Where the Stars Shine

The Big Island will become the playground for filmmakers and celebrities on May 24 through May 28 for the much anticipated 7^th Annual Big Island Film Festival. This gathering of beautiful ideas and people will take place at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast.

Here is a rundown of festivities on May 24 and May 25.

The Orchid’s beautiful venue will host “talk-story” sessions, workshops, music, and of course films. On Thursday May 24, workshops from Jennifer Grisanti and Brian Kohne will be offered. See the previous Big Island Now article in entertainment for further details.

These workshops are priced at $50 each and will be held at the Fairmont Orchid’s Amphitheatre. Later that day, free family features will be screened at The Shops at Mauna Lani from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

On Friday May 25, movie day begins early at the Orchid’s Amphitheatre with a free orientation and filmmakers roundtable beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Then the films begin for the bargain admission price of $5 to $7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Films include “Byte Sized,” “Dancing Freak,” “Hi Honey” and “Subjective Expressions.”

Another set of movies will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. for $5 to $7. Films include “Viewer Discretion Advised,” “Just Like Her,” “Children of the Air,” “Incest: The Musical,” “Todd and the Book of Pure Evil: See You Later.”

That same evening on May 25, meet and greet actors David James Elliott, Eloise Mumford and more at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $60 per person.

Free family friendly movies will play at the Shops at Maunalani beginning at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. At the Plantation Estate from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. some mature themes will play out in a few features titled, “Pork,” “Cadaver,” “French Immersion,” “Blind,” “The Darkest Game,” and “Qwerty.” Tickets are $10 to $15.

The Fairmont Orchid is located at 1 North Kaniku Drive in Kamuela. For more event information and to purchase event tickets visit www.bigislandfilmfestival.com. Travel specials with discounted room rates, airfare and car rentals are also available.