Big Island Film Festival movie examines homelessness

A film to be screened at the Big Island Film Festival brings viewers up close to the specter of homelessness, violence and indifference.

A film to be screened at the Big Island Film Festival brings viewers up close to the specter of homelessness, violence and indifference.

The film “3:13” will be shown at 11:30 a.m. today in the Lehua Theater at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. The drama, based on true events, follows the lead character Peter, a middle-class family man who becomes a victim of the recession during the late 2000s. Following Peter through the streets of Miami, the film chronicles the drastic character transformation he goes through as he encounters the harsh reality of the streets. Through the story, the viewer faces the hate crimes and other violence homeless people endure, and the general public indifference that greets their situation.

The production company is working with the National Coalition for the Homeless to screen the film nationally, raising money for homeless causes in the process, said filmmaker David Jaure, a native of Argentina who gave up a career as a professional golfer to pursue his passion for acting. The film, selected for several international festivals, stars Paul Alexandro and Bassem Ramirez Farach. Alexandro is the screen name for Paul Jaure, the older brother of the writer, producer and director of the film.

David Jaure worked in downtown Miami for 18 years before he became a filmmaker, and had daily contact with the city’s homeless population.

“Some I helped by giving money, clothing or food,” Jaure said in a director’s statement. “They have so many stories. They all had brothers, sisters, a father and a mother and we as a society so often fail to realize that. When I began with this project, from day one I knew I wanted to make a film that could make a change in society.”

The ninth annual festival started Thursday and runs through Monday. For more information, visit bigislandfilmfestival.com.