The Ohina Short Film Showcase returns with 10 featured selections and events on three islands throughout September — and a little extra boost of star power, thanks to new judge Henry Ian Cusick of CW’s “The 100” and ABC’s “Marvel’s Inhumans.”

Ever since Cusick moved here with his wife and three sons to work on ABC’s “Lost” about 11 years ago, he knew Hawaii would be his home.

“I can’t understand how people want to leave. I just love it here,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place to live and to work and to play. I want to do everything I can to stay here as long as possible.”

Cusick got involved with the festival this year after realizing it “sort of bypassed me.”

“Short films are a passion of mine, but … anything that creates work on the islands that I can be involved with, I’m in,” he said. “Honestly, the talent here is phenomenal. I’m looking at all these films, looking at all the actors and the people who shot them, because I’m kind of storing it all up to create a list of people I’d like to work with.

“There’s a lot of good talent here that you usually find won’t get work because (the studios) go to L.A. first. But there’s a lot of people who can do it here. They just need to be given the opportunities.”

Following the showcase’s screenings on Oahu, the films will make their way to the Palace Theatre in Hilo from Sept. 15 to 17. On Sept. 29, Ohina representatives will travel to Lanai to share the films with residents and host educational workshops for Lanai High School students. Visit ohina.org for more information.

—

OHINA 2017: THE FILMS
>> “Artblock,” by Alfred Chan
>> “Ho‘omau,” by Kenji Doughty
>> “Keep You Float,” by Alika Maikau and Jonah Okano
>> “Let the Mountain Speak,” by Vilsoni Hereniko
>> “Na Hulu Lehua,” by Ryan Gonzales and James Hall
>> “Phases of Mahina,” by Olivia Hampson
>> “Reefs at Risk,” by Malina Fagan and Lynn Pelletier
>> “Shape,” by Sky Bruno
>> “Uhiwai,” by Erin Lau
>> “Wilder Palms,” by Bradley Tangonan