Director Tim Burton stood before the Maui Film Festival at Wailea's outdoor theater cradling air, saying the imaginary "Silversword Award" he received was the most beautiful he'd ever received. He even feigned tears.
Standing alongside Burton was festival director Barry Rivers, relieved that his awardee had ad-libbed so beautifully when the award didn't arrive on time.
That was four years ago.
Although no one knew it then, Rivers, a transplanted Brooklynite with a flair for marketing and sincerity of purpose in bringing quality films to the Valley Isle, had snared Burton for the inaugural June 2000 event at the last minute when other notables were unavailable.
"That was close," Rivers remembered recently.
What a difference time has made.
That first festival had a $250,000 budget, four venues, 15 films, a total audience of 6,300 and a very short celebrity list: Tim Burton.
MAUI FILM FESTIVAL
The casual Celestial Cinema, on the Wailea Golf Club driving range, is the Maui Film Festival's primary viewing venue.
MFF is still known for its signature venue, Celestial Cinema -- a $185,000 outdoor theater with a 20-by-40-foot screen, two projectors and a Dolby Surround Sound system -- set on the Wailea Golf Club driving range where the audience sits in beach chairs. Completing the venues are the "SandDance Theatre" on Wailea Beach, two theaters at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the newest, Maui Digital SkyDome at Outrigger's Wailea Marriott.
This year's event, running Wednesday through Sunday, boasts 55 films, including features, documentaries and shorts; three new awards; a $1.5 million budget of cash and in-kind services; 30 sponsors; and an audience expected to exceed 10,000.
The festival's official kickoff is Wednesday, with director Rob Reiner's "Alex & Emma," starring Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson. Thursday, Reiner receives the festival's first Lights! Camera! Passion! award honoring a director who has made "films that matter" and who has maintained a long-standing commitment to social justice and the triumph of the human spirit.
FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
John Malkovich directed Laura Morante and Javier Bardem in "The Dancer Upstairs."
The centerpiece premiere takes place Friday with the coming-of-age story "Whale Rider," a New Zealand drama that won audience awards at the prestigious Toronto, Sundance and Rotterdam film festivals.
Celeb sight-'ems should also keep heads spinning. Sir Anthony Hopkins will receive the fourth Silversword Award on Friday; Geena Davis will receive the Stella for "advancing the status of women throughout the film industry by breathing life into characters that empower, enlighten and entertain"; and Greg Kinnear will pick up the "Navigator" trophy for "navigating the turbulent waters of the entertainment industry to create a career of distinction."
E! Entertainment Channel will use the five-day festival as a backdrop for an hourlong pilot for a new reality show.
NEWMARKET FILM GROUP
"Whale Rider," a film from New Zealand, is the centerpiece of the festival. Keisha Castle-Hughes stars as 12-year-old Pai, who must prove she is worthy of leading her people.
"We've come a long way, baby; we're cooking now," Rivers joked in his rapid-fire staccato.
The festival's tone was set four years ago when Rivers purchased the Celestial Cinema equipment and built an air-conditioned trailer for projectors.
"Never start a film festival without a credit card," he says. "I just didn't want to take 20 years to make this what I knew it could become quickly. We may be 4 years old, but we have 10 to 15 years of maturity."
That emotional and financial passion convinced Wailea Resort officials to provide dozens of luxury rooms for VIPs and sponsor events ranging from nightly culinary feasts and filmmaker panels to award ceremonies. They also let Rivers and company dig holes on part of the pristine driving range for screen poles.
"It was a totally insane idea," says Rivers.
Rivers and his wife, Stella, for whom the festival award was named, select some films after attending the AFI, Santa Barbara and Sundance film festivals, then meet with the filmmakers. Rivers received national coverage at Sundance in January when he hired hula dancers in ti-leaf skirts and coconut bras to perform barefoot in the snowy streets.
WARNER BROS.
"Alex & Emma," directed by Rob Reiner, opens the festival on Wednesday. Reiner will receive the new Lights! Camera! Passion! award on Thursday.
"There are 1,200 festivals worldwide, and you gotta stand out some way besides just showing great films," Rivers says. "You must prove yourself worthy of Hollywood and sponsor attention."
The festival received a record 688 submissions this year, more than a 20 percent increase over last year, he said, attributing the increase to publicity, networking and "my mantra: Underpromise and overdeliver."
