They are stories of inspiration and purpose all with one common thread – putting a spotlight on nature.
Some films are about perseverance in conquering mountains or oceans. Other films to be shown during the Coast Film & Music Festival show examples of humans making the world a better place through action.
The Laguna Beach festival, now in its fifth year, kicks off on Wednesday, Nov. 8, drawing film lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and environmental activists together for a five-day event that will showcase more than 70 films.
“It’s our saying: Come curious, leave inspired,” said Enich Harris, who along with Ben Warner founded the festival.
Though the festival doesn’t officially start until mid-week, San Clemente big-wave surfer Greg Long spoke with local elementary school kids on Monday, a way for the festival creators to give back to the community.
“These are the change makers – the kids in the school – of the future,” Harris said. “If we can inspire them and turn their little lights on, it’s a win for everyone.”
The festival is more than just films, with a lineup of music acts, inspirational and cultural change-maker speakers and a calendar of events aimed at exploring the coastal town’s natural landscape.
There is also a Do Good Village to inspire visitors of all ages to learn about causes and make changes in their daily lives.
There are also several guided outdoor experiences being held throughout Laguna Beach in conjunction with the festival, some requiring tickets, others free, though all require registration due to limited spaces available. There’s everything from kayaking off Fisherman’s Cove to mountain bike riding and yoga sessions.
Opening night will kick off at Hobie Surf Shop in Laguna Beach with the showing of “Wild Life,” which follows conservationist Kris Tompkins through the wild landscapes she has dedicated her life to protecting.
The remainder of the screenings will be held at the Festival of the Arts.
New this year is the Coast Summit presented by A New Earth Project from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Thursday. It will be a day of learning about conservation and social responsibility, organizers said.
The speakers range from environmental advocates to adventure athletes, including pro skier Amie Engerbretson, Surfrider Foundation CEO Chad Nelsen, pro snowboarder and Protect Our Winters founder Jeremy Jones, pro big-wave surfers Kai Lenny and Ramon Navarro and more.
“We get all these incredible filmmakers and athletes and everyone together once a year,” Harris said. “We thought what a great opportunity … let’s add something new that has the potential to have a nice ripple effect in the world.”
Tickets for the Coast Summit are being sold separately, cost is $85 online or $115 at the door and includes lunch and a networking happy hour.
The featured films throughout the festival will range from outdoor pursuits, passion and preservation.
One of the bigger names is two-time world champion John John Florence’s film “Advice To My Younger Self,” following the pro surfer during a 3,000-mile sailing expedition with his brothers, where they encountered a massive storm in the middle of nowhere while on their 48-foot catamaran.
“Trilogy: New Wave” will have its world premiere on Friday night. The film follows three up-and-coming surfers, including San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto, as they travel to remote destinations searching for waves to rediscover the joy of surfing free from contest scores.
A Q & A will happen following the film with director Andrew Mackenzie, Hawaiian surfer Seth Moniz, filmmaker Taylor Steele, Colapinto and Harris, producer of the film.
Harris worked with legendary surf film maker Steele on the original “Trilogy” film released in 2007, which featured Andy Irons, Taj Burrow and Joel Parkinson. While the new film pays homage to that original, it looks at the next generation coming up.
The Coast Student Film Program on Saturday morning will showcase short documentaries made by Orange County middle school and high school students.
The art of photography will also be celebrated on Saturday with The Surfer’s Journal photo editor Grant Ellis showcasing “A Lesson in Three Images,” an exploration of photography’s lasting impact on the culture and history of surfing and its place in a post-print landscape.
That night will also be the annual “Follow The Light” surf photography awards in honor of Larry “Flame” Moore.
On the final day, Sunday, Nov. 12, there will be a director’s preview of “Cities of the Future,” which shows an imagined future 50 years from now when cities are designed to be totally sustainable.
“Cities of the Future” is produced by Laguna Beach-based MacGillivray Freeman Films in association with the American Society of Civil Engineers.
More information or tickets, visit: coastfilmmusicfestival.com
