Adventure #1
This is not one of those death-defying, fear-inducing adventures, but it was certainly an adventure none-the-less. What made it an adventure? It was something I have never done before, outside of my normal routine, an opportunity to try something new. At first, I had my reservations. Generally, I am not a movie goer, rarely seeing films at all, but was drawn in by the allure of trying something new.
For four days there were movies playing from 9 am to 9pm in four different theatres. These films presented incredible, jaw-dropping cinematography. Interwoven with these stunning scenes were story-lines that unfolded in ways that left the audience aghast, thinking more deeply, and contemplating issues that arise in ecosystems across the planet. This included documentaries shot over dramatic landscapes from Antarctica to Austria, the island of Hawaii to oceans around the world. These films featured culture, wildlife, and epic adventures. I left each film feeling amped, educated, and inspired. I was deeply moved.
One movie that truly left me stunned was “Apollo 11”. This was a wild card for a ecologically minded film festival. Space exploration really doesn’t excite me and again-I almost did not go. At the last minute I decided to join my friends in the theater and check it out. I really wasn’t expecting to be thrilled in anyway, I mean we all know how it ends: Apollo 11 makes it to the moon and back. Unexpectedly, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and later found myself talking excitedly to anyone who would listen. This was a shoick for me. It was something far out of my out atmosphere and my normal interests-until now. This led to a broadening of my own interests and that is truly the spirit of adventure- a leap that leads to growth and expansion of the human experience. It also opened my mind into what is possible, despite the odds.
This theme repeated throughout the festival through deep dives into unknowns, and excursions that explored of new territories never seen before. In full length documentaries spanning topics from ocean fish to orca whales, from cowboys riding wild mustangs to surfers riding the biggest waves on the planet. I continued to explore to new worlds through the works of some of the best film crews, writers, and producers on the planet.
There were often opportunities for Q+A with filmmakers, which shed light into the process of filmmaking and a deeper dive into the stories of the films.
*Pro-tip: you can volunteer for festivals and it gets you a free pass. (This is exactly what we did.)
Being at this festival also allowed me to explore new places on the island. It was luxurious to spend time at the plush Fairmont Orchid. It was a glorious sunny day, perfect for exploring the historic fish ponds and new beaches. A sea turtle graced the shore, and the water left me delightfully refreshed.
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Back in the Fairmont, pictured below-this was a life-size inflatable whale that you could actually walk inside of! There were also NOAA presentations and art displayed that was made out of trash from the ocean. All of these were also part of the Film Festival.
This experience revealed not only many challenges the earth is facing, but also viable solutions. It illuminated the power of the human spirit and mindset. It opened my world into fresh experiences that brought about bliss and joys. Maybe I am a movie goer after all. I am absolutely thrilled for this incredible opportunity, to share it with good friends, and meet some new friends along the way.
100for2020 