Saturday Matinee Films in Two Parts: 1) Hawai‘i on Film: History, Culture, and Storytelling and 2) On the Right Track: Trains in Film NEW

Dan and Paul again team up to offer a two-part program of films for the Saturday Matinee crowd. Lists of and detailed information about the films will be sent out before the first class. Come join us to enjoy the selected films, as well the interesting discussions. We will typically finish by about 12:00 noon, unless a film is unusually long.

Part 1: Hawai‘i on Film: History, Culture, and Storytelling
We explore the rich history, cultural values, and pivotal moments of Hawai‘i through the lens of film. From historical events and legendary figures to contemporary issues and iconic stories set in the islands, we will use cinema as a powerful tool for reflection and discussion. While many of us are familiar with life in Hawai‘i, this class offers a chance to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the people, places, and narratives that have shaped—and continue to shape—our island home.
Films include: Hawaii (1966), and Honolulu 100 Years in the Making (2006).

Part 2: On the Right Track: Trains in Film
The second half of the course takes to the tracks, exploring how trains serve as dynamic backdrops in action, comedy, romance, drama, crime, and thriller films. More than just a setting, trains drive stories of innocence lost, journeys of self-discovery, love found, work endured, and destinies changed—all unfolding across a variety of cultures and landscapes. From pulse-pounding suspense to heartfelt moments, these films reveal how movement through space often mirrors emotional or personal transformation.
Films will include: Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train (1951) and Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise (1995).