At sunset tomorrow night Hawai‘i’s Ocean Film Festival takes place on a 30-foot outdoor screen near Hanalei Bay — dozens of one- to 10-minute shorts including a feature will roll around 7 p.m.
The festival combines the power of the ocean with the voices and visions of people around the globe who express their love of the ocean, the Website states. The films present marine resources, ocean recreation and humanity’s cultural connections to the sea.
“Our primary objective is to expose the audience to the issues of our environment and culture that they won’t see in the mainstream,” said festival director Melinda Sandler in a press release.
“We hope to get them inspired to take action on what they learned, and support the individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting our environment. Through our project, we give the audience a common concern and language so they can communicate. So our greatest accomplishment is that surfers understand scientists and scientists understand surfers.”
Entrants submit films from all over the world but also from right here on Kaua‘i. The feature presentation will be “The Wayfinders of Polynesia,” made by Wade Davis, an Explorer-in-Residence with National Geographic, and starring Nainoa Thompson of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The film documents the travels of the voyaging canoe Hokule‘a, a replica of the ancient vessels that explored the Pacific.
Kaua‘i filmmakers include Brady Cushway, Will Winneguth and Cheyne Tasic. “Brady’s World” is a short surf film that focuses on both the North Shore big wave riders and those that brave the waves on short boards and BoogieBoards. Cushway’s smooth and meticulous work is also featured in the opening graphics for the festival presentation.
“Our Ocean” is the second film created by Kaua‘i’s own Cheyne Tasic. Tasic recently returned to Kaua‘i after completing film school in Santa Barbara.
Winneguth will present his film, “Imagine That,” which gives a glimpse of the seasons’ best waves.
Opening night tomorrow will be on the 30-foot outdoor screen in Hanalei Bay. Signs will be posted giving directions to the screening location on Weke Road.
For more information, call 652-3392 or visit hawaiioceanfilmfestival.org for more information.
