Maui Film Festival now in its fifth year again share with film goers that even paradise you may be tempted to immerse yourself in cinema and not the Pacific Ocean. Barry and Stella Rivers open up their hearts with Island spirit in this four day Festival that is becoming a must for the most discering Festival visitors. With over fifty films screening at this years Festival, film goers were sure to find a film that will make them leave the beach for the big screen. With major stars attending, a buzz was in the tropical trade winds. Not a large festival by any means, but the location. events, films and hospitality will indulge you as a Festival to be well noted.
Awards being presented this year to industry notables are: the Maverick Tribute Award, to Bill Maher, Trailblazer Award to Ted Hope, Pathfinder Award to Angela Basset The Navigator award is being presented to Woody Harrelson for navigating the turbulent waters of the entertainment industry to create a career of distinction. It was notice that Angela Basset was a most gracious speaker as she shared her vision on the craft of acting and filmmaking.

As well as the awards being presented, Maui Film Festival has special events everyday to highlight the beautiful surroundings that make this Festival the jewel of the Pacific. Some of the Special Events to take place during the Festival are as follows: Taste of Wailea, Filmmakers Panel at the Wailea Marriott Resort's, Taste of Wailea and a Father's Day Concert ending the Festival.
A sampling of the films screened this year are: SAVED, a great cast supporting a terrific firs time writer director Brain Dannelly, this coming of age comedy staring Mandy Moore, McCauley Culkin and Jena Malone learn the ins and outs of being out in and/or pregnant in a conservative Christian High School. Director Brian Dannelly a once former AFI Fellow does an outstanding job as a first-time feature Director. OPEN WATERS, the film that may make you decide not to go in the Hawaiian waters, low budget and base on a true experience this is the thriller of the summer season, CONCERT FOR GEORGE, this emotional tribute to George Harrison, DANNY DECKCHAIR the popular comedy from Australia, DOOR IN THE FLOOR, staring Jeff Bridges and Kim Bassinger an emotional summer in the East Hampton with a couple coming to terms of their relationship. GARDEN STATE, writer, director and actor Zach Braff (Scrubs) follows twenty something Andrew as re-connects with his family in New Jersey, also staring Natalie Portman, LOVE ME IF YOU DARE, this Paramount Classic is soon to become a charming favorite along the lines of the popular AMELIE, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, a top film from the Sundance Film Festival, high school life is still a comedy and tragedy for each student as they try and get a diploma, THE NOTEBOOK, star crossed lovers meet during the turbulent times of World War II, and TWO BROTHERS, a cinematic fable shot in Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting the story of two tiger cubs and the misadventures
One of the most highlighted of screening locals is the Tommy Bahamas Celestial Cinema an outdoor under the star theater overlooking Molikini and other surrounding islands. Blessed to have on staff for the Festival was there very own astronomer who gives a reading of the stars before each Celestial screening. Where else but in paradise would you have this at a Film Festival.
With all these events much Aloha has been woven into the tapa cloth of the Festival. Everything from free frapachinos at the Celestial Cinema to shuttles to and from various venues, guest and locals will sure to be fulfilled with the manna and spirit of Aloha at the Maui Film Festival. Festival dates June 16th to the 20th on the Island of Maui, Hawaii, for more information www.mauifilmfestival.com call 808.572.3456
See you next year Mahalo!
Keiko Beatie