Maui film fest offers escapes of all flavors
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| "The Notebook," a romance based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, will be shown June 19 at the Celestial Cinema (Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course) as part of the Maui Film Festival.
New Line Cinema |
By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| Rhys Ifans stars in "Danny Deckchair," which plays June 20. Danny takes off in a chair lifted with surplus weather balloons.
Lions Gate Films |
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| Guy Pearce stars in the family film "Two Brothers," about tigers who are reunited. It screens Wednesday at the Celestial Cinema.
Universal Studios |
Maui Film Festival Wednesday through June 20 at various locations mauifilmfestival.com, (808) 572-3456 Tickets also at Borders Books and Music and at the Maui Film Festival's ticket kiosk at the Shops at Wailea, beginning today New Line Cinema |
fueled bus ride down the Pacific coastline with Woody Harrelson, there is little that this year's Maui Film Festival doesn't cover.
Just don't ask festival director Barry Rivers to pick a favorite.
"We looked at 1,033 films," he says, laughing. "If a film made it in, I love it. I'm in love with all of them."
That includes "Mauna Kea: Temple Under Siege," "Farther Than the Eye Can See" (about the first blind man to climb Mount Everest), "Concert for George" (capturing a tribute concert for late Beatle George Harrison), "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster," "The Blue Butterfly" and "Go Farther" (the Harrelson film).
The festival kicks off Wednesday and continues through June 20.
A host of special events come in addition to the films, including Taste of Wailea, Taste of Chocolate, a Father's Day concert, a Charlie Chaplin celebration and special tributes to Bill Mahr, Harrelson, Angela Bassett and Ted Hope.
The films, of course, are the main attraction. The most highly anticipated will be showcased in the 8 and 10 p.m. slots at the Celestial Cinema at Wailea, including:
"Two Brothers" — A family film about two tigers separated as cubs, raised in captivity and reunited as enemies years later by an explorer. The film was shot in and around temples in Cambodian and Thailand.
"The Door in the Floor" — The film adaptation of John Irving's emotionally powerful novel "A Widow for One Year," set during a turbulent East Hampton summer. Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger star.
"Open Water" — Billed as "Jaws for the 21st Century," this thriller about two scuba divers stuck in shark-infested waters features only real — not mechanical or computer-generated — sharks. Remember to breathe.
"Napoleon Dynamite" — Borrowing one of Elvis Costello's old pseudonyms, the film follows the title character through the comic, tragic turns of high school life in Preston, Idaho.
"Garden State" — A romantic comedy about a 20-something who returns home to New Jersey to reconnect with old friends and family. Another reason to watch: Natalie Portman.
"Saved!" — A pregnant teens leads a group of young outcasts in this dark comedy starring Mandy Moore, Jena Malone and Macaulay Culkin. Review on Page 41.
"The Notebook" — Rachel McAdams ("Mean Girls") and Ryan Gosling ("Remember the Titans") are star-crossed lovers in this World War II drama set in rural America.
"Love Me If You Dare" — Best friends engage in a lifelong competition of outrageous stunts, stopping just short of admitting their true feelings for each other. For those who enjoyed "Amélie."
"Danny Deckchair" — A chair strung with helium balloons is more than literally transportive for the title character.
Here's the schedule of the Maui Film Festival. Admission to each film showing and filmmaker panel is $10; $20 for the double bill at the Celestial Cinema (or $10 for the 10 p.m. Celestial screening only) at the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course. Other events have fees or are free, as noted. Special passes, $150-$2,500, also are available (call 808-579-9244).
Wednesday
5-7 p.m.
Opening-night reception, The Fairmont Kea Lani Heavy pupu, desserts and drinks, and entry to the Celestial Cinema double feature (see below). $150.
5 p.m. Castle Theater
"Peaceable Kingdom"
Documentary explores the interconnected lives of farm animals, former farmers and animal rescuers. 77 min.
5 p.m. McCoy Theater
"The Elephant Man"
Documentary about the unique friendship between biker Chris Gallucci and Timbo, the oldest, biggest and wildest African bull elephant in the United States. 43 min.
Preceded by "Creature Comforts: Cats or Dogs?" 9 min.
Followed by "Xai Xai: Voice of Our Ancestors." 28 min.
7:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"The Ride"
This short documentary is a big-wave, reality-adventure surf show starring Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Darrick Doerner, Tom Carroll, Peter Mel and Ross Clarke-Jones. 45 min.
