Films include “Plastic Addiction” and “Remember” (Pictured).

WAILUKU – On Sunday, May 19, at 6 p.m., Maui Huliau Foundation, an environmental education nonprofit serving Maui’s youth, will host its ninth annual Huliau Youth Environmental Film Festival at the historic ?Iao Theater in Wailuku.

Students pitch, plan, shoot and edit their films at an after-school filmmaking program coordinated by Maui Huliau Foundation throughout the school year. Funds raised are used to support the program in the upcoming school year.

The event will premiere ten short environmental films made by youth from 14 different schools in Maui County. This year’s slate features documentary films from new Huliau youth filmmaking programs in Hana and Molokai. Other films include a music video parody of the Cheerleader song about avoiding single-use, and a claymation film where sea creatures speak about human impacts on their marine environment.

“Maui Huliau Foundation has allowed me to capture environmental issues in an informational but entertaining way,” said Kiana Liu, a senior at Kamehameha Maui campus.

“Through these experiences, I have made so many friends and connections. The Huliau staff have helped me so much in capturing the stories I find are important to share with the community of Maui. They have inspired me to tell the stories I want to tell and care more about the story rather than just the technical aspects of filmmaking. This organization is so deserving, and I plan to continue to help them as I continue on to film school.”

Maui Huliau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes environmental literacy and leadership among Maui youth ages 12-18. The Huliau Environmental Filmmaking Club is their longest running program and has produced more than 70 student films selected over 100 times by national and international film festivals.

“This year, we are excited to share new youth films created in partnership with youth organizations in Hana and Molokai,” said Malia Cahill, executive director. “We have a great mix of different film styles and creative stories from across Maui Nui.”

Tickets may be purchased at a discount in advance at Native Intelligence in Wailuku, Lost on Maui in Paia or at www.mauihuliaufoundation.org/festival. You can also find updates and a Facebook event on their social media sites @mauihuliau.