The festival, which has been included in recent articles in the entertainment industry's bible, Variety, and competitor Hollywood Reporter, has made the state and Maui County sit up and take notice. The Hawaii Tourism Authority doubled its annual contribution to $100,000 this year; the Maui Film Office more than doubled its contribution to $25,000 from $10,000; the Hawaii Film Office annually gives $10,000 to the festival.
THE RIVERSES had dreamed for years of establishing a film festival on Maui, considering the island's changing demographics, with its high-profile Hollywood residents and visitors. Wailea was selected for its ocean views and chic appeal.
MIRAMAX
Stephen Chow plays a kung fu master who takes up a mainstream sport in "Shaolin Soccer," showing Thursday.
"We're not interested in blockbusters, but to show great films that celebrate life," Rivers said.
In the beginning that philosophy was laughable on Oahu, but playing up Maui's laid-back, outdoorsy nature paid off, and the couple's film festival philosophy pretty much mimics their lifestyle. Barry and Stella met in Massachusetts in 1968, married two years later, then moved to Maui in 1979 with three kids in diapers. The family lived in two 9-by-12-foot tents. (Rivers has a doctorate in electronic media arts from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.)
"Running a film festival is easy compared to washing diapers without running water," Rivers said.
UNITED ARTISTS
In "Together," Kun Tang plays a poor 13-year-old who dreams of a musical career.
The couple still live with their twin boys, Kiva and Tide, 26, in a modest one-story Windward Maui home a short walk from the sea. Daughter Maya is a fitness instructor in Beverly Hills.
The festival has never turned a profit, but this year, the Riverses expect to at least break even, in light of the increased number of sponsors, climbing package prices ($100 to $750) -- and ticket sales are up 300 percent.
"This has been the best, worst-paying job in the world," said Rivers. And he's not slowing down.
This year, he added a filmmakers' brunch, a Father's Day concert and a golf tournament. His plans include adding a surfing competition, fashion and stand-up comedy events and concerts.
"I'm addicted to pushing the envelope."
BACK TO TOP |
Honor roll
These stars will be recognized at the festival for their achievements in film-making:Anthony Hopkins: He will receive the Silversword Award in a tribute on Friday.
Greg Kinnear: Earns the first Navigator Trophy for "navigating the turbulent waters" of the industry.
Geena Davis: Collects the first Stella Award for advancing the status of women in film.
Admission
The Evening Star Pass ($100): Covers admission to any Castle Theater, McCoy Theater or Tommy Bahama SandDance Theatre presentation, and Filmmakers Panel.The Rising Star Pass ($175): Includes admission to all of the above plus the Silversword Award Tribute to Anthony Hopkins and Celestial Cinema and Maui Digital SkyDome presentations.
The Shooting Star Pass ($400): Includes all of the above plus opening night Twilight Reception at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Taste of Wailea, Tommy Bahama Starry Night MoonDance, Tommy Bahama Taste of Chocolate and Father's Day concert at Diamond Resort Hawaii.
The Comet Pass ($750): Includes all the above plus admission to a VIP Party at Spago at the Four Seasons Maui; plus VIP admissions to the Father's Day concert, the Anthony Hopkins Silversword Award tribute, the Rob Reiner Lights! Camera! Passion! Award ceremony; and the Filmmakers Brunch & Navigator Award Tribute to Greg Kinnear at Longhi's in Wailea.
Nonpass admissions: Cost for double features each night of the Celestial Cinema is $20 per evening ($10 for children), including the live entertainment that precedes the films.
All other venues: $10 per film ($5 for children for films rated G, PG or PG-13). Admission to the Tommy Bahama SandDance Theatre at the Four Seasons Wailea is free.
Call: 808-572-FILM (3456) or 888-999-6330
On the Web: www.mauifilmfestival.com
Special events
Wednesday: Twilight Reception, Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, 5 to 7 p.m.Thursday: Lights! Camera! Passion! Award ceremony for Rob Reiner, 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday: Silversword Award Tribute to Anthony Hopkins, Grand Wailea, 5 to 7 p.m., followed by Tommy Bahama Starry Night MoonDance, Shops at Wailea, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday: Filmmakers Brunch, Longhi's at Shops at Wailea, 9 to 11 a.m.; Filmmakers' Panels, Wailea Marriott Resort, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Taste of Wailea, Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course, 4:30 to 7 p.m.; Tommy Bahama Taste of Chocolate, Shops at Wailea, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday: Father's Day Concert, Diamond Resort Hawaii, with Hapa, master chanter Charles Ka'upu, Jerry Santos, Ernie Cruz, 5 to 7 p.m.
