Made in Hawaii Film Festival tonight
Come enjoy 10 films over a one night “Best of Fest” event at the historic Aloha Theatre in South Kona. Films include narrative and documentary features and shorts, webseries and music videos. The festival began earlier this month in Hilo and now comes to the coffee belt.
Block 1 Short Films. 6-7:35 p.m.
A 90 minute block of all-star narrative and documentary films: “Hamakua,” “Small Kine,” “Paradigm Now: The Albizia Project,” “Ka Hale: A Revival,” “The Alii Seed,” “Life Among Lava,” “Upstream,” “Hoomau,” “Sincerely, Kaye,” and “Ka Waa: The Canoe.”
Block 2 – August at Akiko’s and Kaumakaiwa. 8- 9:38 p.m.
Short film “Kaumakaiwa,” exploring the connection of hula and oli to the land, will play prior to the award-winning narrative film “August at Akikos,” which follows a musician’s return to his home of Hawaii Island after over a decade away.
To read more about each individual film visit www.MIHFF.Org/2019Selections.
Big Island gets PEOPLE spread
If the backdrop to the photo spread looks familar, it should.
Mauna Kea Residences in North Kohala announced this week that the Bachelorette Party that it recently hosted for British Pop Star Leona Lewis is now featured in People Magazine.
The bride-to-be and eight of her closest pals enjoyed an exclusive getaway to the Mauna Kea Residences, where they stayed in two luxe villas featuring a private pool, outdoor shower, chef’s kitchen, sunken great room, a lanai space offering panoramic ocean views and access to gorgeous beaches. The group enjoyed island-touring as well as a meal prepared by a private chef.
“Had the absolute best Hen/Bachelorette week with my UK &US ladies in Hawaii,” Lewis shared on social media. “Couldn’t ask for a more supportive, loving, funny, intelligent, incredible group of women to stand by me on my big day. Thank u Mauna Kea Residences for treating us like QUEENS at your breathtaking villas &beach.”
Lewis is engaged to longtime boyfriend, choreographer Dennis Jauch.
Puna minister headlines obon season
Every summer, young and old, alike, look forward with great anticipation, as each temple in the Buddhist community hosts obon services and dances. In a few weeks, colorfully lit chochin will adorn the many Buddhist temples on the Big Island, heralding the season. The Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin welcomes everyone in the island community to its annual obon observances July 19-21.
Graveside services will be held at 5 p.m. July 11 at the Alae Cemetery and on July 12 at Homelani Columbarium.
First obon services are at 6 p.m. July 19, and July 20, at the Hilo Betsuin temple. Bon dance follows at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. in the Sangha Hall. A Dharma Joyous Gathering (Kangi-E) service takes place 9 a.m. July 21.
Keynote speaker will be Reverend Satoshi “Kaimipono” Tomioka, minister of Puna, Pahala, Naalehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. He was born in Shimane, southern part of Japan. He attended Ryukoku University in Kyoto majoring in intercultural communication and Shin buddhism and received his M.A. in literature Shin buddhism,
Space takes orbit at Kohala library in July
The North Kohala Public Library is hosting a trio of space related events next month.
Dark Matter Illuminated: A Presentation by Dr. Harald Ebeling will take place 6-6:45 July 1. Ebeling will explore the evidence for the existence of dark matter and learn of the ingenious ways in which astronomers attempt to detect and characterize the invisible substance that pervades the cosmos.
The Modern Troubadour with James McCarthy will take place 6-6:45 July 8.
Storyteller and musician James McCarthy has traveled the country in the tradition of the Modern Troubadours, learning stories and songs along the way. His performances blend vivid characters, audience participation, and musical selections in a way that is uniquely his own. This free program is suitable for all ages.
Finally, Outer Space with Mr. Kneel will run from 2-2:45 p.m. July 9. Mr. Kneel and explore the limits of our collective sci-fi imaginations! Mr. Kneel (Neil McIntyre) is a professional speaker, hip-hop emcee, beatboxer, and goofball. He creates inspired original hip-hop music that assists educators and parents in promoting children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
‘West Side Story’ debuts next week
The “West Side Story” production kicks off next week, performed by the Kahilu Theatre Youth Troupe. The Broadway musical was nominated for six Tony Awards in 1957 and the 1961 film received 10 Academy Awards, making it one of the most well-known musicals in American history. The iconic musical takes place 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, and 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23.
Many of the Youth Troupe members in the production got their start by enrolling in the Kahilu Performing Arts Camps (KPAC), which are now open for registration. There are four camps available this year and all offer a variety of performance-based learning. Each camp culminates with a final performance for family and friends.