Yesterday the Maui Film Festival at Wailea got off to a great start. Personally, I really enjoyed myself at the Starlight Cinema at the Baccarat Resort and Residences. The films were good and the weather was perfect. It looks like another great day of events are planned today. Here are Thursday’s highlights:
- The stars will be out this evening in Wailea. The festival will be honoring Dennis Quaid, Virginia Madsen and Pierce Brosnan at the Wailea Beach Marriot Resort and Spa. The reception for the event starts at 6:00 with Dennis Quaid being honored starting at 6:30. He will be receiving the festival’s Galaxy award. Starting at 7:30, the festival will pay tribute to Virginia Madsen. She is receiving this year’s navigator award. Last but not least, Pierce Brosnan will be honored with the festival’s Maverick Award. Pierce is set to hit the stage at 8:30. Tickets for the tributes are $60 at the door. This is a fun event that includes a discussion of the actor’s film career and a question and answer session for each honoree.
- For those that enjoy documentaries, the films started early today at the MACC. The first round of documentaries actually already started at 3:00. There will be other documentaries showing at 6:00 and 8:00.
- The Celestial Cinema is always bound to draw a good crowd. Tonight’s showings start at 8:00 with the film Water Man. The film chronicles a surf trip to the waves of Indonesia featuring a diverse and distinguished crew of wave riders. Maui residents Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton are two of the talented wave riders on the trip. Water Man will be shown with the documentary One Water and the short film Guardians of the Sea. One Water looks at the world’s growing fresh water shortages. Guardians of the sea pays tribute to the courage and efforts of the Hawaiian Life Guard. The 10:00 PM showing is the comedy Bart Got a Room. The film stars previous festival honoree William H Macy. Tickets for both the 8:00 and 10:00 PM films are twenty dollars. The 10:00 PM showing may be viewed for $10.
- Tommy Bahamas Bar and Grill will be hosting the Starry Night Moon Dance tonight from 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM. You can work up an appetite on the dance floor and then indulge yourself in the heavy pupus. Tickets are $75 at the door.
These are just some of the events planned for today. For a complete schedule, check out the Festival Website. Having attended last night’s festivities, I have one tip to pass along to festival goers. Arrive early for any of the film events in Wailea. Parking is off site and you need to catch a shuttle to goto the venue. If you show up at 8:00, you will miss some of the film. Chances are you may also end up with less desirable seating. Hope everyone who attends has a great time!