Filmmakers' Panels
"NASA: Bringing Digital Technology Down to Earth": Ken Dozier, of NASA, leads a discussion of how NASA technology creates opportunities in the entertainment industry. At the Maui Digital SkyDome, 8 p.m. Wednesday."Wahine in Film": Bai Ling ("Beautiful Country"), Rosario Dawson ("25th Hour"), Kelly Hu ("X2: X-Men United") and other women discuss the challenges they face in an industry known for placing more value on sizzle than substance. Moderated by Julie Moran, former "Entertainment Tonight" anchor. At the Wailea Marriott Mei Court, 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
"Socially Activist Filmmaking: Cinema con Cajones": Panelists include filmmakers from "Hempsters," "My Flesh and Blood," "Small Voices," "Thirteen," "Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion" and "Weather Underground" talking about the increasing number of independent documentary and narrative filmmakers and videographers and the alternative they offer to mass media's version of reality. Moderated by Maui News entertainment editor Rick Chatenever. At the Wailea Marriott Mei Court, 1 p.m. Saturday.
"Breaking & Entering: Shorts as Shortcuts": Panelists including filmmakers of "The Date," "Hawai'i: An Identity Reborn," "Hope," "Laud Weiner," "Most" and "Mona Mon Amour" talk about raising cash to fund their visions. Their methods have run from maxing out credit cards to raising money by selling precious bodily fluids. Moderated by Hawaii Film Office Manager Donne Dawson. At the Wailea Marriott Mei Court, 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Screening schedule
Summaries of films showing at the Maui Film Festival:Wednesday
"Most": A railroad bridge-tender learns he is tending the greatest bridge of all. Castle Theater, 6 p.m.
"Alex & Emma": Luke Wilson is an author whose gambling debts have landed him in a jam. In order to get loan sharks off his back he must finish his novel in 30 days or face the consequences. He hires stenographer Kate Hudson to help him complete his manuscript, but she challenges his ideas and begins to inadvertently influence the story until real life begins to imitate art. This new romantic comedy by director Rob Reiner ("When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride," "This is Spinal Tap") operates in two worlds: present-day Boston and a fictional 1924, where Emma keeps popping up as novelized versions of herself. The concept was spun out of the life of Fyodor Dostoyevksy, who published "The Gambler" in 1867, then married his 19-year-old stenographer. Celestial Cinema, 8 p.m.
"Brothers on Holy Ground": Two weeks after 9/11, a New York fireman takes a film crew to 40 firehouses and interviews friends and family of those lost. The footage provides a unique and ennobling reflection on the disaster. McCoy Theater, 7:30 p.m.
"The Hard Word": This Australian story starring Guy Pearce depicts three brothers, bank robbers stuck in jail, who devise a shrewd way to profit in their spare time. Their success leads to trouble as the good criminals have to deal with bad cops. Castle Theater, 9:30 p.m.
"The Dancer Upstairs": Javier Bardem stars in John Malkovich's directorial debut, the story of a Latin American police officer pursuing a guerrilla leader while battling corrupt superiors. He finds solace with a ballet teacher who isn't quite what she seems. Celestial Cinema, 10 p.m.
"Small Voices": Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, this film, also called "Mga Munting Tinig," tells of a dedicated Filipina teacher (Alessandra de Rossi) who brings hope to villagers in the lush but impoverished Luzon outback. Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m.
"A Tradition of Honor": What it means to be an American is redefined in this documentary about the men of the 442nd, who went from the cane fields of Hawaii to the battlefields of World War II and became the most decorated unit in American military history. McCoy Theater, 5 p.m.
"A Decade Under the Influence": Hollywood's "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll generation" of the '70s created earth-shattering films for a newly awakened audience. This documentary, featuring interviews with major directors of the era, is a treasure trove for film buffs. Castle Theater, 5 p.m.
Thursday
"The Education of Gore Vidal": Vidal, "troublemaker at large," has been a shrewd and entertaining voice in American culture and letters. This documentary tours his life and iconoclastic works. McCoy Theater, 5 p.m.
"The Heart of Me": This sumptuous vision of upper-crust World War II England offers rich emotional drama about the destructive nature of passion. It stars Helena Bonham Carter. Castle Theater, 5 p.m.
"Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election": This documentary revisits the 2000 presidential battle in Florida and illustrates the sequence of failings, irregularities, tactical ploys and injustices that marred the most controversial election in American history. McCoy Theater, 5 p.m.
