Maui Film Festival’s Special Events Start Wednesday

By Vanessa Wolf

Capische? Courtesy photo

Entering its 14th year, the 2013 Maui Film Festival will be bringing dozens of films to our island over a five-day stretch later this week.

The films will be screened from June 12 to 16 at the Celestial Cinema located at the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Course, the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului, and the Seaside Cinema located between the Four Seasons Maui and the Grand Wailea.

But what about everything else?

In addition to films, there will be awards and fabulous events that will highlight the culture, food, and beauty of Maui.

“After 14 years of being the curator of the Maui Film Festival, there has not been a schedule I’m more proud of,” said Festival Director Barry Rivers. “This year’s festival aims to have a program that intersects smart and heart.”

The festival begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday June 12 with the Opening Twilight Reception at Capische? co-hosted by Modern Luxury Hawaii.

Capische?’s award-winning chefs will be providing cuisine complimented by Stella Artois beer, Johnson Brothers of Hawaii wines, and Pau Maui Vodka Specialty Cocktails.

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Jessica Chastain at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.

Award ceremonies throughout the festival will honor actresses and Hawaiian icons and will be held at the Celestial Cinemas in Wailea.

Awards kick off on Wednesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. when Eddie Aikau and Nainoa Thompson are honored with Visionary Awards for “living lives beyond limits, outside of fear.” Following the presentation will be the opening night screening of Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau.

On Friday, June 14 at 8 p.m. Kirsten Dunst will be presented with the Pathfinder Award, which honors an actor, whose “eclectic choices and charismatic performances encourage us all to expand our definition of what it means to be human.”

On Saturday, June 15 at 8 p.m., Jessica Chastain will be presented with the Nova Award, which honors a film artist whose “stunningly original and seamless performances consistently infuse each character they play with unique insight and wisdom.”

Finally, on Sunday, June 16 at 8 p.m. actress Brie Larson will be presented with the Rising Star Award, which honors a young film artist for “daring to dream big dreams and then delivering brilliant performances when opportunity knocks.”

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The Taste of Chocolate. Courtesy photo

Not so much into the star gawking thing?

Foodies have some events to look forward to, as well.

On Friday, June 14 at 8 p.m. is the Taste of Chocolate at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Attendees are invited to dress up, eat it, drink it and experience the never-been-there, never-had-that, flavors and experience that is the Taste of Chocolate.

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On Saturday, June 15 at 4:30p.m. is the ‘Taste of Wailea’ co-hosted by ‘where HAWAII’ at the David Leadbetter Private Golf Academy at Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Courses

The 14th annual Taste of Wailea will be presented by Wailea Resort’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants, complimented by an assortment of fine wines provided by Southern Wine & Spirits, Stella Artois beers on draft, and Pau Maui Vodka Speciality Cocktails.

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Save some room, because that evening at 10 p.m. is the ‘Soiree at Spago’ VIP Party presented by Maui No Ka Oi at Spago at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

This exclusive event offers mouth-watering morsels, specialty cocktails, and access to the Ultra VIP Lounge.

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Whether you’re interested in the movies or the extra-curricular offerings, the full schedule of film screenings as well as tickets to all events are available online.

Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)