Big Island Film Festival Deadline for Submissions Coming Up

February 1, 2012 is the final deadline to submit films for the 7th annual Big Island Film Festival (BIFF) at Mauna Lani Resort.  Just acclaimed as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Cool Fests 2011: Counting Down 20 Can’t-Miss Festivals,” BIFF 2012 takes place May 24-28, on location at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani.

An outdoor screening at The Shops at Mauna Lani

Narrative short films (30 minutes or less) and feature length films (60 minutes or more) completed after January 1, 2011 will be considered for “Golden Honu Awards” in various categories including Family, Animated, Foreign and others. Final Entry Fees are $70 Feature, $60 Short, $40 Student.  Entries prior to January 1, 2012 are $60, $50 and $35.  Submissions may be made directly to BIFF or via WithoutaBox.com.  All films shot in Hawai‘i or created by Hawai‘i filmmakers receive a 25% discount when submitted directly to BIFF (verification required).

“We are excited about our new Festival dates in 2012,” said Executive Director/Founder Leo Sears of Waikoloa.  “By pushing it forward to Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-28, we’re hoping to make it easier for filmmakers, visitors and kama‘āina to come to the festival, relax and enjoy the holiday weekend – all the way through our ‘Best of the Fest’ Hawaiian music concert and Audience Choice feature and short movies on Monday night.”

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of narrative filmmaking, with free family films under the stars at The Shops at Mauna Lani, and daytime screenings, nightly double features and shorts from Hawai‘i and around the world at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i.  Other events include celebrity receptions, filmmaking workshops and much more, in the spectacular Kohala Coast resort location.

In addition to its recent accolades, BIFF has been among MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” and “25 Coolest Film Festivals” since 2007.  It is sponsored by The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i, The Shops at Mauna Lani, HTA/Hawai’i County CPEP and others.  For more information visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com or call 808-883-0394, or find them on Twitter and Facebook.

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2011 Big Island Film Festival… And the Winners Are

The 2011 Big Island Film Festival awards were held this morning at the Fairmont Orchid Resort.

The group shot (click for larger version)

Festival Director Leo Sears addressed the group around 10:00 and folks started in on their food.

Leo Sears addresses the audience

Anna Akaka, wife of Danny Akaka, Jr., lead off the opening pule and blessed the crowd and the filmmakers for making it a great festival this year.

The filmmakers enjoying brunch

Golden Honu Award recipient Kristina Anapau and her boyfriend Moran Cerf were in attendance.

Kristina Anapau and her boyfriend Moran Cerf

Mr. Sears began by thanking the Sponsors of the Festival such as the Fairmont Orchid, the Shops at Mauna Lani, the County of Hawaii and John Mason with the Hawaii County Film Office, “Redeeming Light International” as well as others were also thanked.

Kenwood Vineyards was recognized as a “big sponsor” since they have sponsored the festival for so many years.

Some Kenwood wines

Naketha Mattocks was recognized for her support and workshop that she put on called “The Inside Pitch” and Ron Osborn was recognized for his continual work with the festival.

Ron Osborn

Mayor Kenoi was on hand and signed a bottle of wine that all of the celebrities and filmmakers signed that would be auctioned off later for the Wounded Warriors project.

Mayor Kenoi signs a bottle of Kenwood Vineyards wine while BIFF Director Leo Sears looks on

Actress Sarah Wayne Callies who was the recipient of the “No Ka Oi” award earlier in the week was also present.

Mayor Kenoi, Film Commissioner John Mason and Actress Sarah Wayne Callies

An autographed picture of Kristina Anapau was auctioned off for charity as well and I just had to drop the big bucks to keep my son happy!

Hayden with an autographed photo of Kristina Anapau

I’d like to thank all those that worked so hard to put this on and especially thank Leo Sears for working so hard at ensuring such a smooth festival happens.

Mahalo Leo... Who needs drive-in movies when we have the Big Island Film Festival?

Media Release:

Twelve films received Golden Honu Awards at the 6^thAnnual Big Island Film Festival today.  Best Feature went to “Queen of the Lot,” starring Tanna Frederick and Noah Wyle, written and directed by Henry Jaglom, produced by Rosemary Marks.

Celebrity actresses Sarah Wayne Callies (“The Walking Dead”) and Hilo’s own Kristina Anapau (“Black Swan”) were present to receive special “No Ka Oi” awards from Big Island Film Festival Executive Director Leo Sears.

Leo Sears and Kristina Anapau (Photo Courtesy of Devany-Vickery Davidson)

Winners were selected from 63 entries from across the country and around the world, including 10 made in Hawai’i.  The made-on-Maui film, “Get A Job,” starring Willie K, Eric Gilliom, Augie T, Henry Kapono and many other top Hawaiian entertainers, won 2011 Audience Choice Feature.

