, 2007
US PREMIERE
BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union'. Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually, The Union?s roots stretch far and wide. With up to 85% of 'BC Bud' being exported to the United States, the trade has become an international issue. Who are the players, and when do their motives become questionable? Follow filmmaker Adam Scorgie as he demystifies the underground market and brings to light how an industry can function while remaining illegal. Through growers, police officers, criminologists, economists, doctors, politicians and pop culture icons, Scorgie examines the cause and effect nature of the business behind getting high. Nobody's innocent in this exploration of an industry that may be profiting more by being illegal.

Date: Sun, 8/12, 8:00 PM: 
Heart of a Soul Surfer: The Bethany Hamilton Documentary
The Union: The Business Behind Getting High