And the Wailuku Film Festival winners are…
The inaugural Wailuku Film Fest drew an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 unique visitors to Maui from June 17 to June 21, according to festival director Brian Kohne. The event featured screenings at the ʻĪao Theater, Naylor Theater, and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to highlight local storytelling and stimulate the economy in Wailuku.
How did the Wailuku Film Fest impact local businesses?
The five-day event increased customer traffic for local galleries, bars, restaurants, and food trucks. Brian Kohne reported that one food truck operator earned $3,000 more on the festival’s second day than on a typical business day.
Kohne stated the event aimed to invigorate the town through the arts and bring pride back to Wailuku. He noted that the increased awareness of Wailuku as a dynamic, local town is a primary immediate legacy of the effort.
Which films won the festival awards?
The festival concluded with the “Best of the Wailuku Film Festival” at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, drawing approximately 1,300 people. Jury members selected “Lahaina Rising,” directed by Matty Schweitzer, as the Best Hawaiʻi Feature.
Audience-choice awards included “Concrete & Salt” for Best Hawaiʻi Short and “Surfilmusic,” directed by Emmett Malloy, for Best Watersports Feature. Matty Schweitzer’s “Finding True North,” a film about an adaptive surfer, won Best Watersports Short and received a standing ovation.
Other jury winners included:
- Best Indigenous Feature: “The Stolen Children of Aotearoa” (Julian Arahanga)
- Best Indigenous Narrative Short: “Kūkini” (Mitchel Merrick)
- Best Indigenous Documentary Short: “Māhū: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter” (Lisette Marie Flanary)
- Best Hawaiʻi Documentary Short: “Sacred Island: Living the Dream” (Blake Abes)
- Best Animated Short: “The City on the Edge of Whatever” (Naynay McDermott)
Who participated in the youth filmmaking initiatives?
Destin Daniel Cretton, director of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” returned to Maui to mentor students at the Hisako Film Lab. This nonprofit organization provides hands-on filmmaking instruction to Maui’s youth.
In a written statement, Cretton said the festival’s programming highlighted a diverse lineup of films that spark dialogue regardless of cultural background. He stated he left the event feeling more connected to his home.
What may happen next for the festival?
Based on the attendance figures and the feedback from the community, the event could become an annual fixture in Wailuku. Destin Daniel Cretton expressed anticipation for next year in his official statement.
The festival may continue to rely on community partnerships, as seen with the GoFundMe and Imua Maui Nei support that allowed Lahaina residents to view “Lahaina Rising” for free. Organizers could use the initial success to attract further funding as the total amount of funds raised is still being determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the inaugural Wailuku Film Fest take place?
The festival ran from Wednesday, June 17, through Sunday, June 21.
Where were the films screened?
Screenings were held at the ʻĪao Theater, Naylor Theater, and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Who was the target audience for the festival?
According to Brian Kohne, the attendees were mostly kamaʻāina.
Do you think local film festivals are an effective way to revitalize small-town economies?