PHOTO VIA THE DONN OF TIKI FACEBOOK PAGE
On Friday, August 8, Enzian Theater (Website) in Maitland will host a special screening of the documentary The Donn of Tiki, which takes a deep dive into the life of Donn Beach, born Ernest Gantt, the pioneering creator of the first tiki bar and the broader Polynesian-themed cocktail culture.
Directed by Alex Lamb and Max Well, the film employs retro animation, archival footage, and interviews with tiki historians like Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and Smuggler’s Cove’s Martin Cate to unravel the mythos behind Beach’s unique blend of myth, rum, and escapism. Including looks at prohibition-era bootlegging, World War II R&R camps, Honolulu’s mid-century tourism boom, and Beach’s dramatic reinvention from rum-runner to cultural legend.
Tickets start at $12.50, with discounts available for students, seniors, and members, and are available HERE for purchase. Screenings will run through August 15.
