Quotes from Participants in the 2008 Film Festival

...this was the first festival I've ever had a film in, and the first time I've traveled outside the continental U.S., so it was exciting on both counts, and between the films, the food and the beach it was the perfect way to kick off my summer vacation. I expect I'll be submitting something for next year's festival.
Scott Sullivan - Producer/Director/Writer - The Bungled Overture

Thanks for such a warm and welcoming experience. I was proud to be part of the Big Island Film Festival. It was cozy, casual, and extremely well organized. Thanks for making a home for filmmaking on the Big Island. Much Aloha to the ‘08 family.
Damon Van Deusen - Producer/Director/Screenwriter - Mai Tai - Winner of Golden Honu Audience Choice Short

We had a great time at the Fest, thank you for all your efforts on our behalf. It was a great way to close out our 'Festival run'. I will long remember staring at the stars above in the amphitheater while the movie played.
DB Sweeney - Actor/Producer/Writer/Director - Two Tickets to Paradise - Winner of Golden Honu Award for Acting

The 2008 Big Island Film Festival was a first for me - but an event I hope to attend on a yearly basis from now on. In fact, I already purchased two tickets for next year! BIFF was a rewarding experience both professionally and aesthetically. I saw more movies during the course of the festival than I would have thought possible. But the best part of the event for me was meeting and talking with the other film makers. That interaction was worth its weight in gold. I don't want to dwell on the negative, but hearing about the mistakes others have made and the pitfalls of independent film making was the most valuable part of the experience for me as a producer. I can already see the benefits dropping to the bottom line. The most amazing aspect of the BIFF is that you and your staff orchestrated a world class event with so much aloha. The venues, especially the outdoor theatre at the Queens' Gardens, were lovely, comfortable and incredibly beautiful. I felt welcome and pampered at the receptions at the resort. The food, drink and entertainment were exactly what I hoped they would be. There were lots of opportunities to talk story with the other film makers and I feel as though I now have a network of industry specialists to contact if I have questions or want to bounce some ideas around.
Lorraine Mecca - Producer/Director - The Blanket Producer - Voyages

Click HERE to see photos and quotes from the 2008 Festival!