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MAUI FILM FESTIVAL: Now in its 16th year of cinema under the stars, the 2015 Maui Film Festival is in full swing with a jam-packed lineup of honorees, screenings and special events that will continue through Sunday.
Films are being screened at multiple locations, including the Celestial Cinema at the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Course, the Castle and McCoy Studio theaters at Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, and the Toes in the Sand Cinema on Wailea Beach behind the Four Seasons Resort Maui.?
And don’t miss the award ceremonies throughout the festival honoring stars Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Scott Eastwood, Colin Farrell, Teresa Palmer and Louie Psihoyos.
“With more honorees than we’ve celebrated in a decade and a living, breathing wish list of many of the most critically acclaimed films of summer, and Maui as it’s home, the 16th annual Maui Film Festival is ready for its closeup,” said Barry Rivers, festival director.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.mauifilmfestival.com.
TODAY
* “Very Semi-Serious” NR, 1:23. Documentary. 5:30 p.m. at Castle Theater.
An off-beat, charming and revelatory documentary about the humor, art and genius of the New Yorker cartoon, the undisputed standard bearer of the single-panel cartoon. Whether they leave us amused, inspired, or even a little baffled, the iconic cartoons have become an instantly recognizable cultural touchstone over the past 90 years. This light-hearted and sometimes poignant debut film offers a window into the magazine’s signature brand of subtle, contemplative humor, and perhaps also into what it means to laugh at ourselves.
* “10,000 KM” R, 1:39. Comedy, drama, romance. 8 p.m. at Castle Theater.
This beautifully acted and executed love story – mostly told through video-chat sessions, text messages, Facebook updates and the occasional phone call – about an artist who moves to Los Angeles for a year, leaving behind her boyfriend in Barcelona, movingly explores the challenges of long-distance relationships. In English and Spanish with English subtitles. Starring Natalia Tena and David Verdaguer.
* “The Search for Freedom” NR, 1:32. Documentary. 7:45 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
A “how to live life to the fullest” story told through the eyes of many of the pioneers, legends, visionaries, icons and champions of big wave and stand-up surfing, snowboarding, wingsuit flying, skateboarding, mountain biking and more. In short, it’s a documentary about the freedom accessible to anyone willing to live in the moment, on the edge and experiencing the most alive moments of their lives.
* “Racing Extinction” NR, 1:30. Documentary, action, adventure. 10 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos (“The Cove”) assembles a team of activists intent on showing the world never-before-seen images that will change the way we understand issues of endangered species and mass extinction. Whether infiltrating notorious black markets with guerilla-style tactics, or working with artists to create beautiful imagery with unexpected animal subjects, this film will change the way you see the world. The Louis Psihoyos “Lights! Camera! Passion! Award Presentation” will precede the film. Starring Elon Musk, Louie Psihoyos and Jane Goodall.
FRIDAY
* Short Films for Grown-ups Showcase 3 p.m. at Castle Theater.
A series of short films from around the world.
* FAMILY FRIENDLY SHORT FILM Showcase 3 p.m. at McCoy Studio Theater.
A series of short films from around the world.
* “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet” NR, 1:24. Animation. 5:30 p.m. at Castle Theater.
Inspired by the classic book by Kahlil Gibran, “The Prophet” is an animated feature film, with “chapters” from animation directors from around the world. Starring Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek and John Krasinski. ($10 for youth 18 and younger.)
* “Love Is Now” NR, 1:36. Drama, mystery, romance. 5:30 p.m. McCoy Studio Theater.
Grab the wheel and come along for the ride as a rapidly budding romance unfolds in Sydney’s most photogenic eastern suburbs before becoming much more adventurous for two young Aussies. Starring Eamon Farren, Claire van der Boom and Anna Torv.
* “Capital C” NR, 1:27. Documentary, drama, news. 8 p.m. at Castle Theater.
Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Crowdfunder have been life-changing for tens of thousands of artists, musicians, filmmakers, techies, inventors and passionate first-time and serial entrepreneurs over the last decade. This is the first feature-length documentary dedicated to the crowd-funding revolution. It focuses on the hopes, dreams, fears, pitfalls and successes of three independent creative artists/inventors making their way in this overwhelmingly complex Digital Age.
* “Eadweard” NR, 1:44. Drama. 8 p.m. at McCoy Studio Theater.
A visually sumptuous and captivating look at the life of the driven, creative and troubled photographer Eadweard Muybridge. Often credited as the world’s first filmmaker for his eclectic, world-renowned and intimately revealing “time lapse” photos of life in motion, Muybridge’s passions, creativity and trials make for a one-of-a-kind life story. Starring Michael Eklund, Sara Canning and Christopher Heyerdahl.