Preceded by "Of Wind and Waves: The Life of Woody Brown." 25 min.
7:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Mending the Sacred Hoop"
Viggo Mortensen and songs from U2 are featured in this documentary chronicling an American Indian peace movement started by the Lakota Nation. 62 min.
Preceded by "Mauna Kea — Temple Under Siege." 60 min.
8 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Two Brothers"
This family film was shot in and around the temples of Cambodia and Thailand. Two tigers are separated as cubs and taken into captivity, only to be reunited years later by an explorer (Guy Pearce). 109 min.
Preceded by "The School." 8 min.
8 p.m. Maui Digital SkyDome
NASA Presentation
Discussion on the evolution of digital cinema technology and a film presentation of "Coral Reef Adventure," as well as stunning NASA footage. Free.
9:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"Jaws Underground"
Documentary featuring local boys Ian Walsh, Kaleo Amadeo, Archie Kalepa and others and their tales about their sea-monster lifestyles. 32 min.
Preceded by "Pororoca: Surfing the Amazon," 26 min.
10 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"The Door in the Floor"
Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger star as a couple coming to terms with how a family deals with a virtual sea-change of emotion in this adaptation of James Irving's A Widow for One Year." 111 min.
10 p.m. Cosmic Comedy Club, Mulligan's on the Blue
Freddie Soto and Bobby Lee
Stand-up comedians featured on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show and more at the inaugural Maui Film Festival Opening Night Comedy Club. Admission includes Bombay Sapphire Mauitini Bar, and heavy pupu. $30.
Thursday
2 p.m. Castle Theater
"Proteus"
Award-winning documentary weaves poetry, photo montage, animation, oceanography, technology, history and myth to tell the story of Ernst Haeckel, the 19th-century biologist, artist and visionary. 60 min.
Preceded by "Harvey Krumpet" (22 min.), "Fragile" (20 min.) and "Passing Hearts" (15 min.)
2 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Parallel Lines"
Filmmaker Nina Davenport heads cross-country after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, using her video camera to unlock the personal stories of hope, loss and redemption of the those she meets along the way. 98 min.
5 p.m. Castle Theater
"Go Further"
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ron Mann joins actor/activist Woody Harrelson as he pilots a hemp-fueled bus on an eco-consciousness-raising tour down the Pacific coast. 80 min.
5 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Until the Violence Stops"
Eve Ensler's award-winning play "The Vagina Monologues" inspired this documentary about V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. 74 min.
7:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"Festival Express"
Canada had Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and The Band performing and living together on a train for five straight days in 1970. Some 35 years after the "Canadian Woodstock," never-seen footage has been discovered and edited, along with new interviews, into this documentary. 90 min.
Preceded by "Destino," 7 min.
7:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
"What the #$*! Do We Know?"
Marlee Matlin stars as Amanda, a divorced photographer, who finds herself in a fantastic Alice-in-Wonderland experience. 111 min.
Preceded by "Time for a New God," 18 min.
8 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Open Water"
Two scuba divers are accidentally stranded in shark-infested waters. No mechanical or computer-generated special effects were used in the making of this film. 79 min.
Preceded by "Terra," 7 min.
8-10 p.m. Maui Digital SkyDome
Thursday Night Tributes
Bill Maher receives the inaugural Maui Film Festival Maverick Award, presented for having the courage and willingness to use the freedom of speech to call it like he sees it.
Woody Harrelson will receive the Maui Film Festival Navigator Award. Preceded by 7:30 p.m. reception.
Price includes both tributes and reception. $50.
10 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Napoleon Dynamite"
Likely to be this year's box-office surprise. The Sundance audience favorite is about teen Napoleon Dynamite of Preston, Idaho, and captures the comedy, tragedy and disorientation of high school. 86 min.
10 p.m. SandDance Theater, Wailea Beach
Charlie Chaplin Celebration
A silent-film tribute to Chaplin, featuring three short films: "The Pawn Shop," "The Rink" and "One A.M." Musical accompaniment by Maui keyboardist Les Adam. Free.
June 18
2 p.m. Castle Theater
35mm Short Film Showcase
"Clutch," "Destino," "Dysenchanted," "Fragile," "Harvey Krumpet," "Henry's Garden," "Passing Heart," "The School," "Terra." 106 min.
