FAQ

What’s Special About BIFF? Storytelling is a cherished tradition in Hawai’i, and our “Talk Story” film festival screens narrative feature and short films from Hawai‘i and around the world, sharing the very special stories and compelling characters created by independent filmmakers. Ours is a warm, engaging film festival culture. Our BIFF family, like our island, is BIG, and filled with aloha.

When is BIFF? May 26-30, 2016

Where is BIFF? Our resort partner and host hotel is the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i, on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawai’i, “the Big Island.” The Fairmont Orchid is located within Mauna Lani Resort, approximately 40 minutes north of Kona International Airport. Within the resort, our partner The Shops at Mauna Lani is the site for free family films and our Grand Opening.

What Happens at BIFF? Movies, Movies, Movies. Every year is a unique experience that residents and visitors share. Plus, you’ll have many chances to meet the filmmakers, interact with our celebrity guests, learn from industry pro’s in workshops, and enjoy our beautiful island. Hawaiian culture and music is infused throughout this event, wrapping the entire experience in the spirit of Aloha.

Where are the film screenings?

  • Daytime films: Lehua Theatre, indoors at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i. Features & shorts, through R-rated, Friday-Sunday in two-hour blocks.
  • Free Family films: The Shops at Mauna Lani. Up to PG13 films screen outdoors on Centerstage, Thursday-Sunday, 7:30-9:30 p.m. 
  • Festival Films:  Plantation Estate, outdoors at Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i. Double feature & short films, through R-rated, Friday-Sunday, 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Besides great movies, these special events take place at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i:

  • Celebrity Salutes & Receptions. Advance tickets required.
  • Filmmaker Workshops: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lehua Theater. Advance registration required.
  • Awards Brunch, Monday. Advance tickets required.
  • Best of the Fest outdoor concert by top Hawaiian musical entertainers, followed by audience choice feature and short film Monday at the Plantation Estate. Best of the Fest includes a Silent Auction for Fisher Houses of Tripler Army Medical Center.

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 $8 for daytime films to $425 for an all-inclusive Ali‘i Pass. 

How much do tickets cost? 

Daytime Films: $8 per 2-hour film block; $6 Kamā‘aina
Family Films: Free – 2 hours
Festival Films: $16; $12 Kama‘āina per 4-hour film block, double feature & shorts
Additional $10 upgrade to Ali‘i Seating (lounge chairs), space available

PASSES are also available. From $30 for a Saturday or Sunday only movie pass, to $425 for an all-inclusive Ali’i Pass. Call 808-883-0394 to buy passes. Not available online.

How Do I Get Tickets?Buy Tickets Online

  • Online. Purchase online at TicketDerby and print tickets at home! (small convenience fee). 
  • By phone. Phone order tickets will be held for you at Will Call, at the first BIFF film or event you attend. 808-883-0394.
  • At the door. Movie tickets and Best of the Fest only. Special Events and Workshops require advance ticket purchase.
    During BIFF, you can buy tickets anywhere there’s a film screening. Family films at The Shops at Mauna Lani, Daytime movies at Lehua Theatre and Festival films at Plantation Estate at Fairmont Orchid.

I need special ADA accommodations.  Please call Jan at 808-883-0394 by May 16, 2016

Where can I stay?

Our resort partner and host hotel is the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’iSpecial BIFF hotel room rate COMING SOON

Resort fee includes the following:

  • Unlimited basic internet access in your guest rooms and resort public areas, wireless and wired. (Fairmont President’s Club Members receive upgrade to premium speed internet access)
  • Self-parking for one vehicle per room (Fairmont Gold guests receive valet parking for one vehicle per room)
  • Any local, domestic long distance and 1-800 access calls from your guest room
  • Nightly housekeeping turndown service with bottled water for each registered guest
  • 24-hour access to the fitness center
  • On-demand shuttle transportation within the Mauna Lani Resort
  • 10% discount on published pricing for the public Gathering of the Kings luau when booked through the hotel’s Concierge (may not be combined with any other discounts or special offers)
  • One-hour snorkel equipment rental (based on two sets per room, per day)
  • Various Cultural Activities including Outrigger Canoe Rides, Daily Arts & Crafts, Cultural Hikes, Tide Pool and Snorkel Introductions
  • Cultural Activities, Shuttle Service and Snorkel Rentals are subject to space availability.

    Contact reservations at the hotel directly and ask for the Big Island Film Festival rate. Rates are in effect May 26-30, 2016 (space available). Direct Reservations line: 1-800-845-9905.

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 at Mauna Lani Resort which has shuttle service within the resort only. 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.

How much is parking? Parking is FREE at The Shops at Mauna Lani parking lot, and at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i (The exit gate will be left open for self parking. No validation needed.)

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, dining, golf, spa services and more.

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, 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, and world-class golf courses nearby. The Big Island Visitors Bureau has more.

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. Less expensive B&Bs 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? Multiple 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, noodles, Hawaii Regional Cuisine and more.

When will the schedule 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. We’ll also post a printable “At a Glance” with the schedule and synopses.

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 Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i 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? Email info@bigislandfilmfestival.com, give us a call at 808 883-0394 and we’ll be glad to help. And follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the latest scoops.