The action-packed 2019 Waimea Ocean Film Festival offers a lineup of films, speakers, coffee talks, Q&As, exhibits, presentations and morning activities, running nonstop Jan.1-9.
The annual event opens Jan. 1, with films playing simultaneously Jan. 1-4 at multiple venues in Waimea — Kahilu Theatre, HPA Gates and Parker Theatre — and at the Fairmont Orchid. On Jan. 5, the festival moves to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Waimea Film brings over 60 films to the big screen this year — most of which are world, U.S., Hawaii or Big Island premieres — with many filmmakers in attendance to answer questions.
The festival immerses participants in a greater understanding and awareness of the ocean and island culture through exceptional films, talks, exhibits and activities. Films fall into the basic categories of: ocean experience (such as surfing and paddling); ocean environment—including things we do on land that impact the sea — and island cultures. Inspirational, thought-provoking films infuse the program, sharing the extraordinary. It is recommended that attendees start early, to catch all the programming they would like to see.
Red Bull Wa‘a — with a hardworking, local, Big Island crew at the core — joins the festival to share a video and stories about paddling, and their quest to win the Molokai Hoe.
“The Voyager Exhibit” opens at Kahilu Theatre with a blessing and ceremony 4 p.m. Jan. 1.
The Volcano Art Center Festival Exhibit features artists whose work is represented by Volcano Art Center Gallery: Michael and Misato Mortara, Margaret Barnaby, Marian Berger, Dietrich Varez and Dino Morrow. The exhibit will be on display in the Fairmont Orchid – Festival Exhibit Room 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 1-3 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan 4. The Festival Exhibit Room is located across the hall from film showings.
Painter Sophie Twigg-Smith Teururai, granddaughter of noted artist William Twigg-Smith, presents a full exhibit of recent works at the Fairmont Orchid Jan. 1-4. Teururai provided the cover art for this year’s festival.
For a full description of the festival speakers, films, events and discussions, download a copy of the 2019 Festival Program, available online.
Info: For the latest updates on films and speakers, follow the festival on Facebook, visit waimeaoceanfilm.org or email info@waimeaoceanfilm.org. Festival passes can be purchased via the website or at 854-6095.