It's A Wrap: Coast Film Fest To End With Laguna Beach Legends

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—The Coast Film Festival debuts Wednesday at Hobie Surf Shop on Forest Avenue in downtown Laguna Beach with "Birth of the Endless Summer," then moves to the Festival of Arts Grounds Thursday through Sunday. While opening night sold out a week ago, the film will screen again on closing night's "Legends of Laguna" filmmaker showcase.

The global settings of so many of this year's entries led CFF21 to create “Legends of Laguna” to wrap up the third festival. Creators and athletes will regale the festival audience with tales about the storytellers.

"Birth of the Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis" just premiered at the Newport Beach Film Fest. Its director and Laguna local Richard Yelland will appear in-person at Sunday night's screening, along with the legendary Dick Metz, who provides all the backstory anyone could want on Bruce Brown's international mega-hit.

The evening includes an homage to the late Tom Morey (1935-2021). “Lost Prophets” director Nathan Apffel has cut a 15-minute tribute reel from the feature, which debuted in Laguna in 2009 with Morey narrating.

Morey, who first moved to Laguna Beach back in 1944, transformed the surf industry with his inventions and approach to life, though he is most famous for creating the Boogie Board. Apffel and "Lost Prophet" surfers will appear at the showcase.

Internationally known Laguna filmmaker and big supporter of CFF Greg MacGillivray will be on-hand with his latest work, "Grand Canyon Adventure, River At Risk."

“Having Greg here talking about his film is magic enough," says Ben Warner, CFF founder. "But we’ll have a few moments while Greg’s onstage to bring up some other local legends. [They’ll] talk about their passion for Laguna and the sports that they do—skimboarders, mountain bikers, surfers. Troy Lee will be here.”

Warner hinted at a surprise guest, revealing the local legend has some connection to the soundtrack of "Grand Canyon Adventure." Hmmm. Any guesses?

Musician and former pro skateboarder Matt Costa will play a live set, and hopefully, throw in some anecdotes from his recent world tour.

Storytellers, legends, live music—it's going to be ... well, legendary.

Check out blurbs on all the shorts and features in CFF's film guide. Read Ben Warner's short film block recommendations and an overview of Coast Film Festival—or just see everything if at all possible. See you there.