2 p.m. McCoy Theater
Digital Shorts Showcase
"Balance," "Consent," "Creature Comforts: Cats or Dogs?" "June and Orlando," "Little Black Boot," "The Speeding Ticket," "Time for a New God," "Trust," "Twins." 103 min.
5-7 p.m. Grand Wailea Resort Ballroom
Friday Night Tributes
Honoring Angela Bassett and a second surprise honoree. Preceded at 4:30 p.m. by champagne and pupu reception. Price includes both tributes and reception. $50.
5 p.m. Castle Theater
"The Blue Butterfly"
William Hurt stars in this story of a terminally ill 10-year-old boy whose last dream is to catch the most beautiful butterfly on Earth. 97 min.
5 p.m. McCoy Theater
"The Future of Food"
Documentary examines the battle over the use of genetically modified organisms. 92 min.
7:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"Metallica: Some Kind of Monster"
The most tumultuous period in the heavy-metal rockers' 20-year history is captured in this cinema-verité documentary. 139 min.
7:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Kumbh Mela: Short Cut to Nirvana"
More than 70 million pilgrims attend this spiritual festival, which has been held every 12 years near Allahabad, India, for more than two millennia. 85 min.
Preceded by "June and Orlando." 13 min.
8 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Garden State"
This romantic comedy from writer/director/actor Zach Braff ("Scrubs") also stars Natalie Portman ("Star Wars: Episodes I-III"). It's about twenty-something Andrew Largeman as he returns to his New Jersey hometown. 109 min.
Preceded by "Dysenchanted." 9 min.
8 p.m. Maui Digital SkyDome
"The Ride"
This short documentary is a big-wave reality-adventure surf show starring Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Darrick Doerner, Tom Carroll, Peter Mel and Ross Clarke-Jones. 45 min.
Followed by "Africa Mashariki Nafsi (A Journey into the Soul of East Africa)." 40 min.
9:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"Maria Full of Grace"
Winner of the Audience Award at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival: A young Columbian girl becomes a drug mule in order to escape her country for the United States. In Spanish with English subtitles. 101 min.
9:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
"What the #$*! Do We Know?"
Marlee Matlin stars as Amanda, a divorced photographer, who finds herself in a fantastic Alice-in-Wonderland experience. 111 min.
10 p.m.-1 a.m. Tommy Bahama Tropical Cafe
Starry Night Moondance
Bombay Sapphire Mauitinis, music by Willie K. $50.
10 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Saved!"
Mandy Moore, Jena Malone and Macaulay Culkin star in this dark coming-of-age comedy. A girl attending a Baptist high school becomes pregnant and finds herself ostracized. 92 min.
10 p.m. SandDance Theater, Wailea Beach
Charlie Chaplin Celebration
A silent-film tribute to Chaplin featuring three short films: "The Tramp," "The Vagabond" and "The Cure." Musical accompaniment by Maui keyboardist Les Adam. Free.
June 19
Filmmakers panels, Wailea Marriott, Mei Court. Details at www.mauifilmfestival.com
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. "Enough Fluff: Making Movies that Matter"; 1-2 p.m. "The State of the Art"; 2:30-3:30 p.m. "Xtreme Filmmaking. "
2 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Seeds"
Documentary about the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Maine. 98 min.
3 p.m. Castle Theater
"Control Room"
This documentary by Jehane Noujaim, an award-winning Arab-American filmmaker, provides a behind-the-scenes view of controversial, independent satellite news network Al-Jazeera. 86 min.
4:30-7 p.m. Wailea Gold & Emeral Private Function Terrace
Taste of Wailea
Food and wine-tasting celebration. Price includes Celestial Cinema double feature (see below). $150.
5 p.m. Castle Theater
"Everyday People"
An ordinary day in a family-run diner in Brooklyn as news spreads among the working-class staff and community of its sale to an upscale developer. 91 min.
5 p.m. McCoy Theater
"The Future of Food"
Documentary examines the battle over the use of genetically modified organisms. 92 min.
7:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"Bright Young Things"
Emily Mortimer, Stephen Campbell Moore, Dan Aykroyd, Stockard Channing and Peter O'Toole star in this sophisticated, satirical love story set in 1930s London. 106 min.
Preceded by "Clutch." 9 min.
7:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Jaws Underground"
Documentary featuring local boys Ian Walsh, Kaleo Amadeo, Archie Kalepa and others and their tales about their sea-monster lifestyles. 32 min.