"Every Child is Born A Poet: The Life and Work of Piri Thomas": A portrait of the Afro-Cuban Puerto Rican author of the classic "Down These Mean Streets," this film combines spoken word, dramatizations, documentary and a Latin jazz score. McCoy Theater, 7:30 p.m.
"Suddenly Naked": Jackie York is a famous 39-year-old writer driven by fury, lust, lies and writer's block. She meets her match in 20-year-old Patrick, a quirky, brilliant writer who gives her life a healthy surprise spin. Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m.
"Ashtanga, NY": Ashtanga yoga blossomed in post-9/11 New York with the arrival of 87-year-old master Patthabi "Guruji" Jois, whose students include Willem Dafoe, Mike D and Gwyneth Paltrow, all of whom appear in the film. Maui Digital Skydome, 8 p.m.
"Dreaming of Tibet": Through penetrating portrayals of exiles, this documentary honors the endurance of Tibet's scattered population and urges international action to preserve their extraordinary culture. Maui Digital Skydome, 8 p.m.
"Step into Liquid": Shot at Jaws, Mavericks and beyond, and featuring surfers Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama and the entire Mavericks crew, this documentary by Dana Brown, son of "The Endless Summer's" Bruce Brown, reaches beyond the surf niche market with an emotional work aimed at widespread audiences. Castle Theater, 8 p.m.
"Dirty Pretty Things": An illegal Nigerian immigrant, Chiwetel Ejiofor, a Turkish chambermaid, Audrey Tautou (Amélie), and a Chinese prostitute, Sophie Okonedo, team up to solve a murder at a posh London hotel. This film by British director Stephen Frears is an art-house delight. Castle Theater, 9:30 p.m.
"Shaolin Soccer": A band of screwball kung fu masters form a soccer team and use gravity-defying hi-jinks reminiscent of "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon." Comedy superstar Stephen Chow created Hong Kong's highest-grossing film ever. Celestial Cinema 10 p.m.
Friday
"Camp": If you enjoyed "Fame," you'll love these musical-theater geeks assembling at Camp Ovation for summer instruction with a washed-up playwright. The explosive production numbers have drawn raves. Stephen Sondheim has a cameo. Castle Theater, 5 p.m.
"The Dance": Former boxer Billy Roth has volunteered for 40 years at Louisiana State Penitentiary, teaching inmates to box, but also to discipline themselves, care about others and to hope. McCoy Theater, 5 p.m.
"Julie Walking Home": A young mother begins a life-changing journey that includes miracles of healing, new experiences of love and deep tests of faith. Castle Theater, 5 p.m.
"Hempsters: Plant the Seed": A rousing documentary with a sizzling sound track, this film features Woody Harrelson, Willie Nelson, Alex White Plume, Julia Butterfly Hill and others fighting for farmers' rights to grow industrial hemp. McCoy Theater, 7:30 p.m.; repeats 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
"Passionada": Three generations of Portuguese women in a New England fishing community form the human setting for this romantic drama, starring Sophia Milos. Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m.
"The Blues: Five Riffs": Five top directors organized by Martin Scorsese contribute impressionistic portraits of the blues, its history and global influence. The result is a feast of musical performance, including heaps of great archival footage. Maui Digital Skydome, 8 p.m.
"Whale Rider": This stirring tale of a 12-year-old Wharanga girl won Audience Awards at the Sundance, Rotterdam and Toronto film festivals. For 1,000 years the Wharanga of eastern New Zealand have chosen their leaders from the male descendants of a whale-riding demigod. Now no leaders remain save a girl named Pai, who sets out to prove her leadership abilities by defying her grandfather and repeating the heroic actions of her godly ancestor. Based on the best-selling novel by Witi Ihimaera, the film was conceived by writer-director Niki Caro, whose "Memory and Desire" took the top prize at the 1999 New Zealand Film Awards. Celestial Cinema, 8 p.m.
"Live From Shiva's Dance Floor": New York City "cruiser" and historian-philosopher Timothy "Speed" Levitch takes us on an idiosyncratic tour of the Big Apple, fueled by his belief that life is celebration. McCoy Theater, 7:30 p.m.; repeats 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
"The Weather Underground": During the '60s and '70s, hundreds of young idealists tried to overthrow the U.S. government. Were they terrorists, heroes or fools? McCoy Theater, 9:30 p.m.
"Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy Working with Time": The artist specializes in ephemeral sculptures made from elements of nature, pieces that balance for a moment then vanish. Celestial Cinema, 10 p.m.
Saturday
"Flight from Death: The Quest for Immortality": The denial of death has been fundamental to human experience throughout time. The causes and consequences of this denial are uprooted in this probing feature-length documentary using footage shot around the globe and insights from leading authorities. Castle Theater, 2 p.m.
