Alternative energy is the theme of the University of Hawai'i Cinema Series, beginning Sunday at the Manoa campus' Spalding Auditorium. Admission is $5 general, $3 UH students and faculty. 223-0130.

The schedule:

"REVOLUTION GREEN"

Directed by Stephen B. Strout; USA, 2007, 56 minutes.

The story of Bob and Kelly King, who created America's first sustainable biodiesel refinery on Maui in 1996. Narrated by Woody Harrelson.

5 p.m. Sunday

"POWER OF THE SUN"

Directed by David Kennard; USA, 2006, 56 minutes.

A look at the power of light, including the origins of solar energy and its potential. Narrated by John Cleese.

5 p.m. Sept. 21

"ESCAPE FROM SUBURBIA"

Directed by Gregory Greene; USA, 2007, 78 minutes.

Stories and interviews tell how declining world oil production has changed lives in North American communities.

5 p.m. Sept. 28

"THE NEXT INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION"

Directed by Chris Bedford and Shelley Morhaim; USA, 2001, 56 minutes.

A hopeful vision for the future: How nature can be the guide to reinventing technical enterprises, with examples at Nike, Ford Motor Co., Oberlin College, Herman Miller Furniture, and DesignTex. Narrated by Susan Sarandon.

7 p.m. Oct. 2, 5 p.m. Oct. 5

"THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: HOW CUBA SURVIVED PEAK OIL"

Directed by Faith Morgan; USA, 2005, 53 minutes.

How Cuba survived after it lost more than half of its oil imports with the fall of the Soviet Union.

7 p.m. Oct. 9, 5 p.m. Oct. 12

"OUT OF THE BLUE: WIND ENERGY IN DENMARK"

From the Danish Wind Industry Association.

A look at wind energy in Denmark, which started in 1981 and now provides 75 percent of the country's needs.

Screening with

"VELOCITY: EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH WIND POWER"

Directed by Michelle Voss; USA, 2003, 32 minutes.

Exploring sustainable-energy projects such as wind-turbine manufacturing in Denmark, wind-powered beer production in Fort Collins, Colo., and more.

7 p.m. Oct. 16, 5 p.m. Oct. 19

"ALGAE TO OIL PROGRAM"

Films explore technology breakthroughs in converting algae to oil.

7 p.m. Oct. 23, 5 p.m. Oct. 26

"WAVE POWER: THE POTENTIAL OF OREGON'S OCEAN ENERGY"

From Oregon Sea Grant.

New technology converts the power of waves to a usable energy source. Also includes a discussion by Hawai'i scientists.

7 p.m. Oct. 30, 5 p.m. Nov. 2

"BIOMASS TO ETHANOL PROGRAM"

A look at new technology that converts biomass into ethanol.

7 p.m. Nov. 6, 5 p.m. Nov. 9

"FIELDS OF FUEL"

Directed by Josh Tickell.

Activist/director Tickell spent 10 years chronicling America's fossil fuel addiction, from its origins and political support to alternatives that can change all that.

7 p.m. Nov. 13, 5 p.m. Nov. 16

"ICE ISLAND"

Directed by Wes Skiles; 2003.

Scientists and explorers journey to Antarctica to search for the largest iceberg in history.

Screening with

"GOING TO ANTARCTICA"

Directed by Teresa Tico; 2007.

Kaua'i resident Tico traveled to Antarctica to see the effects of global warming for herself.

7 p.m. Nov. 20, 5 p.m. Nov. 23

SPECIAL PROGRAM: ENERGY INDEPENDENCE FOR HAWAI'I

Films and panel discussion on alternative energy, and what might be the best fit for the Islands.

7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5 p.m. Dec. 7