The 7th Annual Coast Film & Music Festival wrapped nine days of films, music, and community celebration in Laguna Beach, drawing thousands of people from November 1-9. The festival brought together creators, changemakers, cultural icons and fans across multiple venues throughout the beach town, culminating in two consecutive sold-out nights with Jack Johnson & The Moonshine Conspiracy at the historic 2,600-seat Irvine Bowl.
It was during the festival’s finale weekend that brought Jack Johnson & Friends back to the Irvine Bowl, marking the venue’s return to its 1941 roots as a live concert destination. Both nights sold out, with audiences experiencing remastered 4K screenings of Johnson’s classic surf films followed by intimate outdoor performances under the stars.
Friday night featured “Thicker Than Water” (1999) with a live set including Hermanos Gutiérrez, G. Love, Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza, and Johnson’s bandmates Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, and Zach Gill. Saturday showcased “The September Sessions” (2000) with G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Costa, Rob Machado, and the full band.
The two nights celebrated 25 years since these influential surf films launched Johnson’s music career. Both films, remastered from original 16mm prints, screened on the big screen in Laguna Beach for the first time in a quarter century. Net proceeds benefit the Johnson Ê»Ohana Foundation, which supports Southern California ocean conservation groups, with a portion going to Coast Film Foundation.
“The 2025 Coast Film & Music Festival was an incredible celebration of art, story, and community,” said Ben Warner, Co-Founder & Executive Director. “Over nine inspiring days in Laguna Beach, we brought people together through more than 100 films shown at multiple venues including the Rivian South Coast Theater, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, thought-provoking panels, live music, and unforgettable shared experiences — from the Coast Summit and Student Stewardship Day to Films on Forest and two magical, sold-out concert nights with Jack Johnson & Friends at the Irvine Bowl. Coast continues to prove that when creativity and purpose meet, community thrives.”
Celebrating Filmmakers & Storytellers
Nine film awards honored outstanding storytelling and filmmaking, with handcrafted trophies created by Allison Spurlock, a fine-line artist and sculptor from Sitka, Alaska. Spurlock transforms found coastal materials into intricate works inspired by marine life, reflecting her deep connection to the ocean and passion for creative sustainability—values that align perfectly with the festival’s mission.
2025 Film Award Winners:
– Best Feature: “Andre Is An Idiot”
– MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Film: “Out of Plain Sight” ($3,000 cash prize)
– MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Film Runner-Up: “Rock | Plastic | Salmon”
– Audience Choice: “Best Day Ever”
– Best Short: “Then Comes the Body”
– Cultural Maverick: “Gangster Gardener”
– Wavemaker Award: “Comparsa”
– Spirit Award: “American Southwest”
– Stoke Award: “Mountains of The Moon”
The third annual Coast Summit, presented by A New Earth Project, explored “Healthy People, Healthy Planet” through panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking with world-class athletes, storytellers, activists, and changemakers. What began as a small gathering has evolved into a powerful community united by a shared purpose—to live well, work consciously, and care for the planet that sustains us. From Adelia Sandoval’s moving land acknowledgment at Main Beach to Jon Rose’s closing session on his remarkable journey of impact and healing, Coast Summit wove together science, story, and spirit in a way that reminded us that personal well-being and planetary health are deeply intertwined.
Special Events
The Do Good Village offered hands-on experiences with community partners, while outdoor activities included yoga, hikes, kayak tours, and mountain biking.
Follow The Light Surf Photography Awards
The festival also recognized excellence in surf photography through the Follow The Light Awards. Ian Grose won the Grand Prize, taking home $5,000 and a working opportunity with Grant Ellis for Surfer’s Journal. Hayden Garfield earned the People’s Choice Award, winning $1,000 cash, a $500 gift card from Aquatech Imaging Solutions, and a working opportunity with Don Meek at A New Earth Project.
Plans for the 8th annual festival in 2026 are underway. The Coast Film Foundation continues year-round programming, including screenings at Rivian South Coast Theater. For more information, visit coastfilmfestival.com.
ABOUT THE COAST FILM FOUNDATION
The festival is organized by Coast Film Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting films and filmmakers that drive positive social and environmental change. Founded in 2019 by Laguna Beach locals Ben Warner and Enich Harris, the festival has grown into a gathering for those passionate about adventure, storytelling, and environmental stewardship.
