CFF and The Ecology Center LaunchNew Documentary Film Series Under the Stars
Next Up: Morning of the Earth July 29th @ 6pm
(Laguna Beach, CA) - In June 2024, the Coast Film Foundation (CFF) and The Ecology Center launched a series of family-friendly summer movie nights outside and under the stars. The series kicked off on June 26th with an audience of 200 moviegoers watching Common Ground, a film that exposes the flawed food system and highlights diverse farmers adopting regenerative agriculture to balance the climate, improve health, and stabilize the economy.
Located on a historic agricultural property that is today surrounded by urban sprawl, The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center in San Juan Capistrano. Founded by surfer Evan Marks, their mission is to protect the ocean from land runoff by promoting sustainable farming practices and educating the community on the importance of returning to ancestral land care methods.
“As we reach the midpoint of our series, we are excited to continue bringing these meaningful and thought-provoking films to our community, says Coast Film Foundation’s Ben Warner. “The monthly movie nights offer an opportunity to enjoy great documentary films and learn and engage in discussions about important environmental and social issues.”
The Summer Movies Series also serves as a fundraising vehicle for Turning Tides Films founder Dana Frankhoff's upcoming documentary about the Ecology Center. This film has been in progress since 2020 when Frankhoff met Evan Marks at the Coast Film & Music Festival. At that time, Frankhoff had just won the festival’s prestigious MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Filmmaker Award for her film Voice Above Water. Following the festival, she stayed at The Ranch in Laguna Beach as an artist in residence, where she began pre-production and filming the project.
The documentary aims to tell the stories of individuals who contributed to building the farm, emphasizing sustainable land stewardship and the revival of ancestral farming methods. This collaboration not only highlights the importance of environmental conservation but also supports independent filmmaking. Through these efforts, CFF seeks to promote sustainability and community-driven initiatives while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers.
Summer Film Series Upcoming Schedule – Doors 6 PM/Movie 7 PM
The format of these outdoor events includes a meet and greet, movie screening, and panel discussions. Tickets and details
July 31: Morning Of The Earth
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Morning of the Earth captures the beauty and soul of surfing with stunning visuals and a legendary soundtrack. It reminds us of our responsibility to live sustainably and leave a small footprint.
August 28: Food, Inc. 2
Food, Inc. 2 exposes the grip of multinational corporations on our food system and highlights the fight led by innovative farmers, activists, and key legislators for a healthier, more sustainable future.
September 25: Out There
Out There Embarks on an unforgettable 10,000-mile journey through national parks, capturing the profound stories and stunning visuals that celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service and the rich tapestry of its history.
About Coast Film Foundation
The Coast Film Foundation (CFF) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach, CA. Founded in 2022, its mission is to promote film appreciation, support filmmakers, and amplify stories that drive positive social and environmental change. The foundation extends the purpose of the Coast Film and Music Festival by offering programs for filmmakers, community shows, film awards, grants, scholarships, education, and more. (Donate to Coast Film Foundation programs.)
The Ecology Center Documentary Synopsis
The Ecology Center Documentary, produced and directed by Dana Frankoff of Turning Tides Films, tells the inspiring story of a surfer's quest to mitigate ocean pollution by creating a regenerative farm. Located on a historic agricultural property now surrounded by urban development in southern California, The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and vibrant community hub. This film will capture the remarkable transformation of a one-acre dirt lot into a thriving ecosystem, bringing together creatives, self-starters, makers, farmers, culinary leaders, visionaries, educators, and organizers. United by a common purpose, they are building a sustainable and abundant future that future generations will be proud to inherit. The documentary highlights The Ecology Center’s holistic approach, which integrates agricultural, culinary, and educational leadership to inspire and nurture a dynamic community resource. By showcasing The Ecology Center's dedication to the interconnectedness of its four pillars—Grow, Eat, Make, and Peace—this film reveals the magic of its mission and the profound impact of its work on ecological conservation and community resilience.
About Dana Frankhoff
Dana Frankoff, an award-winning filmmaker from Northern California, is a Coast Film & Music Festival laurel winner and alumni. Her directorial debut, "Voice Above Water," a short documentary that combines her passion for protecting the ocean and storytelling, won 23 awards around the world and received a Vimeo Staff Pick. Her overall goal as a filmmaker is to tell emotional stories that inspire ocean preservation, sustainability, and global change.
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