HIFF Juror's Luncheon

I held off on getting Internet until this morning because it costs $14/day at the hotel where I'm staying. (And that's just for the basic speed; there are two more expensive, higher speed options.) So no blogs and no email for a couple days. But it's a good thing I splurged when I did, or I would have missed the Juror's Luncheon today. Seriously, I read the email 15 minutes before the arranged pickup at a nearby hotel... In the foreground is HIFF's main man Chuck, and features judge Peter.


The meal took place at a restaurant called Downtown, which is on Hawaii State Art Museum premises. Classy joint that serves an excellent tart... Above, left to right: GR bro/festival king Anderson, fellow documentary judge Leann of Pacific Islanders in Communications fame, and lunch host Mericia Palma. (Thanks!) During the casual discussion about movies, festivals, and food, I brought up the topic of being a judge and wondering what the heck they looked for... I left feeling quite confident and excited about the privilege.


Not that I wasn't stoked to be in Honolulu anyway. In the background is my new pal, Sean, who drove me around and happens to be a good friend of GR Cate. In the foreground... ah, man. Sorry, I forgot your name! If we cross paths at the fest, I'll buy you a POG drink.


Sean took me to the fest headquarters, where there was a steady line of moviegoers waiting to buy tickets. Tomorrow I'll be with them.


Hitched a ride back with Sean's intern Rochelle. Thanks! Seeya back at Dole...