‘It’s our stories’: Inaugural Wailuku Film Festival features homegrown talent

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The first-ever Wailuku Film Festival will take place next month, with tickets going on sale in two weeks.

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Organizers say it’s an opportunity to support homegrown talent and watch impactful storytelling.

“Over 100 films accepted into this film festival. Nobody expected that,” said Brian Kohne, Maui Film Commissioner and festival director. “And what’s really surprising to me is not only the volume of films that were submitted, but the quality. The indigenous films that are coming in from all over the world are impressive.”

The festival will be held at the iconic Iao Theater and the new Naylor Theater nearby.

“Audience Choice” winners will encore at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on June 21st.

More than 20 Maui filmmakers will be featured, including De Andre Makakoa, owner of Mānaiakalani Media.

Makakoa submitted “Lahaina Rising,” a documentary about the deadliest wildfire in modern-day American history.

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He also submitted “Remembering Wai,” which focuses on the diversion of water resources and what led to the fire.

“Both films are deeply personal to me,” Makakoa said. “As a fire survivor, my family had to flee from the flames. And also, my family is very heavily involved in the water fight, and they’ve been involved in spearheading the water fight in West Maui since well before the fires, and this is my way to contribute to that fight.”

Makakoa said the festival offers a different experience than traditional movie theaters.

“It’s different storytelling than if you went to the mall and went to a traditional movie theater. It’s our stories. Our people telling our stories,” Makakoa said.

Festival categories include Hawaii, Indigenous Voices, Watersports and student shorts.

Kohne said dozens of student films from across the world were submitted.

“Things you cannot see online. Things you cannot see in the multiplex,” he said. “The Wailuku Film Festival aims to create an elusive experience for both makers and audiences alike, and we’re just getting started.”

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The festival runs from June 17-21, with tickets going on sale on May 27.

More information can be found online at www.wailukufilm.com.