The Waimea Ocean Film Festival returns to Waimea and the Kohala Coast from Jan. 1-9.
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival returns to Waimea and the Kohala Coast from Jan. 1-9.
Films and programs will be featured Jan. 1-4 at venues in Waimea, at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and at The Fairmont Orchid before moving Jan. 5-9 to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
The combination of award-winning films, intimate breakfast talks, question-and-answer filmmaker sessions, compelling speakers, artistic exhibits and receptions is not to be missed.
“We are delighted to be included as a venue for the upcoming Waimea Ocean Film Festival,” said Christof Luedi, regional vice president and general manager of The Fairmont Orchid. “We are looking forward to a most successful festival showcasing award-winning films and presentations in our Lehua Theater.”
Through thought-provoking films and discussion, the festival immerses participants in a greater understanding and awareness of the ocean, our culture and ourselves.
Informative Q&A sessions offer moviegoers the opportunity to delve deeper into the films’ messages and production while posing questions to filmmakers. Last year’s festival offered 60 Q&As and a dozen casual breakfast talks with filmmakers and experts associated with film topics.
“People love the non-stop excitement of having so many films, speakers and programs to choose from,” said Tania Howard, festival founder and director. “We often hear from attendees that the festival is a life-changing experience.”
New this year, a 20 Punch Card adds the element of a treasure hunt to the event, as Starbucks Coffee offers a prize for those who attend 20 film blocks.
A seascape painting by Christian Enns, “Morning Light-Puako,” was chosen as the festival’s 2015 cover art.
Work by the Big Island artist and champion surfer has been the focus of feature films. The festival also showcased his shoreline paintings in 2013 and will again this year.
Festival passes will go on sale in September, with early purchase pass rates available at that time.
For event updates, visit www.waimeaoceanfilm.org, find Waimea Ocean Film Festival on facebook or send an email to info@waimeaoceanfilm.org.