Screen Sensations

While Honolulu and Maui often get the spotlight for their cinematic celebrations, Hawai‘i Island has quietly earned attention from industry cognoscenti for its very own Big Island Film Festival. Held on the discreetly luxurious Kohala Coast, this year’s outing continued the tradition of workshops, film screenings and sun-kissed parties, including the invitation-only kickoff bash hosted by affable Hawai‘i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. Among the top highlights were the tributes to emerging Hollywood talents Portia Doubleday and Jackson Rathbone, who both took home Golden Honu awards. But the most touching moment came when local director Keo Woolford scored Best Hawai‘i Feature for his film The Haumāna. Now, that’s an ending we can call picture perfect. –Photos by Kirk Lee Aeder