World Performance Series
Presenting an eclectic array of artists from around the world.
Hui Mo‘olelo: Lāhainā Film Festival
Thursday, March 27, 2025 • 6:30P.M.
Waiwai Collective; 1110 University Avenue, Suite 100
FREE! RSVP here!
The Hui Mo‘olelo: Lāhainā Film Festival comes to Oʻahu for the first time. Presented by Maui Public Art Corps in collaboration with the County of Maui, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House / Maui Historical Society, Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Outreach College, this free event features a new collection of animated film shorts that honor and celebrate Lāhainā’s rich history, culture, and sense of place.
This special event showcases the result of a summer 2024 call to artists and features the works of artists Sasha Hercik, Richard O’Connor, and a talented team of University of Hawai’i at Mānoa School of Cinematic Arts students – Jenna Lee, Syril Pecson, Zach Quemado, and Abby Worthley. Each animated short film is inspired by talk-story excerpts from Lāhainā residents, highlighting personal memories and historical narratives that have been passed down through generations.
The Hui Mo‘olelo program, which cultivates public art to celebrate the history and culture of unique sites in Maui County, has produced over 100 works of public art, including murals, mele, dance, sculpture, animation, and more. The festival organizers are excited to bring this event to Oʻahu to share these films with a broader audience.
Event Highlights:
Five Animated Film Shorts that transform Lāhainā talk-story excerpts into vibrant public art.
Live Q&A with the artists and storytellers, providing insights into the creative process and the importance of preserving Lāhainā’s stories.
Surprise Performance to further engage and immerse the audience in the cultural themes of the films.
Emcee: Sissy Lake-Farm from Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House.
Additional Information:
This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP here!
Registration is encouraged to secure your spot.
For more information, to view artwork research, and to listen to the story recordings, visit: mauipublicart.org/filmfest.
The festival invite everyone to experience this unique intersection of art, history, and community!
Earlier this season:
Clayton Stephenson2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Finalist
Thursday, February 27, 2025 • 7:30P.M
University of Hawai‘i Mānoa Orvis Auditorium
American pianist and Van Cliburn Finalist Clayton Stephenson’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power, and natural ease at the instrument. Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive” (Gramophone), he is committed to making an impact on the world through his music-making.
Supported in part by Creative West and National Endowment for the Arts.
Program
Clayton Stephenson – Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F Major at the 2022 Cliburn Competition
Last season, we were proud to present:
(re)Imagining HomelandsSaturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, 2024
Leeward Theatre, Leeward Community College
Kenny Endo, Norman Kaneshiro, and Yukie Shiroma come together in another creative retelling of ancestral memories through original music and choreography.
Co-presented with the East-West Center. Supported in part by WESTAF and National Endowment for the Arts.
Sunday, November 12, 2023 • 2:00 P.M.
University of Hawai‘i Mānoa Orvis Auditorium
Award-winning pianist and humanitarian Mahani Teave is a pioneering artist who bridges the creative world with education and environmental activism. She is the only professional classical musician on her native Easter Island. Her debut album, Rapa Nui Odyssey, was number one on the Billboard charts and received raves from critics, including BBC Music Magazine, which noted her “natural pianism” and “magnificent artistry.”
Co-presented with the East-West Center. Supported in part by WESTAF and National Endowment for the Arts.
Anna Geniushene
2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist
Sunday, March 3, 2024 • 2:00 P.M.
University of Hawai‘i Mānoa Orvis Auditorium
Anna Geniushene’s fresh, layered, and powerful interpretations defined her participation at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—and won her the coveted silver medal at the competition and the adoration of fans around the globe. Her accomplishments did not go unnoticed by critics who applauded her, “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity…had this critic on the edge of his seat” (Musical America).
Supported in part by WESTAF and National Endowment for the Arts.
Kala Ramnath, violin
Sunday, March 10, 2024 • 2:00 P.M.
University of Hawai‘i Mānoa Orvis Auditorium
Maestro Kala Ramnath with her ‘Singing Violin’ stands among the world’s finest, most inspirational instrumentalists. Her playing has been featured on the Grammy-nominated Miles from India project, compositions of hers have appeared on the Grammy-winning album In 27 Pieces and the Kronos Quartet’s 50 For The Future. In May 2017 she was awarded the illustrious Sangeet Natak Academy Puraskar for her contributions to the violin in Hindustani Classical Music.
Co-presented with the East-West Center. Supported in part by WESTAF and National Endowment for the Arts.