Kohala (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island Film Festival invites fans and friends to come and meet celebrity guests during BIFF 2012, May 24-28 at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii and The Shops at Mauna Lani.

The 7th annual Festival honorees are Eloise Mumford (“The River”) and David James Elliott (“JAG”) who will appear in person at a special “Meet the Stars” gala for everyone Friday, and receptions in their honor Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Eloise Mumford, an NYU graduate, appeared on Broadway and played opposite Dennis Hopper in STARZ acclaimed series “Crash,” before going on to guest star in “Law and Order SVU” and “Mercy.” She stars in the new Dreamworks/ABC series “The River” and has leading roles in feature films, coming soon.

Eloise Mumford

Mumford’s Reception & Salute is 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday at The Fairmont Orchid.

Canadian-born actor David James Elliott is best known for his starring role in “JAG” and is currently featured on “GCB (Good Christian Belles).”

An Ironman triathlete and long distance stand up paddle boarder, Elliott is always in demand for television roles and feature films.He has appeared in “Scoundrels,” “Close to Home” (Jerry Bruckheimer), and in a recurring role in “CSI: NY.”

Elliott’s Reception & Salute is Sunday at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

On Monday, Memorial Day, BIFF’s “Best of the Fest” grand finale will star the Big Island’s own Kohala in concert, with Grammy Award-winning producer Charles Michael Brotman, whose song “Hapuna Sunset” which was featured on “The Descendants” soundtrack.

Best of the Fest includes the Kohala concert and audience-voted Best Feature and Best Short Films of BIFF 2012, plus a silent auction to benefit the Tripler Army Medical Center’s Fisher House for military families. It is also a fundraiser for Hawaii Island Food Basket.

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of independent narrative films and filmmaking, taking place May 24-28, 2012. Major sponsors include The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii and The Shops at Mauna Lani and Hawaii Tourism Authority/Hawaii County CPEP.

For complete schedule information and to print-your-own-tickets from Ticket Derby, call 883-0394 or visit: www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

Festival Highlights

* Friday, May 25
5-6:30 p.m.
“Meet the Stars”
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Kilohana Room ($60 advance ticket required)

* Saturday, May 26
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Reception & Salute to Eloise Mumford
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii – Wailana Gardens and Amphitheatre ($35 advance ticket required)

* Sunday, May 27
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Reception & Salute to David James Elliott
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii – Wailana Gardens and Amphitheatre ($35 advance ticket required)

* Monday, May 28
5:30 p.m. (doors open 4:40 p.m.)
“Best of the Fest” featuring Kohala in concert
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Plantation Estate
(Adults $35, kamaaina $25, Keiki 7-12 $10.$5 more at the door)

A blend of folk, island and jazz, reflecting the beauty of the Big Island’s Kohala region, the talented guitar trio has performed for enthusiastic audiences around the world and produced eight albums. Brotman’s slack key song “Hapuna Sunset” was included in the acclaimed soundtrack of Oscar nominee “The Descendants.”

He has won multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and Hawaii Music Awards and his recordings have reached No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Chart. Brotman composes, records, and produces from his Lava Tracks Recording Studio in Waimea and is president of Palm Records.

“Kohala was with us for the very first Big Island Film Festival,” said Executive Director Leo Sears, “And we’ve been eager to get them back ever since. Their music is ageless, timeless, and every song tells a story without words. It’s perfect for this event in this beautiful place.”

— Find out more:
www.bigislandfilmfestival.com