Arts and Entertainment briefs

Augie T comedy opens tonight at Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas

Following its world premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival on Oahu, and a three-week run in Maui theaters, family friendly comedy “ALOHA SURF HOTEL” continues its theatrical run by opening at the Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas this evening.

The film stars comedian Augie T (“Get a job,” “Kuleana), Taiana Tully (“Hawaii 5-0”), Branscombe Richmond (“Finding ohana,” Renegade”), Daniella Monet (“Victorious”), Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (“Hawaii 5-0”), Kealani Warner (“Kuleana”), Alex Farnham and Matt Corboy (“The descendants”).

Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker and Maui resident Stefan Schaefer, the film was shot entirely in Hawaii in 2019. “ALOHA SURF HOTEL” centers on ex pro surfer Tai “Gonzo” Alonzo (Tulba). When his scholarship at the local college is cut off, Alonzo is forced to take his first real job — teaching tourists how to surf at a struggling beachfront hotel. Soon he’s the tennis pro, the substitute yoga instructor, the handyman, the fire-knife dancer … he might even be key to saving the family run hotel from a corrupt inspector and an unscrupulous developer.

As he and his misfit colleagues struggle to save the hotel, Alonzo also works to support his teenage daughter, patch it up with his ex, and scrape together enough cash to get his beloved van out of impound.

The film, which got its start by winning a pitch contest and development funds at the GVS Accelerator on the Big Island, was nominated as “Best Hawaiian Feature Film” of 2020 by the Hawaii Film Critics Society. Producers include Jonathan Stern and Branscombe Richmond, as well as executive producers Brian Kohne, David L. Cunningham, Robert Marcus, Everett Dowling and J. Stephen Goodfellow. Other local creatives include Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Halemanu Villiarimo as composer, and supporting roles played by Kai Lenny, Dave Kalama, Kathy Collins, and Frank B. Shaner.

For more information, visit www.hawaiicinemas.com.

South Kona Artists Collective holding online auction

The South Kona Artists Collective (SOKO) is holding its first online art auction.

Normally at this time of the year, SOKO would be inviting the public to visit the studios of the artists but since that is not possible due to the pandemic, the artists are bringing the creations to the comfort of your home via www.sokoartists.com.

Art available includes prints, paintings, collages, fiber, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, fused glass and handmade home decor accessories. Opening bids range from $15 to $750.

The auction site will open for viewing starting Monday. Bidding officially begins on at 9 a.m. Feb. 13 and ends at noon Feb. 20.

For more information, visit www.sokoartists.com.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel featured in fine art series

Fine art photographer Gray Malin has partnered with Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to debut his most recent fine art series — Gray Malin at the Mauna Kea.

Inspired by the Big Island, the series celebrates the resort developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965. Utilizing vintage props, colorful surfboards and striped beachside umbrellas, Malin brings to life carefully crafted moments throughout the resort’s most iconic and eye-catching locations via 32 images.

“Working with the Mauna Kea for this project was a dream,” said Malin. “I have had my mind set on shooting this luxury resort for a while and it is incredible that we were able to make it happen during this unpredictable year. I was lucky enough to shoot the resort while it was closed down, giving me the opportunity to highlight the property’s iconic locations in the most serene fashion. I am very proud of how the historic hotel and the island of Hawai’i are celebrated in this series.”

Signed and numbered prints are available as limited editions on www.graymalin.com and select prints from the series are available at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel gift shop.