Love, adventure, high surf pack Maui Film Fest lineup

When Barry Rivers gets excited about the films in his Maui Film Festival, he can sound like a man who drank too much Red Bull.

But this year, as he prepares for the 15th annual edition, which runs from Wednesday through June 8, his descriptions are machine-gun fast.

He has love stories. He has true-life adventure.

He has surf films (five of them, more than he’s ever screened). He has a documentary about a young man who took his parents to Burning Man.

And he has Lupita Nyong’o, the brilliant actress who won an Oscar for her supporting role in "12 Years a Slave." She’ll be on Maui to accept the festival’s Rainmaker Award, which honors performances that encourage people to expand their definition of what it means to be human.

"She is just so wonderful," Rivers said. "Whenever I have heard her speak, it’s a real intelligent, beautiful and enlightened being telling me something. She is just special in a way that transcends any film role."

The festival will screen 35 feature-length films and 18 short films, Rivers said. About a third of them are documentaries.

"This year’s festival feels pretty meaty to me," he said.

One of his favorite films, "Thundercloud," tells the story of the Fijian surf spot Cloudbreak and the access issues that have kept it off-limits to everyone except those who stay at the Tavarua Island Resort. The film from Australian Talon Clemow captured three huge swells at Cloudbreak, including one so big it forced the cancellation of a professional surf contest.

"It’s an interesting story well told," Rivers said. "I have seen some of the most incredible wave footage and more of it in that film than in any other film I have looked at. It is mindblowing."

Other favorites make up an eclectic sampling for Rivers.

The feature narrative film "Frank vs. God," which stars former "Lost" cast member and Lanikai resident Henry Ian Cusick, is the story of a man who decides to sue God after his home is destroyed by a tornado.

"Tracks" is an adaptation of a true story: Robyn Davidson’s 2,000-mile walk across the Australian desert.

And "Journey to Jah" is a documentary about two reggae musicians — one from Germany, the other from Italy — who pursue their music while living in Jamaica. "It’s a deep exploration of what life in Jamaica is really like," Rivers said.

One of the festival’s other honorees, actor/director Joe Manganiello, will receive the Triple Threat Award.

His new documentary, "La Bare," will also screen. It’s an unusual mirror of life and art: Manganiello wowed audiences of "Magic Mike," the feature film about male strippers, and his documentary covers (or uncovers) the same topic.

At first, Rivers questioned whether the documentary was appropriate. Then he saw the film.

"I really dug it," he said. "The film is getting huge buzz. It’s been called the hottest film of the summer. It’s a really smartly done documentary."

Manganiello will receive the award that honors those who successfully juggle acting, directing and producing but Rivers thinks he’ll be a huge draw just by showing up.

"If I had a dollar for every woman who came up to me swooning about the fact that he is going to be here I could stop the festival plans and retire," Rivers said. "Hopefully it will be a well-received film."

The festival, which takes months to prepare, comes together with days to go, Rivers said. But that doesn’t mean he will slow down.

"There are a lot of things going on," he said. "I tell people I feel like a plate spinner on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’"

For film times, venue details and ticket prices, visit www.mauifilmfestival.com.

AND that’s a wrap …

Mike Gordon is the Star-Advertiser’s film and television writer. Read his Outtakes Online blog at honolulupulse.com. Reach him at 529-4803 or email mgordon@staradvertiser.com.