| THIRD MAUI FILM FESTIVAL AT WAILEA..... JUNE 12-16, 2002 A report by Arcturian Media Pictures Maui Representative Ed Jor-El Elkin "I have often said that , at the end of the day, the Maui Film Festival is about turning darkness into light. From the first moment that light shines on any festival screen, we have one primary mission... to turn the reel world into a way of being in the "real" world that respects the integrity and beauty of both the natural order and the realm of human interaction. For this reason, the granite cornerstone of this Festival's programming philosophy can be summarized in one phrase: life-affirming storytelling" ................ Barry Rivers, Founder & Director The island of Maui just presented (June 2-16) it's 3rd Annual Film Festival. Maui has for many years in a row recieved the Conde Nast award as the best destination resort in the world. In an atmosphere of unparalled tropical beauty, many new films (e.g, Tadpole,The Good Girl, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Searching for Debra Winger) , several classic films (e.g, Siddhartha, Cinema Paradiso, Unforgiven) and many short films were shown on several screens, both indoors and outdoors, along with elegant receptions and a special award ceremony for Clint Eastwood, a part-time Maui resident, in honor of his creative contributions to the art and soul of filmmaking. A scant 9 months ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, the world was shocked by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Arcturian Media Press interviewed several movie-goers at the Film Festival about the effects of 9/11 on film-making in general, and observed at the Festival. Comments about the orientation of film-makers towards positive themed film-making were also solicited. Among the responses: "I support positive media and positve messages . It's cheaper to do this than to support an aircraft carrier... with longer term benefits. A program like a revitalized Voice of America would also be helpful to communicate what America is really about to other cultures. " CINDY PAULOS, KAOI RADIO TALK SHOW HOST ( 13 years) "The media are a powerful force in our society. With all our creative people, we must find new ways of showing how we can all live together peacefully." JEAN PARR, Former CBS News Correspondent & Independent Film Producer "Since 9/11, and subsequent events, people are reacting with more fear and contraction, so it is important that we experience entertainment that is uplifting, educational and hopeful. What we need are those with funds to come forward and finance positive film-making so that we can utilize it as the powerful communication tool that it is, and can move forward in more hopeful directions." FRED SPANJAARD, EVENT PRODUCER "I love what i'm seeing here at the festival which is a beautiful event. The bumper stickers say it all: Cannes, Telluride, Sundance... Maui . I'm thrilled that Barry (Rivers) has got us in this divine necklace of brilliant venues for good movies. I'm hoping that the truth that we are seeking in media can really start coming forth in new ways. The public is not informed about much of what our government does and we can no longer afford to be ignorant of. The reasons that the US is not loved are legion and for the most part are NOT known by the American public. Films can expose many truths that other media are not permitted to report. All major networks are controlled more than they admit. I'm looking forward to what the Maui Film Festival offers, and I'm thrilled to be a part of Maui's ascendance into the film festival world" REV. LILLI TOWNSEND " It would be very helpful if the media would take the millions of dollars spent on making and exploding sets and on special effects, and put a fraction of that money into films that explore the human psyche and the ability of everyday people to overcome obstacles. I applaud Barry on hi choices here to try to change our world one film at a time: to bring films that are inspiring, uplifting, affirmative of lifel In this day and age, with the conflicts we deal wiith, if we can produce films that inspire people and bring them forward into the everyday activities in the world, we can be productive contributors to having a more peaceful and joyful world" REV HELEN DOWNEY , Former Minister, Maui Church of Religious Science In the program, the Maui Film Festival states "what we do and why we do it" * showcasing films that matter * presenting stories of compassion, triumph, healng, humor, and hope... not just pictures that move, but human experiences that can move us to a richer understanding. * Celebrating the power of exemplary film-making and the filmmakers, creative artists, production companies, studios and executives whose imagination and determination endow these films with their vibrant vision and incandescent energy. * Maintaining our long-standing commitment to make a difference in the local and global community through the Maui Film Festival's Dynamic Philanthropy Fund. I'm happy to report that the Maui Film Festival has succeeded in manifesting its goals The similarities are obvious between the goals of Arcturian Media Pictures and those of the Maui Film Festival. An ongoing relationship is recommended. Aloha. |