Sixth Annual Coast Film & Music Festival November 9-17

The Coast Film & Music Festival (CFMF) has announced its 2024 lineup, featuring 15 feature films and 53 shorts, categorized thematically. The festival will run from November 9 to 17 across four venues in Laguna Beach: Rivian South Coast Theater, Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, and Hobie Surf Shop Laguna Beach. 

Opening Night will present "Porcelain War," an award-winning documentary by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, accompanied by a live performance from Ukrainian pianist Leyena Antonyicq. The film explores the experiences of Ukrainian artists who remain in their homeland amidst conflict, balancing their roles as artists and soldiers. 

The festival will conclude with two films: "Falling into Place: The Kai Jones Story" by Todd Jones, which follows a young skiing prodigy's journey from viral fame to overcoming a significant injury, and "Champions of the Golden Valley" by Ben Sturgulewski, documenting young Afghan skiers uniting through sport in Bamyan. 

Additional feature films include:

• "In Waves and War" by John Shenk and Bonni Cohen
• "Let It Kill You: The Arto Saari Story" by Ben McQueen
• "Between the Mountain and the Sky" by Jeremy Regimbal
• "Art and Life: The Story of Jim Phillips" by John Makens
• "Beyond the Fantasy" by Todd Jones
• "Death Grip 2" by Brendan Fairclough, directed by Clay Porter and Chris Seager
• "Explorations of Site and Sound" by Matt Costa
• "Fire Lines" by Ken Etzel
• "NØ WAY" by Harrison Roach
• "One with the Whale" by Pete Chelkowski and Jim Wicken
• "Out There: A National Parks Story" by Brendan Hall
• "Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story" by Charles Francis and Daniel Kinnane

The short films are organized into four thematic blocks:

1. Our Lands: Showcasing diverse landscapes and land conservation challenges.
2. Our Oceans: Highlighting the beauty and importance of the world's oceans.
3. Every Day Wonders: Celebrating the magic in daily life.
4. Healed by Nature: Featuring stories of individuals transformed by their connection with nature.

The festival also includes the Coast Student Filmmaker program on November 16, showcasing works from students in grades 6-12. CFMF is committed to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and will award a scholarship to a graduating Laguna Beach High School student pursuing film studies. 

Other highlights include:

• Films on Forest Avenue: A free, open-air event with film screenings and live music on November 14.
• The Coast Summit: A full-day event on November 14 featuring keynote speakers and panel discussions on environmental and adventure topics.
• Live Music Performances: Featuring artists like Sea Wolf, Cayucas, and Sunstroke Serenaders.
• Do Good Village: Interactive workshops and exhibitions promoting sustainability and community engagement.
• Outdoor Activities: Yoga, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking experiences.

CFMF will present eight awards, including the Coast Film Foundation MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Filmmaker of the Year, which comes with a $3,000 cash prize. 

For more information and ticketing options, visit the official festival website, Coast Film Festival