Maui Film Festival Continues to “Scan the Horizon”

The director of the Maui Film Festival issued a statement on Thursday evening addressing the Coronavirus challenge facing Maui, Hawaiʻi, the US mainland and beyond.  The festival is currently scheduled for June 17-21, 2020 in Wailea, Maui.

Festival founder and director, Barry Rivers provided the following thoughts:

“As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our patrons, the Maui Film Festival ʻohana, and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving situation.

“At this time, we are continuing to scan the horizon on this challenge while simultaneously implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawaii State Department of Health.

“We are ready to act expeditiously and decisively should any news updates require additional steps to ensure that any issues of concern are addressed in timely way.

“As of right now, Maui and all the islands of Hawaiʻi are benefiting from being the Earth’s most remote meaningfully populated location.

“What that means if that we’ve had more time to understand, prepare and act upon how to minimize COVID-19’s impact on our lives.  Please use this time wisely to take action to protect yourself and your family and kōkua our statewide ʻohana of residents and island guests.

“We’re on top of all that and have been building the 2020 Maui Film Festival for months now — securing premieres and honorees and planning this year’s celebrations and surprises.  And we look forward to all of you enjoying it all soon.

“Hang in there.  We are stronger working together in pursuit of the common goal of enjoying another wonderful event this coming June 17 through 21, 2020,” said Rivers.

Celestial Cinema. File image credit: Randy Jay Braun via Maui Film Festival.