Film buffs are invited to enjoy three days of complimentary cinematic arts, music and enriching cultural programs on Maui's nearby "private island."
Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i will present the Lanai Film Festival Friday to Sunday at The Lodge at Koele, in partnership with the Lanai community, HawaiiONTV.com and Jazz Alley TV.
The best part is, the island is affordably accessible via the Expeditions ferry that crosses the channel from Lahaina Harbor to Manele Harbor numerous times per day; and Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i is offering special discounted kaamaina room rates for fesitval goers.
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The Lodge at Koele will set the stage Friday to Sunday
Festival goers may also want to savor the cuisine at the new Nobu restaurant at Manele Bay Hotel, although the festival will be held in Lanai City. Look for a Maui exclusive on Nobu in this month's Scene.
"We are honored to host the festival with such revered filmmakers and artists presenting their works to the Lanai community and resort guests," says Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i. "We understand the importance of the arts and are privileged to be able to assist with bringing the festival back to the island for all to enjoy."
"On Friday night, you may come and see Polynesian movies under the stars in Lanai City at the Lodge at Koele," says filmmaker Kenneth K. Martinez Burgmaier, "We will have a screen outside the Lodge in the back area near the swimming pool."
"We'll also have live music by Paula Fuga, Grammy Award winner Sonny Lim and Kevin Brown! It's from 6 to 9 p.m. and it's all free."
The above-mentioned musicians will also perform Saturday night. Beforehand, you may want to start your Saturday morning with a cup of joe and live slack key with Brown and Lim at the Coffee Works. Also in Lanai City, enjoy lunch and live music with Robbie Ray Lopaka from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cafe 565.
The weekend movie lineup will continue Saturday at the Lodge from 5 to 9 p.m. with dynamic and independent Polynesian film screenings in the Great Hall, the Music Room and the Library. Films include "Malama Ko Aloha," "Land Has Eyes," "Rolling Down Like Pele," "Chief," "Local Kin," "That First Glide" and more.
Saturday evening will be the premiere of the Emmy Award and Sundance Award winning, "Malama Ko Aloha," the latest movie project by Martinez Burgmaier.
It features acclaimed musicians Kevin Brown, Sonny Lim, Keola Beamer, Palani Vaughn, Cyril Pahinui, Brother Noland, Calvin Hoe, Keola and Moanalani Beamer, as well as Aunty Nona Beamer.
" 'Malama Ko Aloha" is a film I have been working on for the last several years," he continues. "Documenting Nona Beamer and working closely with the Beamer 'ohana. Select Footage is from the Aloha Music Camps and various locations throughout Hawaii.
"The film tells of her journey perpetuating Hawaiian culture and standing up when at one time it was illegal to do the hula standing up, along with her travels across America as a Hawaiian performer, teacher, mother, artist and leader."
Sunday, enjoy breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Lodge's Terrace restaurant with music by Brown. Take a free nose flute class by Calvin Hoe. Or savor a gourmet dinner at the Terrace followed by music of Grammy winner Lim in the Great Hall. For further details, call Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i toll free at (800) 321-4666.