Preceded by "Pororoca: Surfing the Amazon," 26 min.
Followed by "Of Wind and Waves: The Life of Woody Brown." 25 min.
8 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"The Notebook"
Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling are star-crossed lovers in this romantic drama set against the backdrop of rural America during World War II. Based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks. 121 min.
Preceded by "Henry's Garden." 9 min.
8 p.m. Maui Digital SkyDome
"270 Miles from Graceland"
A documentary of the 2003 event, featuring performances by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Jack Johnson, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, the Allman Brothers Band, the Roots, Sonic Youth, Polyphonic Spree, the Flaming Lips, Leo Kottke and the godfather of soul, James Brown, among others. 124 min.
Preceded by "Trust: A Five Minute Requiem for the 20th Century." 5 min.
9:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"The Yes Men"
Documentary follows the Yes Men, two merry pranksters-cum-political activists, as they impersonate officials of the World Trade Organization. 80 min.
9:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
Digital Shorts Showcase
"Balance, "Consent, "Creature Comforts: Cats or Dogs?" "June and Orlando, "Little Black Boot, "The Speeding Ticket, "Time for a New God, "Trust, "Twins. 103 min. Details at www.mauifilmfestival.com.
10 p.m.-1 a.m. Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe
Taste of Chocolate
Champagne and exotic chocolate concoctions and cool jazz, too. Music by the Ellen Dellarosa Trio. $50.
10 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Concert for George"
A tribute to George Harrison under the musical direction of Eric Clapton, with performances and interviews including Clapton, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Ravi Shankar and Ringo Starr, among others. Special thanks to Olivia Harrison. 146 min.
10 p.m. SandDance Theater, Wailea Beach
Charlie Chaplin Celebration
A silent-film tribute to Chaplin featuring three short films: "Easy Street," "The Floor Walker" and "New Janitor." Musical accompaniment by Maui keyboardist Les Adam. Free.
June 20
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Beach below the Grand Wailea Resort
Sand Sculpture Contest
This year's theme is "Beyond Your Wildest Imagination."
2 p.m. Castle Theater
"Dear Frankie"
Single mom Lizzie (Emily Mortimer) concocts letters to her son from a make-believe father to keep him from learning the truth about her ex-husband. 105 min.
2 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Until the Violence Stops"
Eve Ensler's award-winning play, "The Vagina Monologues," inspired this documentary about V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. 74 min.
5-7 p.m. Sunset Lawn, Diamond Resort Hawaii
Fathers' Day Concert
Featuring brothers John and Guy Cruz and Friends. Picnic lunches available from Ma'alaea Grill. $20.
5 p.m. Castle Theater
"America's Heart and Soul"
Eclectic stories filmed on a cross-country trip by director/cinematographer Louis Schwartzberg. 88 min.
5 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Kumbh Mela: Short Cut to Nirvana"
More than 70 million pilgrims attend this spiritual festival, which has been held every 12 years near Allahabad, India, for more than two millennia. 85 min.
7:30 p.m. Castle Theater
"Seducing Dr. Lewis"
A fishing community on an impoverished island must persuade a young Montreal-based doctor to live in their town in order to get a much-needed new factory. 108 min.
7:30 p.m. McCoy Theater
"Mauna Kea: Temple Under Seige
Mauna Kea is at the center of burning controversy over whether it should be used for astronomical observation or preserved as a wahi pana, a cultural landscape sacred to the Hawaiian people. 60 min.
8 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Love Me if You Dare"
Adult best friends Julien and Sophie continue the odd game they started as children — a competition to outdo one another with outrageous stunts. In French with English subtitles. 93 min.
Preceded by "Clutch." 9 min.
8 p.m. Maui Digital SkyDome
"Farther Than the Eye Can See"
This documentary tells the inspiring and epic account of Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. 75 min.
10 p.m. Celestial Cinema
"Danny Deckchair"
Danny blasts away from his backyard barbecue in a chair strung with helium balloons, survives the flight and finds love at the end of his odyssey. 90 min.
10 p.m.-1 a.m. SeaWatch Restaurant
Closing Night Audience Awards Party
A salsa-infused dance party featuring the Latin rhythms of Dr. Nat & Rio Ritmo; view the the sky through telescopes provided by Harriet Witt & Friends; desserts by SeaWatch Restaurant. $30.