Get a Job!

2011 Big Island Film Festival Golden Honu Awards:

Actress “No Ka Oi” – Sarah Wayne Callies

Leo Sears presents Sarah Wayne Callies the "No Ka Oi" Award (Photo Courtesy of Devany Vickery-Davidson)

Actress “No Ka Oi” – Kristina Anapau

Kristina Anapau

The Barbara Award – “Regular Kids”

Best Family Short – “The Green Tie Affair”

Best Animated Short – “Bait”

Best Hawaiian Short – “Layover, On the Shore”

Best Foreign Short – “Futility”

Best Student Short – “Thief”

Best Short – “Wounded”

The Producer of "Wounded" receives his award

Best Family Feature – “Trainmaster II: Jeremiah’s Treasure”

“Best Student Feature” – “Farmer’s Tan”

Best Hawaiian Feature – “Get A Job”

Best Foreign Feature – “The Drummond Will”

Best Feature – “Queen of the Lot”

Audience Choice Short – “The Historian Paradox”

The Historian Paradox wins an award

Audience Choice Feature – “Get A Job”

Some of the winners that were present to receive their awards:

Some of the 2011 Big Island Film Festival Winners

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CALL FOR ENTRIES – 2011 Big Island Film Festival at Mauna Lani Resort, May 11-15, 2011

Media Release:

Hawaiian music, moonlight and movies make Mauna Lani Resort a must for filmmakers, fans and friends in May, when the Big Island Film Festival returns for its sixth year.  One of MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” and “25 Coolest Film Festivals”.  BIFF 2011 is now accepting entries for the May 11-15 event, on location at two luxury hotel properties and premier resort shopping center.

BIFF Director Leo Sears gives actor Tom Berrenger the "Golden Honu" award at the 2010 BIFF

A celebration of independent narrative filmmaking, BIFF 2011 includes screenings, social events and networking opportunities, celebrity receptions, screenwriting workshop and a closing night “Best of the Fest” with a top Hawaiian music concert and movies chosen from Festival entries.  Last year’s celebrity honorees included screenwriter Ron Osborn (“Moonlighting”), filmmaker Scott Stewart (“Legion”) and actors Tom Berenger (“Platoon”) and Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa (“Mortal Kombat”).

Narrative short films (30 minutes or less) and feature length (60 minutes or more) completed after January 1, 2010 will be considered.  Deadlines are:
•    “Early Bird” November 1, 2010. Early Bird Entry Fees: $50 Feature, $40 Short, $30 Student
•    Regular January 1, 2011. Regular Entry Fees: $60 Feature, $50 Short, $35 Student
•    Late/Final February 1, 2011. Late Entry Fees:  $70 Feature, $60 Short, $40 Student

All films shot in Hawaii or created by filmmakers who live in Hawaii receive a 25% discount on entry fees (verification required).

BIFF 2011’s “Golden Honu” will be awarded to the Best Feature and Best Short in Overall, Family, Student, Animated, Foreign and Hawaii categories at a special Awards Brunch to honor the filmmakers and their works on Sunday, May 15.  Numerous alumni films have won awards at prestigious film festivals around the world, and achieved commercial success in the industry.

“Lunatics, Lovers, and Poets” (BIFF 2009) was distributed in 10 states through Carmike Cinemas, and by North American Home Entertainment DVD contract with Seminal Films.  “Remarkable Power” starring Kevin Nealon (2009 BIFF Best Feature) was released through most cable outlets as a PPV title before DVD release.  “Two Tickets to Paradise” (BIFF 2008), and “Rain in the Mountains” and “Sixes and the One-Eyed King” (BIFF 2007) have been released on DVD.

“As we approach our sixth Big Island Film Festival, judging by the quality of films submitted in the past, we are absolutely ready to see the next ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ or the next ‘Honokaa Boy,’” said Executive Director Leo Sears.  “Fans are more sophisticated and open to independent films than ever, especially those brilliant, different gems that surprise us.  And when you bring your film to BIFF in Hawaii, you can’t have a more receptive, more spectacular and beautiful place to introduce it than the Mauna Lani Resort.”

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of narrative filmmaking, with free family films under the stars at The Shops at Mauna Lani, international features and shorts screened at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii and Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, stellar social events, celebrity receptions, awards and much more in an outstanding island setting.

For submission rules and application visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com.  For further information call 808-883-0394.

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Leo Sears From the Big Island Film Festival at Mauna Lani Resort Earns International Certification

BIFF Founder/Executive Director Leo Sears presents actor Tom Berenger with the 2010 “Golden Honu” Award. (Photo by Jeff Sears)

Media Release:

At the recent convention of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), September 15-17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri, Leo Sears received professional designation as a Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE).

