We just got back from the first night of the Maui Film Festival. What a great night! Work hard, play hard… my camera guy, Jon, came to pick me up and we were at the Seaside Cinema at the Grand Wailea around 6:30 / 6:45pm – from the Elevators on the 4th floor you can see the venue and it really was stunning. The ocean is in the background and I’m sure they had a spectacular sunset.

We got down there and a line was already starting to form all along the sidewalk. I’m a *little rusty on camera… took about five takes for me to get it right but all is well that ends well! lol On our way out we said a quick hello to Barry Rivers (the founder of the Maui Film Festival) – great guy. I offered my “services” for next year. He said “you might regret that” – I’m not sure what just happened but hopefully only good things will come from that brief encounter! ha ha!

Next it was off to the Celestial Cinema to shoot more footage and interview some of the movie-goers. Here is our piece from earlier tonight It was great fun to get my feet wet again and do a “look live” for MAUIWatch… I can hardly wait for the red carpet events tomorrow and Friday night!

The Celestial Cinema was awesome. Granted there were clouds and we couldn’t quite see the stars but the atmosphere was awesome and the stars did peak out later in the night. The weather was just perfect, very comfortable, I only took the blanket out once! I love the sense of community that this festival brings out in our residents and visitors alike. Evidenced by my rambunctious 20-month-old trampling over other peoples blankets, accidentally throwing balls at them and running around like a maniac… response? SMILES. I like this kind of event!

One of my favorite things about watching a movie at venue like the Celestial Cinema is the applause. I love that before the film starts and after every film there is a great big hearty round of applause. A TRUE appreciation for the art of filmmaking, acting and with this movie – even singing! The movie “Goddess” was the perfect movie for me. The story of a stay-at-home mom who is at her wits end and uses music to release that energy, to express herself and to communicate things that sometimes can only be communicated through song. The comedy was infectious (especially for those of us that are parents)… a lot of nodding in agreement and lots of laughter. I LOVED it. It was inspiring… it made me want to sing more and make music more of a priority in our home. Jackson also really enjoyed the film, especially watching the twin 2.5 year old boys – I can only hope that their shenanigans do NOT inspire him! All in all, great stuff.

Jackson hanging out at the Maui Film Festival. Hopefully not “getting ideas” ;)

Good night!

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