Starry Nights

THE PARTY To kick off this year’s edition of the Maui Film Festival, celeb favorite Mala Wailea threw an invitation-only bash, sponsored in part by Modern Luxury Hawai‘i, at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort. THE HIGHLIGHTS For this exclusive cinematic reception, Mala Wailea was the perfect venue. (Its stunning ocean views and spacious lānai would be the perfect backdrop for a film or two.) As filmmakers hobnobbed with avid movie buffs, the room was abuzz with the films slated for the spectacular Celestial Cinema—the festival’s signature screening under the stars. Guests also noshed on a delicious spread created by Mala’s kitchen, all the while sipping on special creations from Maui’s Ocean Vodka and rocker and Valley Isle-resident Sammy Hagar’s Beach Bar Rum. Towards the end of the soirée, the late arrival of a few Hollywood VIPs set off a flurry of flash photos. Leading actors James Marsden and Josh Hopkins were also spotted at the Marriott checking out the festival. THE PLAYERS Maui Film Festival’s founder and director, Barry Rivers, with his wife, Stella, and their sons, Kiva and Tide; music producer and Mala Wailea co-owner Shep Gordon; and an international assortment of filmmakers. Photos by Jason Moore