Initiated by the IFEA in 1983, and sponsored by K & K Insurance, the certification program recognizes professionals in the festivals and events industry who have attained the highest level of competency in their field.   Requirements for obtaining the CFEE designation include experiential career achievements; required course work; published article(s) based on research pertaining to events; professional speaking requirements; and meeting the professional standards of the association and its assessment board.  The program typically takes three years to complete.

“The CFEE designation is a mark of distinction. These individuals have proven their commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, which in turn translates into the continued growth and success of their own festivals/events, as well as our industry as a whole,” states IFEA President & CEO, Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE.

Sears, a SAG actor, screenwriter, playwright, teacher and Executive Director of Big Island Film Festival, joins over 255 other festival/event professionals from around the world who have earned their CFEE certification since the program’s inception 25 years ago.  The 2011 Big Island Film Festival takes place May 11-15 at Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island-Hawai’i.  www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

Headquartered in Boise Idaho, the IFEA is a non-profit membership organization with members spanning 40 countries and 5 continents, and offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festivals and event professionals world-wide.  For more information on the IFEA, please go to www.ifea.com

Big Island Film Festival Going on Now!

Media Release:

66 independent narrative films have been selected for the 2010 Big Island Film Festival, happening May 12-16 at Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Entries from 10 foreign countries join 56 American films including 11 shot in Hawaii locations, for a full slate of thrillers, dramas, comedies, family and animated films—altogether 12 features and 54 shorts.

“The shorts are really strong this year,” said Executive Producer Leo Sears.  “We’ve been very impressed with the quality as well as the quantity.  Maybe it has to do with the popularity of short video as an art form since You Tube has evolved.  These are really good stories being told in a very concise and entertaining way.”

Highlights include the new short, “The Adventures of Chang Apana,” based on the real-life Honolulu detective who inspired “Charlie Chan.”  Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa produced and stars in the film and will attend screenings on Wednesday, May 12 and Sunday, May 16 at the Best of the Fest event.

“Charlie Valentine,” a crime thriller with Raymond J. Barry and Michael Weatherly, also stars veteran actor Tom Berenger who will appear at the film screening Friday, May 14.

Hawaii is well represented, with everything from A to Z.  “Aloha Daze” starring Pomaika’i Brown makes its world premiere at BIFF 2010

Zombies storm the screen in “The Rising Dead” from Cousins Brothers Productions.  Other notable entries include BIFF’s first Marshall Islands entry, “Yokwe Bartowe,” a modern take on a mythical island bird-sorceress.

“Ajumma! Are you Krazy??”  a hilarious look at Korean soap opera fans.

“We’re going to kick of the Festival with five free, family-friendly films including ‘Ajumma,” said Sears.  “Plus we will be showing several of the Hawaii movies and introducing our celebrity guests.  So we hope everybody will come down to The Shops at Mauna Lani on Wednesday May 12 at 7:30 p.m. and give them a big, Big Island welcome.”

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is happening May 12-16, 2010 at Mauna Lani Resort, “on location” in two luxury hotels, retail shopping center and restaurants.  Rated one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals by MovieMaker Magazine, the 5th annual BIFF is a celebration of independent filmmaking with movies, special events, Hawaiian culture and music, embraced by the Spirit of Aloha.

Mauna Lani Resort will offer accommodations at two ocean front luxury resorts, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, along with unparalleled shopping at The Shops at Mauna Lani. Both hotels are offering very special Festival Rates starting from $199 per room per night.  Please make room reservations with the hotels directly.

For information or to purchase BIFF tickets online, visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com.

LINKS

www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

www.MaunaLani.com

www.Fairmont.com/Orchid

http://www.ShopsAtMaunaLani.com

Official Selections for BIFF 2010

4 Pictures About the Keiki Adventures in Speed Dating Ajumma! Are you Krazy?? Aloha Daze An Affair with Dolls Angels Beyond Words Blind Date Blue Bus Breaking Up Broken Dreams Broken Hill Charlie Valentine Crossing the Line Dark Horse Dash Cunning Decklin and the Dentist Deface Finn on the Fly Hamlet, but you didn’t hear it from me Help Yourself

Horn Dog In Fidelity Jake’s Corner Journey of a Paper Son L’Aislo di Brea La Isla Edena Last Night, Long Ago Ledo and Ix Go to Town Lettuce Break Bread Life Lines Live Tonight Losing Isaac Lott Oh Lucky Lotus Lychee Thieves Nonames Official Selection One Night One Year Pawned Porcelain & Diamonds Seed

Shattered Pieces Sin City, Sincerely Southbound Stew Summer Take my Wife Telemafia The Legend of Chang Apana The Best Part of My Day The Cow Who Wanted to be Hamburger The Despensables The Finding The Magistical The RIsing Dead The Sierra The SToop The Terms Tick Tock Wanna Play Who’s Good Looking? Yokwe Bartowe Your Lucky Day