Every summer, the Wailea destination of Maui becomes even hotter when filmmakers, celebrities and cinema fans flock to the Valley Isle for the Maui Film Festival. This year was no exception, especially as the festival celebrated its 10th year, held June 17-21, 2009.
Our own Mala Wailea restaurant hosted an exclusive VIP party Thursday evening, with owner Shep Gordon and chef Mark Ellman welcoming a “who’s who” of attendees, including actresses Zooey Deschanel and Virginia Madsen, country legend Willie Nelson, actor Richard Chamberlain and Death for Cab Musician Ben Gibbard.
(L to R: Mala Wailea's Shep Gordon, musician Ben Gibbard, and actresses Zooey Deschanel and Virginia Madsen)
(L to R: Actor Richard Chamberlain, Gibbard, Deschanel and Madsen)
Wailea Beach Marriott General Manager Bill Countryman presented Deschanel with a welcoming lei.
Deschanel was honored by the Maui Film Festival with its 2009 Nova Award, while Nelson was honored with the 2009 Maverick Award.
(L to R: Gordon with Willie Nelson and and Director Turk Pipkin)
Our Maui hotel resort was also home to two filmmakers panels, where inspiring directors and fans were able to meet and get insights from those whose works were featured at this year’s Maui Film Festival.
If you love movies, Maui is the place to be every summer. Please make sure to visit us next year!
