Be Still, Beating Heart: Zac Efron Live at Maui Film Festival, Celestial Cinema, Wednesday June 16, 2010
Oh, the former high school musical ingenue inside of me … who still sings showtunes in the shower … is kinda sorta really stoked about what I just found out:
Zac Efron – of High School Musical fame – is going to be at the Maui Film Festival this month to receive the Shining Star award, which is given – according to the Festival – to “a film artist, still in the ascendance of their [sic] career – with many magnetic performances both behind and ahead of them – whose very presence on screen guarantees as much light as heat.”
So it’s not all about sizzle … it’s about substance. Nice! Previous recipients include Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel, so young Mr. Efron is in very good company.
In past years the award ceremony was a ticket-or-pass-only affair, but this year the Festival has decided to open it up to the public. The ceremony, including a question-and-answer session, will be held live at the Celestial Cinema on Opening Night. And no, you won’t squint – the whole thing will be projected on the big screen with those killer speakers (in case he gives us a tune?).
To continue with the young-thing-singing theme, the ceremony will be followed by the evening’s feature film: Bran Nue Dae, which trailer just kills me. Starring an uptight Geoffrey Rush as a priest dedicated to running down a religious school runaway in 1969, it’s the movie version of a musical comedy that has been rocking Oz for a decade now. My favorite lyric? “There’s nothing I would rather be than to be an aborigine.” Here’s the trailer.
So should you attend opening night at the Festival? Well, duh. I really think it will be one of the most uplifting, fun evenings of the week, and it’s only $20 now or $22 if you get your ticket that evening, Wednesday June 16, 8pm.
If you want to get up close and personal with Zac Efron and other Festival “luminaries,” I suggest you get the Nova Pass, which not only gives you access to all the films your mind and heart can handle, but also to the Opening Night Dinner at Capische? in Wailea!
As you’ve probably heard by now, Capische? is our favorite restaurant on the island. Our last meal there was a few weeks ago, but I am thrilled to go again. If you haven’t been to Capische? yet and you are interested in the Festival, bundling these two experiences together will give you James’ and my version of Heaven on Earth. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it.
The details on events, tributes, and movies continue to be fleshed out on the Maui Film Festival website.