The Dana Point Film Festival is all about celebrating the ocean – whether it’s the preservation of the sea, putting a spotlight on creatures who call it home, or showcasing its waves as a surfer’s playground.
The second annual The Endless Summer + Dana Point Film Festival this weekend showcases more than 40 hours of film and entertainment at various locations throughout the city, including three nights of free community events with screenings and music at Salt Creek Beach Park overlooking the ocean.
“It’s a coming together of the community that loves the ocean,” said film festival board member Norb Garrett. “That’s what it’s about.”
Festivities kick off Thursday night with a VIP meet-and-greet with film makers at Station Craft Brewery. The film festival kicks off Friday, May 3, and is at three venues this year – the Dana Point Sailing Center in the harbor, the nearby Dana Point Women’s Club and Salt Creek Beach.
The lineup includes more than 50 feature films and shorts from around the world, as well as informative panels and Q&As with filmmakers.
The film festival aims at keeping alive the legacy of filmmaker Bruce Brown, who created “The Endless Summer,” said Alex Mecl, co-founder and CFO of the festival. It’s a way to allow others to showcase their filmmaking in the beach town where Brown honed his craft, he said. The image for “The Endless Summer’s” iconic poster was shot at Salt Creek Beach.
Mecl, CEO of Bruce Brown Films since the ’90s, said the festival is the next chapter in the famed filmmaker’s legacy, to create a community-focused event that will help others showcase their work.
“It aligned with his personal beliefs. Bruce was a worldly man, what he thrived on was documenting different cultures. He thrived on diversity and meeting people,” Mecl said. “It’s something he would be proud of.”
While last year screened “The Endless Summer,” this year celebrates the next generation with Dana Brown, Bruce’s son,…
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