Big Island Film Festival at The Mauna Lani Resort Hawaii

What's Happening?

Big Island Film Festival is a “Talk Story” film festival. We only screen narrative films with story telling as our main focus.

Films are shown in three places:

Daytime at The Fairmont Orchid in the Amphitheater (downstairs) in 2 hour blocks of time. Short films and/or features share these time slots. Self-parking validation is available. Fee per time period: $7.00 General admission, $5.00 Kama’aina. Various ratings.

Family films are shown in the evening, courtesy of The Shops at Mauna Lani Center Stage. FREE family themed films shown Thursday through Saturday evening. One feature plus short film(s). Beach chairs are permitted. No outside alcohol or coolers please.

Festival films are shown in the evening at The Fairmont Orchid at Plantation Estates (behind the tennis courts). Double feature films and short film(s) which could be rated through R. 4 hours. Beach chairs or blankets are permitted in this lawn setting. No outside alcohol or coolers, please. $15.00 General Admission, $10.00 Kama’aina

Social Events:

Receptions and Salutes to film industry professionals occur on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai'i. Public reservations are very limited - $40.00 per person. Reception 4:30-5:30 p.m., followed by public Salute and Award presentation at The Shops at Mauna Lani stage – FREE- 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Awards Brunch on Sunday morning at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai'i from 10 a.m. to Noon - $60.00. Join the filmmakers as they share in the award ceremonies for the chosen films of 2012. Mayor Kenoi presents his “Spirit of Hawaii” award and the Audience Choice selections are announced.

Filmmaker Workshops:

Two workshops will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at The Shops at Mauna Lani. Aspiring and experienced filmmakers come together to learn new tools of the trade.

“How to Write TV Spec & Pilot Scripts” by highly successful story consultant, instructor, author consultant Jen Grisanti.

"From Conception to Completion: Indie Features" by Maui hit filmmaker Brian Kohne of award-winning "Get A Job"

Registration deadline May 6th - $50 per workshop. See Workshop section for registration form. Space is limited and advance registration required.

Concert & Best of the Fest Audience Choice Films

Big Island Film Festival is proud to present a celebrity Hawaiian music concert, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at The Fairmont Orchid Plantation Estate. Gate opens at 4:30 p.m. Self-parking validation available.

A Silent Auction is held during the concert to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Tennis Center next to Plantation Estate. Winners will be announced at 7:00 p.m.

“Best of the Fest” is the entire event – Concert & Best of the Fest Audience Choice feature & short film. One ticket is admission to Concert, Silent Auction & Films.

General Admission Pre-Sale $35.00, Kama’aina Adult Pre-Sale $25.00, Children $10.

$5.00 MORE AT THE DOOR! Buy Early!

A donation from each ticket sold will be made to Hawaii Island Food Basket.

Come experience this inspiring event each year with new films, celebrity sightings, meeting new filmmakers, and sharing our beautiful island.