Maui Film Festival
Film festival in Hawaii
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Maui Film Festival was a film festival founded in 2000 by Barry Rivers and held annually on the island of Maui, Hawaii through 2024.[1] It was based at Grand Wailea Resort[2][3] and included film premieres,[3] filmmaker panels,[4][3] special screenings,[3] tributes,[3] award ceremonies,[4][3] culinary arts celebrations,[4][3] and private soirees.[4][3]
| Location | Maui, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founded by | Barry Rivers |
| Disestablished | 2025 |
| Festival date | June, July |
| Website | Official website |
Attendees of the festival through the years included Bryan Cranston,[5] Freida Pinto,[6] Connie Britton,[7] Pierce Brosnan,[8] Clint Eastwood,[9] Claire Danes,[9] Megan Fox,[9] Andrew Garfield,[9] Olivia Wilde,[9] Garrett Hedlund,[9] and filmmaker Jack McCoy.[9]
History
The festival was created by current festival director Barry Rivers,[10] who has a doctorate in electronic media arts and studied Film & Media Arts at University of Massachusetts Amherst.[11] The festival originated from a weekly screening series that Rivers began in 1997.[12]
In 2000, the festival was officially held for the first time.[10] In 2001, the festival was held from June 13 through June 17 in Wailea, Hawaii.[13]
In 2017, the 18th festival was held in Wailea and Kahului and included more than 30 film screenings.[14]
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maui Film Festival was delayed.[15] In January 2021, the 70 participating films were made available online as the Speed-of-Light Virtual Cinema from January 1 through 3.[15] The festival donated all money received from the second wave of film submissions to the Maui Food Bank, resulting in a donation of over $7,000.[15]
In 2022, the in-person festival was held at the Stardust Cinema at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center from July 6 - July 10.[16] The Speed-of-Light Virtual Cinema was also available from July 6 - July 31.[16]
In 2023, the festival was held on June 28 - July 2.[17] The Speed-of-Light Virtual Cinema was also available from July 3 - July 30.[17] After the 2023 Hawaii wildfires badly affected Maui and destroyed the village of Lahaina, Rivers and his family donated to and participated in the recovery efforts.[10]
In 2025, it was announced that the film festival would not continue, making the 2024 Maui Film Festival the last.[1]
Program
The festival consisted of filmmakers submitting features and shorts which the programmers chose 50 of to be screened over the five-day program.[3] The festival also honored selected filmmakers, actors, and actresses with awards for various criteria within the film industry.[18][9][16]
The festival began with an Opening Night Twilight Reception at Grand Wailea Resort.[19]
During the 2023 festival, there were 11 local and international film premieres. From July 3 to 30, 50 short and feature films were made available to stream online.[18][17]
Venues
The festival is predominantly held at the open-air Stardust Cinema[17] at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's A&B Amphitheater.[20][18] Films are also projected onto a 50-foot screen set on the slopes of Haleakala at the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Courses.[3][9]
On June 14, 2018, a special "Toes in the Sand Cinema" event took place at Wailea Beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort Maui, during which short films were screened.[2]
Starting in 2021,[15] online viewing was made possible by the Speed-of-Light Virtual Cinema.[15] People who could not attend in person could purchase tickets to stream films from around the world.[16][17]
Awards and honors
Lights! Camera! Passion! Award - Honors directors.[21]
Winners include:
- Olivia Wilde in 2019[22][23]
- Louie Psihoyos in 2015[24]
- Rob Reiner in 2003[25][26]
Maverick Award - Honors individuals who have "the courage of their convictions and spares no effort to do the right thing to help those whose life’s work inspires him."[27]
Winners include:
- Pierce Brosnan in 2008[14]
- Shep Gordon in 2014[27]
- Willie Nelson in 2009[28]
Navigator Award - Honors film actors and actresses for “carving a path of distinction through the turbulent waters of the entertainment industry without sacrificing their fundamental commitment to excellence”[29]
Winners include:
- Gina Rodriguez in 2019[30][31]
Nova Award - Honors film artists "whose stunningly original and seamless performances consistently infuse each character they play with unique insight and wisdom."[28]
Winners include:
- Jessica Chastain in 2013[32]
- Paul Rudd in 2019[19][23]
- Zooey Deschanel in 2009[28]
- Felicity Huffman[28]
- Claire Danes[28]
Pathfinder Award - Honors actors and actresses whose choices and performances encourage people to expand what it means to be human.[14]
Winners include:
- Pierce Brosnan in 2017 (first two-time honoree at the festival also winning the Maverick Award in 2008)[14]
Rainmaker Award - Honors film artists who affect their projects, both on and off screen.
Winners include:
- Michael B. Jordan in 2016[33]
Rising Star Award - Honors young actors and actresses.[34]
Winners include:
- Garrett Hedlund in 2011[35]
- Karen Gillan in 2017[34]
- Nick Robinson in 2018[36]
- Maya Erskine in 2019[31]
- Annie Gonzalez in 2023[37]
Shining Star Award - Honors film actors and actresses who "dares to dream big dreams and delivers brilliantly charismatic and revelatory performances every time that opportunity knocks."[38]
Winners include:
- Zac Efron[38]
- Andrew Garfield[38]
- Olivia Wilde[38]
- Emma Roberts[38]
- Amber Heard in 2018[38]
- Awkwafina in 2019[23]
- Yara Shahidi in 2023[37]
- Adam Driver[38]
- Jake Gyllenhaal[38]
- Freida Pinto[38]
Shooting Star Award - Honors an actor in a Maui Film Festival Hawaii Premiere.
Winners include:
- Joe Manganiello in 2019[23][31]
Stella Award - Honors an actress for "advancing the status of women throughout the film industry by breathing life into characters that empower, enlighten and entertain."[26]
Winners include:
- Geena Davis in 2003 (inaugural winner)[26]
Visionary Award - Honors film artists for their "long-standing commitment to inspire and nurture the endlessly evolving tapestry of global cultures into an ever more compassionate and life-affirming planetary community."[39]
Winners include: