Coast Film & Music Festival in Laguna Beach is now nine days long – Orange County Register

The idea, organizers say, is to attract curious viewers – and ensure they leave inspired.

The Coastal Film and Music Festival runs from Saturday, November 9 through November 17, expanding this year to nine days of films, music and environmentally focused discussions and gatherings throughout Laguna Beach.

Created by local film enthusiasts Ben Warner and Enich Harris, the Coast Film & Music Festival started in 2019 as a three-day event.

“We really had no idea what we were getting into,” Warner said. “It’s natural for us to grow, in the sense that we’re getting visibility among filmmakers, we’re getting more films submitted, we’re growing in our sponsors and the support of our foundations – so it kind of helps us do more. . Our mission is to promote films that create change.”

This year’s lineup includes 15 feature films and 53 short films showing at four locations in Laguna Beach.

“It’s important to share films that relate to inspirational and educational messages, with the idea that you know our tagline ‘Come Curious and Be Inspired,’” Warner said. “With all the films we’ve put together, we’ve built a sensible collection of films and speakers that really help create a great entertainment experience with an underlying point of education and inspiration for positive change.”

The newly opened Rivian South Coast Theater and home to the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters will serve as the premier venues for feature films, live music performances, art exhibitions and the “Do Good Village.”

On the opening night of the film festival, the award-winning film ‘Porcelain War’ will be shown, with a live performance by Ukrainian pianist Leyena Antonyicq. ‘Porcelain War’ documents the stories of Ukrainian artists as they remain behind to fight in the ongoing conflict.

The film won Best Documentary at Sundance and is shortlisted for an Academy Award, Warner said.

On Sunday, November 10, there will be a special program called ‘Explorations of Sight & Sound’, with live music from Matt Costa and other music guests.

The short film program is divided into four thematic blocks: Our Lands, Our Oceans, Every Day Wonders and Healed by Nature.

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center will be home to short films and special presentations; while Hobie Surf Shop Laguna Beach will host its annual “locals night” on November 12 with screenings of “Return to the Bering” and “The Fisherman’s Son.”

Throughout the week, inspirational speakers will go to local schools to talk to students about the environment, to show youth that there is a career path in nonprofits and philanthropy and to help them “understand the importance of all these amazing resources we have to protect. around us,” Harris said.

“That’s what we really love, is just being able to connect with the next generation of filmmakers, philanthropists and activists — they’re the next generation,” Harris said. “So it’s really important to be able to ignite or light that spark or inspire them on their journey.”

The Coast Summit, presented by A New Earth Project at the Rivian Theater on November 14, will include a full-day event with keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities focused on environmental and adventure topics, including marine conservation, materials innovation and the role of top athletes who stimulate change.

New this year will be a free outdoor event for the public on the Forest Avenue Promenade that same evening. The first-ever “Films on Forest Avenue” is presented by ROARK, featuring films and live music.

The final weekend of outdoor activities focuses on exploring Laguna Beach’s diverse land and seascape – everything from yoga, hikes, kayaking and mountain biking.

On Nov. 16, the festival will host the Coast Student Filmmaker program, featuring work from middle school and high school students from across the country.

Eight awards will be presented, including the Coast Film Foundation MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Filmmaker of the Year, which includes a $3,000 cash prize.

On the final day of the event, Laguna Beach filmmaker Greg McGillivray will screen his latest, “The Superhuman Body,” at the Festival of Arts at 1 p.m.