Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m passionate about movies. I love a good story, drama and the action that a good film captures, as well as the perspectives that documentaries reveal to me. It’s really where I get a lot of my inspiration for my photography…the lighting, the drama, the action! This form of visual media allows me to see the artistry of people, which is why I’m going to talk about the Oscar Experience.
The Oscar Experience is part of Oscar Night America, which sponsors grassroots programs that enable charities to support their local communities. Last year 49 nonprofit charities hosted these viewing parties and sponsored charities such as the American Red Cross, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the Special Olympics. Only one charity in a market is given permission to host these events, as the program is the philanthropic work of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
This Sunday was the fourth time I photographed the Oscar Night America; an event that supports the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). While some Oscar parties can have a theme relating to the movies, the one held in Honolulu is a black-tie-affair, making it a night of glamor and fashion.
Yes, that’s me on the left and the ever so talented Joshua Nye the director of the Hawaii International Film Festival
Honolulu Mayor, Kirk Caldwell arriving at The Modern Hotel for Oscar Night America
Co-Charis Nicole and Kristen with Daniel Dae Kim
My team and I photographed the night’s events. First, we captured guests walking down the red carpet in their fashionable and elegant attire. Walking the red carpet was like watching the society pages in a magazine, such as Honolulu mayor, Kirk Caldwell, Peter Lenkov, producer and developer of the hit sensation of the new version of Hawaii Five-0. Kimi Matar from HI Luxury, Kristen Chan + Nicole Kobayashi, the event chairs, Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone and her hubby + Business partner Jamie Giambrone, of Element Media to Christa Wittmier (aka super crew) and Daniel Dae Kim (of LOST & Hawaii 50). After giving attendees the paparazzi treatment, we took pictures of as they browsed the many items available for the event’s silent auction and enjoyed a five course meal prepared especially for the evening.
Hawaii-50 producer and creator, Peter Lenkov walking the red carpet
Christa Wittmier arrives with guest
Kimi Matar arrives with her husband and Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone and Jamie Giambrone
The event contributes to the presence of HIFF keeping the film festival alive and well in Hawaii. Through the funds raised, HIFF is able to bring all kinds of beautiful and unique films that would otherwise not be seen by audiences in the islands including film that re home grown right here in Hawaii. Fortunately, The Oscar Experience is just what HIFF needs for the magic of movies, from foreign films to independent ones alike, to take root in Hawaii.
For the full coverage and see you images, click here
For more information about the Hawaii International Film Festival you know, click!
