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A Film Festival Putting Neurodivergent Talent Front and Center

04.12.26

Blu Star Productions is launching the inaugural Blu Star Film Festival on Saturday, May 2 at The Frida Cinema, with in-person screenings scheduled from 3 to 11 p.m. The festival will also stream online, extending its reach well beyond the theater.

The event features the work of eight Southern California production studios made up entirely of neurodivergent adults, many on the autism spectrum. These filmmakers are paid and credited for their work, but their films are often only seen within their own studio communities. This festival changes that, bringing their work to a broader audience in a shared, public setting.

Founded by Alex Astrella, Blu Star Productions was created by an artist with a disability for artists with disabilities, with a focus on providing resources and opportunities to showcase their work on a larger stage. Astrella, who is autistic, set out to highlight creators who have often been underestimated and to create a space where their work is taken seriously.

“I see myself in so many of the artists who are participating in our festival; like myself, they were told at a young age they wouldn’t ever live independently. However they have defied the odds and are now making films for audiences around the world to see,” Astrella said.

The 2026 festival includes notable guests such as Dani Bowman, along with voices in the neurodivergent community like Kerry Magro and Eileen Lamb, and participating studios including Exceptional Minds and Spectrum Laboratory.

For those attending in person, the festival is structured in screening blocks, with several pass options depending on how much of the day to experience. A single-block pass is available, along with multi-block and all-access options that include early entry and reserved seating. There is also a virtual pass that provides access to the full film catalog, livestreams, and Q&As from home.

The festival continues online after the in-person event, with additional livestreams, Q&As, and at-home viewing options available through the platform.

Tickets and more information, here thefridacinema.org/movies/blustar-film-festival/ 

The Frida Cinema is at 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana.

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Rove Costa Mesa Now Open With Fast Charging and Lounge

04.08.26

Rove Costa Mesa is now open, bringing a new approach to EV charging in Orange County.

Located on Harbor Boulevard, the space combines 40 fast chargers with a thoughtfully designed lounge and ReCharge Market by Gelson’s. The goal is simple. Make the time spent charging easier and more comfortable.

An opening rate of $0.44 per kWh is available for a limited time, making it a good moment to stop in and plug in.

Inside, there is plenty of seating, free WiFi, and space to relax or catch up on work. The ReCharge Market offers coffee, baked goods, snacks, and grab-and-go meals, all curated with the quality you would expect from Gelson’s.

What stands out is the overall experience. Clean design, convenient amenities, and a layout created with the EV community in mind. It feels less like a charging stop and more like a place you would choose to spend time.

The lounge is open daily from midnight to 4 a.m. and from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., with restrooms, outlets, and comfortable seating available.

2666 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa

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