Kring’s Note: This piece was written by my friend, mentor, producer and former professor, Ms. Faye Martel. I don’t normally re-post articles written by other people here but there’s exception to every rule. “This Hunger Game Called Life” is one of the best dissections of the film/book that I have read and, albeit short, it made me ponder about the story, its lessons and my own life.

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Two years ago, my daughter bugged me relentlessly to buy her this book Hunger Games. Based on the title alone, I knew it was full of violence and I didn’t want to feed her mind (she was just 12 then) with such things. But, as I said, she did this relentlessly until I, well, relented (only after I researched what the book was about). And now everyone knows that it’s such box office hit. I watched it with her on its 1st day of regular showing (only because it was her exam week, if it were not, we would have one of those who watched in the midnight screening the night before), and I really liked it. Not really enjoyed it as I believe the premise of the movie can stand for a lot of things. At first, I thought it could be a great reference movie for my BroadComm class for when I explain camera work, but then as then as the story progressed, I discovered the Hunger Games is a TV show and it can be a better reference for the whole Broadcasting industry. At this point I was thinking that I have to get a DVD of this movie when it gets out. Then I felt a deep pang of sadness when Katniss volunteered for her sister and I realize that the Hunger Games may also be about life and how our children are launched in to it when they graduate.

Life, is like one big Hunger Games.

Yesterday, I attended a special screening of Boy, the highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time and one of the films lined up for the New Zealand Film Festival 2012 at the Shang. The story is set in 1984 and revolves around Boy, a dreamer who loves Michael Jackson so much that he imagines his absent father, Alamein, to be just like the singer. When Alamein returns to reveal he’s been at jail for robbery, Boy has to face the man he thought he knew.

Boy is a simple yet well-written movie, which was written and directed by Taika Waititi, who also happens to play the father, Alamein. Indeed, he’s one talented man. It’s funny, it’s nostalgic, it’s beautiful… but more importantly, it’s honest and in a way is a perfect movie to represent to New Zealand (we all know that NZ has wonderful scenery, which was highlighted in the film). The visuals reminded me of those serene Japanese films that I love like A Gentle Breeze in the Village.

More than the tight script, the actors, especially the children did a wonderful job. I particularly loved “Rocky”‘s effortless yet heartfelt performance.

I had a chance to have a little chat with Mr. Andy White of the Embassy of New Zealand and he explained that the objectives of this film festival are to showcase the talent of the people working in their film industry and show the diverse culture of their country. All of the films are good, he said but if he were to recommend his favorites, he said we shouldn’t miss Sione’s Wedding and The Whale Rider.

A few days ago, I posted the first part of my tvN K-POP Star Hunt Philippine Finalists special feature and as promised, I’m back with part two. This time, it’s a video of the three, sharing their experiences and their talent! Yes, I asked them to sing and those kids are goooood! More than that, they know what they’re talking about so I didn’t have a hard time editing the video!

Smile! You’re on Kring’s camera!

Charlene, Rince and Charmaine talk about their training, explain why they want to be KPOP stars and even serenade you with their beautiful voices! Team Philippines FTW!

Watch the video after the jump