Hanalei biologist Terry Lilley has 99 edited underwater movies to his credit. They’ve been shot in Hawaii, the Philippines, California and Bora Bora, and have been viewed by more than 1 million people in dozens of theaters in California and
Hanalei biologist Terry Lilley has 99 edited underwater movies to his credit. They’ve been shot in Hawaii, the Philippines, California and Bora Bora, and have been viewed by more than 1 million people in dozens of theaters in California and Oahu.
None, however, have been shown on Kauai. That will change Saturday.
Lilley is teaming up with Art and Soul Gallery owner Mercedes Maza for a free movie night for youth. The goal is to share some of the amazing sights and wonders Lilley has seen in his underwater dives and camera work.
“School kids can see marine life and learn why it’s important to protect it,” he said. “This is a community event to simply support the beauty and protection of our underwater world here in Kauai.”
The event starts at 4 p.m. at the Art and Soul Gallery, 5-5080 Kuhio Highway, in Hanalei. The movies will be shown at sunset on a big screen on the front lawn, so bring lawn chairs and umbrellas. There will also be local musicians and food.
Lilley plans to show four, five-minute films that will feature marine life and highlight the importance of Kauai’s coral reefs. They will also show creatures of the deep, including sharks in the waters off Tunnels Beach and whales. The main event will be an hourlong documentary depicting marine life underneath some of Hawaii’s famous surfing spots, including Hanalei Bay.
“They are all very positive movies to educate everyone about the beauty of our underwater world,” he wrote.
As part of the event, some of Lilley’s underwater pictures will be framed and available for purchase, with proceeds supporting his coral research efforts. There will also be paintings, videos, coffee table books and more for sale to help fund Lilley’s underwater research.
Lilley plans to do more underwater movie nights at locations throughout Kauai.
Maza said she was delighted to support Lilley’s underwater research and reef studies and host the free movie night.
”I am in awe of his project and what he is doing,” she said.