"Life After War": An engaging "inside" look at the real Afghanistan, this documentary follows former NPR correspondent Sarah Chayes as she works with villagers to rebuild that devastated country one village at a time. McCoy Theater, 2 p.m.
"Hawaiian Reborn!": Over the past 30 years, immersion programs in our schools have saved the Hawaiian language from extinction. This French-made documentary, laced with great music, tells how that was done. McCoy Theater, 5 p.m.
"Valentin": This coming-of-age story set in 1969 Buenos Aires tells of young Valentin, who tries to bring joy to the people around him, including his estranged parents, his grandmother and reclusive neighbor. Castle Theater, 5 p.m.
"Rolling Kansas": Five weedless heroes set out to raid the Magical Forest of Marijuana in this wacky road comedy. The road to self-discovery takes many surprising turns. Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m.
"Bluegrass Journey": This affectionate, Woodstock-like documentary captures the high-spirited and virtuosic world of contemporary bluegrass, mixing extended performance footage, verité-style cinema and interviews. McCoy Theatre 8 p.m.
"Impressions of the Deep": This documentary, without story or dialog, pays tribute to Earth's marine wildlife. It shows what the world will lose if human beings are unable to stop the destruction of coral reefs. Maui Digital Skydome, 8 p.m.
"Only the Strong Survive": Documentarian D.A. Pennebaker directs what Variety magazine hailed as "the Buena Vista Social Club of American soul music" -- Wilson Pickett, Isaac Hayes, Jerry Butler, The Chi-Lites, Carla and Rufus Thomas, Mary Wilson, more. Celestial Cinema, 8 p.m.
"The Age of Ignorance": Claymation is so inherently goofy that when applied to X-rated raunch the results are delightfully hilarious. Here, cave men and cave women discover sex. For adults only. Castle Theater, 9:30 p.m.
"A Midsummer Night's Rave": A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" set at a rave in a forest outside of Los Angeles. Inspired by the music, lights, lasers and a few glowing pills from the magical Puck, a night of unadulterated fun unfolds. Castle Theater, 9:30 p.m.
"Jet Lag": Juliette Binoche is a ditzy beautician; Jean Reno is a grouchy frozen-food magnate. While they are stranded at Charles de Gaulle airport, fate throws them together with hilarious results. Celestial Cinema, 10 p.m.
Sunday
"Cry Funny Happy": Six improv actors, including Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford's daughter Amy, worked out this emotionally flamboyant study about the crisis of turning 30. One tumultuous day surrounding a birthday party builds to a resounding catharsis. Castle Theater, 2 p.m.
"My Flesh And Blood": Heartbreaking pain and intense joy mark this cinema-verité portrait of an amazing family, one that includes 11 adopted children with severe special needs. This film took audience and directing awards at Sundance. McCoy Theater, 2 p.m.
"Justice": A comic-book writer affected by the World Trade Center attack decides to create an entirely new kind of illustrated hero, one based on real-life New Yorkers. This touching story deals with human coincidence and fate. McCoy Theater, 5 p.m.
"Thirteen": What is it like being 13-year-old girl today? The disturbing truth comes from this first-time director and her middle-school student, who co-wrote this riveting, hyper-kinetic drama. Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
"Dopamine": Is true love possible in the contemporary world, with its chemical emotions and artificial intelligence? In this wry dotcom drama, a software designer and a pre-school schoolteacher wrestle with a postmodern dilemma. Maui Digital Skydome, 8 p.m.
"Together": Actor-writer-director-producer Chen Kaige, whose brilliant "Farewell My Concubine" was nominated for an Oscar, confirms his stature as one of the world's great filmmakers with this piece set in contemporary Beijing. A lowly cook and his gifted 13-year-old son Xiaochun arrive from the provinces so the boy can pursue his dream of becoming a great violinist. The film has drawn comparisons to "Shine" and "Hilary and Jackie." Kaige ("Temptress Moon," "Killing Me Softly") has created a very lovable, heartfelt experience that explores the proper use of talent. The director himself plays a music teacher. Written by Chen Kaige and Xiao Lu Xue. Celestial Cinema, 8 p.m.
"Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion": Ten years in the making, this powerful documentary will stand as the definitive record of Tibet's struggle for survival. Unprecedented footage, poignant personal stories, and shocking undercover images build to a cry for justice that the world cannot ignore. Celestial Cinema, 10 p.m.
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