* “Learning to Drive” R, 1:45. Comedy, drama, romance. 7:45 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
Academy Award-winner Ben Kingsley and Academy Award-nominee Patricia Clarkson help each other understand that it’s never too late to begin a new adventure in this feel-good, coming-of-(middle) age comedy about a fiery Manhattan author whose husband has just left her for a younger woman and a soft-spoken Sikh taxi driver from India on the verge of an arranged marriage, whose unlikely friendship awakens them to the joy, humor and love in starting life anew. Starring Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson and Grace Gummer.
* “Pretend We’re Kissing” NR, 1:18. Comedy, drama, romance. 10 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
All Benny wants to do is be more confident, stop thinking so much and fall in love. When Benny, who channels a young Woody Allen, has a chance encounter with Jordan, a woman obsessed with the notion of fate and a magical kind of love, he may finally have the opportunity. That is, if he can get out of his own way and out of his head. “Pretend We’re Kissing” is a film for all of those who don’t think their love life resembles a romantic comedy. Starring Dov Tiefenbach, Tommie-Amber Pirie and Zoe Kravitz.
Saturday
* “Mr. Holmes” PG, 1:44. Crime, drama, mystery. 7:45 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
Following a journey to Japan in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, an aged, retired Sherlock Holmes returns to his remote seaside farmhouse to face the end of his days tending to his bees, grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind and relying upon his housekeeper’s young son to work on the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, all while searching for answers to the mysteries of life and love. Starring Ian McKellen, Laura Linney and Hiroyuki Sanada (Free for youth 12 and younger.)
* “A Little Chaos” R, 1:57. Comedy, drama, romance. 10 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
In a world of tradition, a little risk can and does change everything in this romantic drama following Sabine, a strong-willed and talented landscape designer chosen to build a special garden at King Louis XIV’s new palace at Versailles. To do so, she must challenge gender and class barriers to create her masterpiece. Starring Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Stanley Tucci.
SUNDAY
* “Visions in the Dark: the Life of Pinky Thompson” NR, 1:30. Documentary, biography, drama. 3 p.m. at Castle Theater.
A fascinating documentary that shines a spotlight on the life of the eponymous man who mostly worked behind the scenes during the Hawaiian Renaissance of the late 20th century. His great legacy lives on through his influential work as a social worker and community leader, including his leadership posts at the Kamehameha Schools and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. ($10 for youth 18 and younger.)
* Family Friendly Short Film Showcase 3 p.m. at McCoy Studio Theater.
A series of short films from around the world. ($10 for youth 18 and younger.)
* “A Place to Stand” NR, 1:26. Documentary, biography. 5 p.m. at McCoy Studio Theater.
Jimmy Santiago Baca, a petty thief and a drug dealer sentenced to five years in Arizona State Prison, taught himself how to read and write and discovered a passion for poetry that ultimately saved his life. Travel deep into the life and mind of a man whose early years were dominated by sadness, rejection, anger and pain, and through the power of poetry – finally found his place to stand.
* “Landfill Harmonic” NR, 1:24. Documentary, biography, drama. 5 p.m. at Castle Theater.
A beautiful story about the transformative power of music that highlights two vital issues of our times: poverty and waste pollution. Learn about the lives of children living in a slum built on a landfill in Paraguay who create an orchestra made of trash, The Recycled Orchestra, and tour the world, finally realizing their wildest dream: to play with the heavy metal band, Megadeth. ($10 for youth 18 and younger.)
* “Tenured” NR, 1:20. Comedy. 7:30 p.m. at Castle Theater.
The story of Ethan Collins, a severely depressed, foul-mouthed elementary school teacher whose wife’s recent departure has left him questioning his life and teaching his students that “mommies are liars.” When he is put in charge of the school play as punishment for his bad performance, Ethan rewrites the script to be about his marital problems and puts on an unforgettable show for the parents, school board and his soon-to-be ex-wife. Starring Jeff Austin, Graham Beckett and Maddux Berry.
* “Jackie & Ryan” PG-13, 1:30. Drama. 7:30 p.m. at McCoy Studio Theater.
A modern day train hopper fighting to be a successful musician and a single mom battling to maintain custody of her daughter defy their circumstances by coming together in a relationship that may change each others lives forever. Starring Katherine Heigl, Ben Barnes and Clea DuVall.
* “The Wave I Ride” NR, 1:39. Documentary. 7:45 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
A documentary following big wave surfer Paige Alms, who grew up on with the true spirit of aloha planted in her heart and an ever-present love of the ocean woven into the tapestry of her DNA. Alms has become on of Maui’s big wave ambassadors after surfing the monster waves at Peahi “Jaws” surf spot. ($10 for youth 12 and younger.)
* “Planetary” NR, 1:25. Documentary, history. 10 p.m. at Celestial Cinema.
A provocative and breathtaking wakeup call, a cross continental, cinematic journey, that explores our cosmic origins and our future as a species.