Three more films — "The House of the Devil," "The Third Wave" and "How to Live Forever" — have been added to the Hawaii International Film Festival lineup, bringing the number of movies showing at HIFF through Oct. 25 to 180.

If there are shows you are looking forward to seeing HIFF executive director Chuck Boller suggests buying tickets in advance.

"We always keep a few seats till the last minute, but we have a few that are basically sold out," Boller said. "Happy to say ticket sales have been going well."

Among the popular shows are tonight's world premiere of "Barbarian Princess," and screenings of "Precious" and "Red Cliff."

If you really want to see only the best the festival has to offer, check out the last day of HIFF on Oct. 25. The final day is reserved for shows that are the festival's award winners and the ones creating the most buzz.

"Unfortunately, there are some shows we're allowed to screen only one time," Boller said. "But it's always good to see what the crowds like and if we can bring them back on that final Sunday."

SUNSET ON BEACH

Sunset on the the Beach this weekend is all about HIFF.

Saturday's show is "Saving Luna," a heartwarming and wrenching documentary about an orphaned killer whale that is adopted by a Vancouver Island community. The government tries to send Luna away, but it keeps coming back.

Sunday is a two-for-one deal when "Pidgin: The Voice of Hawai'i" and the short "Rip Smart" screen.

"Pidgin" is directed by Marlene Booth and is said to capture the essence of Hawai'i's many cultures. It follows how the pidgin language has developed from its plantation roots and how it has become a source of pride.

"Rip Smart" is a 22-minute, computer-animated adventure about Hawaiian action sports star Rip Smart, who wins the Surf Tour Championships then sets a speed record as he and his team save the world from a sinister maniac. Sunset on the Beach movies are free.

COMING TO KÄHALA

It should be noted that some of the movies screening at HIFF will eventually be shown at Kahala 8.

The Consolidated theater has created quite the niche for fans of international and independent films, already showing films highly acclaimed, such as "Departures" and "The September Issue," that would otherwise not be seen here.

While the dates aren't set, among the HIFF films tentatively scheduled to play are "Ong Bak II," "Precious," "Red Cliff," "More Than A Game," "White on Rice," and "Amreeka." Keep an eye on TGIF for the dates of when they'll show.

HIFF SEMINARS

Besides tomorrow being the "Lost" day at HIFF (See the Hot List), there will also be a free seminar today called "Netpac Kawakita."

The special event starts at 3:30 p.m. and features famed Japan film critic Donald Richie, who will discuss the international impact of the film selections and how they reflect Japanese culture.

Two more free seminars will take place next Saturday, Oct. 24. The Pua Foundation (11 a.m.) features an educational video "The Royal Gift" and a panel discussion. The video examines Hawaiian society in the years before Kamehameha I up through Kamehameha III.

At 12:30 next Saturday, a seminar on the state of the Hawaii film industry will feature candid talks with leaders in the local film, TV and commercial fields.

The public is invited to join in the discussion, which will range from developing scripts with local and global appeal, to nurturing emerging artists, to financing post-Act 221. It will also look at the future of the state of the industry.

All seminars will be at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18.