That's a Wrap! Kona Surf Film Festival

Film Updates

Artisans, musicians, films and heaps of stoke highlight ninth year of event

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 14 December, 2012 : - - Dec. 7th and 8th saw the 9th Annual Kona Surf Film Festival go off at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Under the stars of the Kohala coast, the Festival hosted nearly 40 films (on 2 screens!), live music, art, photography, tons of local vendors, surfboard giveaways and a great vibe.

Friday started off outside with Hawaiian soul singer Paula Fuga serenading the crowd with her soulful tunes.  Cruising through the night saw 2 screens worth of movies including Taylor Steele's newest "This Time Tomorrow" and handful of obscure shorts. Tons of giveaways, including a surfboard by Mel Behasa, stoked the crowd.  Inside the pavilion, vendors displayed a wide array of clothes, gear, and art, and the art installation included paintings and photography by more than 15 artists. 

Local Big Island canoe maker and musician Hualalai tore the microphone up with his take on Hawaiian rock music, and surfer / model Lindsay Perry blessed the crowd with her bluesy sounds.  A little wild, and a lot awesome, the festival started with a bang.

Saturday saw a bit more of a mellow vibe with Hawaii Island born singer-songwriter Kimie Miner starting the night with songs off her brand new album.  Films once again took center stage on the outside screen highlighted by the film "Buffalo" and an appearance by the legend Buffalo Keaulana himself. 

                                                           MCs © KSFF

A couple of local films followed, which is always a crowd favorite, and local stars Charlie Boy Akau and Alison Teal showed up for their respective films "Diligent Habits" and "Alison's Adventures".  CJ Kanuha and Torrey Meister showed face to give away some boards and gear by Tim Orr and Firewire.  Inside the pavilion the good vibes continued with nearly 10 films, live music by Jim Major and Hualalai, and more booth action.

Upward of a thousand people came out to cruise at the 9th Annual Kona Surf Film Festival and it turned out to be a great event.  The 2012 beneficiaries, Na Kama Kai and the Kona Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, saw tons of exposure and after all was said and done, a couple thousand dollars was donated to the charities. 

Big Mahalos must go out to all the sponsors who made this event possible:  Kona Brewing Co., Kona Boys, Hurley, Renewable Energy Services, Conscious Riddims and Ital Hempwick, Hana Hou Recycling, Firn Life, Tombomb, and Lava 105.3, and the venue the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.  Also a big big thank you to all the crew and volunteers who helped pull this event off - it is not possible without you!  Stay tuned for next year!

www.konasurffilmfestival.org
www.facebook.com/konasurffilmfestival

Source: Kona Surf Film Festival

Author: Chad Campbell

Tags: Hawaii, Film Festivals, Kona Surf Film Festival

Film: Surfersvillage