Information courtesy: Mark Kalahele

WHAT: MAMo at Kumu Kahua: First Friday Maoli Film Festival

WHERE: Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street, at Bethel Street

WHEN: Friday, May 4, at 7 and 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 5 at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $10, per seating

INFO: 536-4441, www.maoliartsmonth.org

Kumu Kahua Theatre, dedicated to producing works by Hawai‘i writers and about Hawai‘i's culture, teams up with MAMo (Maoli Arts Month) festivities to present a two-night film festival showcasing films by Hawai‘i directors. On opening night, a reception to honor filmmaking team Puhipau and Joan Lander—Na Maka O Ka Aina—will be held at the theater at 6 p.m.

 “Film is a natural extension of theater,” says theater board member and festival organizer Mark Kalahele, “and we’re excited to screen these strong works.

The 7th edition of the annual Hawaii Book & Music Festival presented by Bank of Hawaii takes place on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, 2012, on the spacious grounds of the Honolulu Hale civic center.  Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, with FREE admission and FREE parking in several nearby locations.  This family-friendly festival promises to be another best-seller event.

Festival-goers can look forward to meeting local, national and internationally celebrated authors and illustrators; a robust offering of music and stage performances; stimulating panel discussions on a variety of topics; story-telling and poetry slams; as well as activities and entertainment for the younger crowd. Attendees also will enjoy the popular Bank of Hawaii Book Swap, book-seller booths and a multi-ethnic food court.