2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAM | MAUI FILM FESTIVAL

Let's Celebrate 25 Years of Extraordinary Films!

Come Enjoy Five Captivating Nights of Cinematic Gems,

From Hawaii and Around the World.

UNMUTE

All Films Screening at the Beautiful

Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater.

With Over 40 Features and Short Films All Maui Premieres.

This Festival Promises to be the Best one Yet!

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4 Film Passes and Single Tickets
are Available Now!

4 Film Passes $86 (plus applicable fees)
Single Tickets $24 (plus applicable fees)

Tickets Can Be Purchased Online AND
at the MACC Box Office Starting at
12Noon on Any Day of the Festival!

Box Office Hours For
All Days of the Festival
12:00pm - 8:30pm

Passes may be used for 4 Films
or to share with a friend or 2 or 3!

BUY 4 FILM PASS

CLICK ON ANY POSTER BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FILMS & TO PURCHASE TICKETS

THURSDAY | AUGUST 29

SHORT FILM SHOWCASE | 4:OO PM

Join us for an unforgettable journey as we showcase a series of short films from around the world. From thought-provoking pieces on social justice and the power of art to heartwarming stories of friendship and the beauty of nature, these films offer a unique glimpse into the diverse perspectives of today's most talented filmmakers. Get ready to be inspired and moved as we embark on a cinematic exploration of the world we live in.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS THE DICK BREWER STORY | 6:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: Sounds of the Ocean

The story of the colorful and controversial, legendary surfboard designer and builder, Dick Brewer.

JAWS UNDERGROUND | 8:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: Anywhere Aloha: The Call

The best big wave in the world is Pe’ahi (JAWS) Maui, but the untold history of this iconic “tow” wave and the stories of the men and women who accept her challenge will redefine what it means to be a Waterman.

FRIDAY | AUGUST 30

FUNGI WEB OF LIFE | 4:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: Planetwalker

Much of life on Earth is connected by a vast, hidden network, that we are only just beginning to understand. Out of sight, between the world of plants and animals, another world exists - the kingdom of fungi.

500 DAYS IN THE WILD | 6:00 PM

500 Days In The Wild," is an independent documentary film project which follows filmmaker Dianne Whelan's 6-year journey on all 24,000 km of the land and water trails of the Trans Canada Trail, weaving together a total experience of adventure, personal reflections, stunning landscapes and wildlife.

MUSIC FOR MUSHROOMS | 8:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: The Puzzle Palace

Music for Mushrooms highlights the personal journey of shamanistic musician and filmmaker East Forest (Krishna-Trevor Oswalt), a collaborator of the late Ram Dass, whose bold experiments pair music with guided psychedelic experiences focused on creating a space of healing for a fractured world.

SATURDAY | AUGUST 31

THE COMPATRIOTS | 4:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: On the 8th Day

Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing imminent deportation, unexpectedly reunites with his long-lost best friend, Hunter, a vivacious bachelor seeking deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey to prevent Javi's expulsion from the only country he has ever called home.

MY OLD ASS | 6:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: Who's That Girl

A mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott face-to-face with her 39-year-old self. But when Elliott's "old ass" delivers warnings to her younger self, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about her family, life, and love.

SASQUATCH SUNSET | 8:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: When the Sun Explodes

In the misty forests of NorthAmerica, a family of Sasquatches—possibly the last of their enigmatic kind—embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year.Theses haggy and noble giants fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them.

SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 1

GIANTS RISING | 4:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: Rock Paper Paint: Art of the People

Revealing the secrets and saga of America’s most iconic trees, GIANTS RISING tells the epic tale of the redwoods. The tallest and some of the oldest living beings on Earth, these trees are living links to the past. But they also hold powers that could impact our future. Through the voices of scientists, artists, Native people and others, the film reveals the wonder and plight of these awe-inspiring forests, offering insights that could help sustain us all.

A NEW KIND OF WILDERNESS | 6:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film: Paatuwaqatsi Water is Life

On a small farm in a Norwegian forest, the Paynes live a purposefully isolated life, aiming to be wild and free. Maria and Nik, along with their four children Ulv, Falk, Freja, and Ronja are self-sufficient. They practice home-schooling and strive for a closely-knit family dynamic in harmony with nature. However, when tragedy strikes the family, it upends their idyllic world and forces them to forge a new path into modern society.

DIVING INTO THE DARKNESS | 8:00 PM | Preceded by Short Film Bicycle Island

Canadian explorer and storyteller Jill Heinerth is one of the world’s greatest living cave divers, fuelled by an insatiable curiosity to explore the unknown “veins of mother earth”. Jill has been involved in the most legendary and demanding cave diving expeditions of all time, from surveying the world’s longest caves in Mexico to discovering giant iceberg caves in Antarctica.

MONDAY | SEPTEMBER 2

ROBERT SCHWARTZMAN

LIGHTS! CAMERA! PASSION! AWARD

Actor-director-musician Robert Schwartzman will be honored with the Lights! Camera! Passion! Award which recognizes a director for his heartfelt personal and professional commitment to the triumph of the human spirit in movies that matter. Past recipients include Rob Reiner and Olivia Wilde.

Schwartzman’s latest film, The Good Half, screening at 6:00 pm and starring Nick Jonas, is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of connection, grief, and coming to terms with life’s challenges.

HAWAII SHORT FILM SHOWCASE | 4:00 PM

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Hawaii as we present a collective of short films celebrating the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture. From breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions to vibrant life enriching communities. From traditional hula to enchanting wildlife and captivating stories that celebrate the beauty and spirit of Hawaii. These 11 short films offer a compelling and intimate look into the beauty and spirit of Hawaii. Join us as today's most talented Hawaiian filmmakers invite you to discover the inspiring stories, history, and people that make Hawaii a truly remarkable place.

THE GOOD HALF | 6:00 PM

Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother's funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief.

THE KINDNESS WITHIN | 8:00 PM

Come on the journey of a lifetime with Leon Logothetis aka the Kindness Guy - five-time best selling author, host of the Kindness Diaries on Netflix and Discovery+ and a former broker.
It takes extraordinary courage to put down a suicide note, pick up the book of a mystical yogi, and travel to an ancient land in a desperate search for life. Together, Leon and the viewers are guided by spiritual leaders (including Sadhguru, Neale Donald Walsch, Mike Dooley, and Yasmin Mogahed to name a few), helpers of humanity, and even the universe, or as some people call it God.