Big Island Film Festival – FAQs
What’s Special About BIFF? Brand new films, completed since January 2011. Following the Hawaiian tradition of storytelling, this “Talk Story” film festival screens narrative feature and short films from Hawai‘i and around the world. The something “special” is found in the story and compelling characters created by independent filmmakers.When is BIFF? May 24 through 28, 2012 are the dates for the 7th Big Island Film Festival. Start a New Memorial Weekend Tradition with our new dates falling annually Thursday through Memorial Day.
Where is BIFF? Hawai‘i Island (we call it the Big Island), BIFF takes place in several locations within Mauna Lani Resort, located on the sunny Kohala Coast on the Island’s west side. The resort is approximately 40 minutes from Kona International Airport. Within the resort, events occur at The Shops at Mauna Lani and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i.
What Happens at BIFF? Movies, Movies, Movies. Every year is a unique experience that residents and visitors share. Hawaiian culture and music is infused throughout this event wrapping the entire experience in the spirit of Aloha.
Do I have to buy a pass or can I go to just one or two events? Either way! We have a wide selection of pricing options to suit any budget and any time schedule, from $7 for daytime films to $400 for an all-inclusive Ali‘i Pass.
What does it cost? There are general admission tickets, Kama‘aina discounts, and Keiki tickets (children 6-12 years old).
All films every day including Best of the Fest: $100 per person
All inclusive films & social events: $400.
Includes the Mayor’s Welcome Reception for Filmmakers & Celebrity guests
(not available by ticket).
Saturday afternoon through Best of the Fest: $60.00
All films shown on Saturday: $25.00
Pre-registration required. Not included in any Pass. See website for detailsHow Do I Get Tickets?
Where Can I Stay? Special BIFF pricing, starting at $199 per night, is available at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i. Call 800-845-9905 and ask for the special rate for Big Island Film Festival to make reservations.
Do I need a car? Yes. Airport shuttle service, such as you find in mainland cities, has limited availablity and taxi fares are very expensive. Events take place in various locations within the large Mauna Lani Resort which has shuttle service within the resort from the Fairmont. You almost certainly will want to explore the island at least a little during your stay.
Any Car Rental Specials? Yes! Dollar Rental Car has a special rate for BIFF Attendees. See About Us.
Parking Fee? The Shops at Mauna Lani has Free parking at their shopping center. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i - the exit gate will be left open for self parking. No ticket validation will be needed. Take a parking ticket to count cars in the lot, but Park FREE.
Can I bring my kids? Absolutely. Many filmmakers use BIFF as movie motivation for a quick family vacation. Free family films with rating through PG. Parental discretion is advised for daytime films and Festival Films due to broader ratings. Visit www.Fairmont.com/Orchid to learn about Keiki Activities and resort features and amenities such as swimming, beach and ocean sports, golf, spa services and more. Pricing for children is included in our events with tickets.
I’ve never been to Hawai‘i. What else is there to do on the island? So many things. Although we keep our filmmakers and film lovers pretty busy with movies and events, you may find time to tour a Kona Coffee Farm or stroll along the waterfront at Ali‘i Drive. You might fly over Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park by helicopter, take a morning snorkel sail, try stand up paddle boarding, or a drive up to the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Kamuela (“Waimea” locally). There are soothing white-sand beaches along the Kohala Coast, numerous shopping and dining opportunities at The Shops at Mauna Lani, or within 15-20 minutes’ drive, and world-class golf courses.
Do I have to stay in the Resort? My budget doesn’t allow for it, unfortunately. You are not required to be a registered guest of The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i to attend any Big Island Film Festival event—although it sure makes it easy! Nearby accommodations include hotels and condominiums within the Mauna Lani Resort, or about 7 miles away in Waikoloa Village. The Big Island does not have midrange hotels or motel chains like Days Inn or Motel 6. Less expensive Bed & Breakfasts may be available in Kamuela/Waimea, about 25 minutes away, or in Kailua-Kona, about 45 minutes away. We suggest you talk with your professional travel planner, and feel free to email us your specific questions.
Can I camp? Hawai‘i State and County issue camping permits in advance on line. However, the only nearby options are Spencer Beach Park, about 20 minutes away (a very popular and often crowded facility) or A-frame shelters at Hapuna Beach State Park, about 15 minutes away. Because campsites cannot be secured and the weather, though generally mild, can never be guaranteed, we do not recommend camping.
Where do we eat? Dining options from first-class to casual are available within the Resort. Take at look at www.Fairmont.com/Orchid and www.ShopsatMaunaLani.com for specifics. Also at The Shops, you’ll find Foodland Farms, a well-provisioned grocery with bakery, deli counter and ready-to-grill specialties. If you care to venture farther, just five minutes away is a comfortable Food Court at Queens’ MarketPlace, as well as Starbucks and other restaurants. Waimea/Kamuela, 25 minutes away, has well known fast-food options, along with popular local restaurants of various cuisines, pizza, steaks and more.
When will a schedule of movies be screened be posted? The final schedule will be posted online on April 1st. There will be a chart showing what’s happening when as well as a very brief synopsis of the story for each film. There are free programs available at the door to each film and in several locations around the resort. There is also a printed “At a Glance” with the schedule & synopses on a single page available.
What should I wear, what do I bring? “Resort attire” works in practically any BIFF setting—with daytime movies and evening films outdoors being a little more casual and celebrity receptions and Awards Brunch a little dressier. For gentlemen, aloha shirts and slacks or shorts; for ladies, summer dresses, pants and shorts are fine, with sweater or light wrap for evening. Sandals are the norm and ties and jackets are not. You can expect sunny days and temperatures in the mid-80’s to low 70’s in the evening. So plan for “light layers” to accommodate air-conditioned rooms and the tropical breeze. Bring your swimsuit, coverup, comfortable walking shoes, and golf or tennis attire if you plan to play. We’re a relaxed film festival – no red carpet here.
Where can I get wi-fi? Wi-fi is available at the Fairmont as a purchased feature with your room.
How do I get a meeting with …? Although BIFF provides many informal opportunities for networking and socializing with our celebrity guests and filmmakers, out of courtesy and respect for their time, we do not arrange meetings, or accept scripts, proposals, business cards or gifts on their behalf.
Any more questions? Simply give us a call at 808 883-0394 and we’ll be glad to help.
Silent Auction
to benefit
the Wounded Warrior
Project - Monday, May 28, 2012
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2012 Big Island Film Festival
For more information contact us at Phone: 808-883-0394 Fax: 808-883-0254
Email Us at bigislandff@aol.com