The Coast Film & Music Festival (CFMF) is set to bring an exciting lineup of films, music, and art to Laguna Beach from November 9 to 17. This year’s event features 15 feature films and 53 short films across four venues, with a special focus on themes of nature, resilience, and cultural storytelling.
“The 2024 lineup represents the perfect fusion of cinematic artistry, musical talent, and outdoor spirit that defines the Coast Film & Music Festival,” says CFMF co-founder Enich Harris. “We’re creating an immersive experience that celebrates our connection to nature, inspires action to protect our planet, and showcases the incredible talent in adventure filmmaking and music.”
Highlights from the Film Lineup
Opening Night will showcase the award-winning Porcelain War, directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev. This powerful documentary follows Ukrainian artists turned soldiers, capturing their fight to maintain their creative spirit amidst war. The screening will be accompanied by a live performance from Ukrainian pianist Leyena Antonyicq, creating a deeply moving start to the festival.
Closing Night will feature two inspiring films: Falling into Place: The Kai Jones Story, which chronicles a young skiing prodigy’s comeback after a life-altering injury, and Champions of the Golden Valley, a story of Afghan skiers uniting across ethnic divides and using the lessons of resilience to rebuild their lives as refugees.
Other notable films include In Waves and War by John Shenk and Bonni Cohen, Let It Kill You: The Arto Saari Story by Ben McQueen, and Beyond the Fantasy by Todd Jones, showcasing stories of adventure, survival, and creativity.
Short Films and Themes
The short films are divided into four blocks: “Our Lands,” “Our Oceans,” “Every Day Wonders,” and “Healed by Nature.” These films celebrate the beauty of natural landscapes, the importance of conservation, and the transformative power of connecting with nature.
Awards and Festival Mission
CFMF will present eight awards, including the prestigious MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Filmmaker of the Year, with a $3,000 prize to support environmental storytelling. The festival’s mission is to inspire change through film, while also supporting filmmakers and the next generation of storytellers through student programs.
Tickets for CFMF are available online and at the door, with options for single events, day passes, and all-event VIP passes. Don’t miss this immersive experience celebrating adventure, artistry, and a commitment to the planet.
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