Morning sunrise on the first day of the Waimea Ocean Film Festival
Watching, singing and eating my way through the Waimea Ocean Film Festival
In such a short time frame I have witnessed awesome surfing, immense amounts of garbage being collected on a remote arctic beach, seen the tragic decline of the worlds largest glaciers in time-lapsed photography and heard the sweet melodic voices of Lia singing about his love of Waipio Valley. These experiences were provided by just a few of the inspiring films at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wonderful selection of films and their talented film makers celebrate tradition, culture and the environment we live in. Daring us to care and live more cohesive with the environment and take care of the Aina (land). Each film is mesmerizing, impactful and a gift to the human spirit to persevere and cherish the important things in life.
The films are primarily focused on the ocean and environment, Hawaiian culture, music and history. It’s a beautiful collection of films curated to inspire and motivate us to live in the present and take note of how the individual spirit can improve and make a difference in life, things that are important to each and every one of us!
Opening night ceremonies at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival
Opening night ceremonies at the Kahilu theater in Waimea included a wonderful processional and tribute to the Hokule’a canoe and the current exhibit at the center showcasing the birth and renaissance of canoeing and connecting the Polynesian and Pacific islands to each other. A wonderful display of chanting, song and hula was performed which mesmerized the audience with performances like this Hokule’a welcome chant below.
Afterwards, the halau (hula school) perform a traditional chant and dance called Hei (String figures) which are figures and slip tricks followed with more chanting and dance. To Hei means to snare, entangle or catch in a net which in Hawaiian has many subtle meanings covering historic or legendary references, literal or figurative, even sexual depending on the chant. It’s a vivid and colorful performance complimented with powerful chanting that instantly draws our attention from start to end.
Opening night ceremonies at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival
Opening night ceremonies at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival
Opening night ceremonies at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival
The opening night festival entitled “A Taste of the island” provided the opportunity for local restaurants and caterers to showcase sumptuous bites using local ingredients, here are some pictures below of the event held at the Mauna Kea Luau grounds. A closing night ceremony will also feature a dining extravaganza to be held the Four Seasons Hualalai resort on January 10th featuring island specialties prepared by the chefs, music, hula and the film finale including an awards ceremony.
Waimea Ocean Film Festival – A taste of Hawaii dining experience
A taste of Hawaii dining experience – delicious sushi From Sushi Rocks
A taste of Hawaii dining experience – delicious bruschetta from Palani French Bakers
The festival is truly a celebration not only of film but of Hawaiian culture with live performances of Hawaiian hula and song, delicious food, and public participation with morning yoga and canoe paddling demonstrations. It’s a total immersion into living life in Hawaii at its fullest. Even a movie about classic contemporary composer Morten Lauridsen included a fabulous performance with the local Waimea choral group singing collaboratively on of his master pieces. Here is a snippet of the beautiful music below.
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival is a fantastic celebration occurring in various locations in West Hawaii throughout the week and closing at the Four Seasons resort Hualalai. You can check out the latest updates on films, speakers and activities, by following the festival on Facebook, www.facebook.com/waimeaoceanfilmfestival, or visit www.waimeaoceanfilm.org
Hi Noel, such a wonderful film festival that truly celebrates environment and culture. The movies sound inspiring and thought-provoking,. I also like the amazing show of Hawaiian culture during the opening. The songs and dances sound and look beautiful. A lot of substance in this festival. I’ll take this kind of film festival over the frivolous Cannes FF anytime.
How interesting. I enjoyed the chanting; reminds me of New Zealand.
I love the chant. Don’t know why but it took me back to a film I saw years ago. Had to look it up – Whale Rider. Reading your post and looking at your photos make me want to visit Hawaii. Correction, your entire blog makes me want to visit.
We used to do a string game like that when I was younger, wonder if I can remember it now…
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for the comment, I loved Whale Rider, great film, but I think it was New Zealand based…in any case all of Polynesia is related to each other hence the focus on the canoes and voyages to connect each Polnesian culture/island. Hey do come and visit me on the Big Island 🙂
Yes, it was New Zealand and you’re right, all of Polynesia is related.
I woke up thinking of your video of the chanting and came back to listen once more.
Definitely would love to visit you on the Big Island, Noel.
Have a great weekend!
I wisited Waimea but not at the Festival you share here. It seems to be an interesting event.
I almost felt like I was in a luau with you. What a great setting for movies, culture and food. I’ve never really been keen on attending film festivals but I would jump at the chance to attend this one. Beautiful photos of the performers. Yum on the food!
Wow… bruschetta… yummy! 🙂
Love Hawaii and that food looks amazing!
Thanks for dropping by and visiting me!
Delicious looking food, films to engage your mind and a location to make me envious – it all sounds absolutely wonderful.
Looks like it was a beautiful event! Sorry I missed it. Mahalo for sharing the beautiful photos. Aloha, Stephanie