DANA POINT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Endless Summer + Dana Point Film Festival saw record breaking attendance of approximately 5,000 at its second annual event May 2-5. Focused on marine life, surfing and oceanic conservation, the festival began with a VIP event at Station Craft Brewery, attended by filmmakers, Mayor Joe Muller and special guests.
Award highlights included The Killer Dana Award for Short Film being given to Volcom Entertainment’s MUNCH, Best Surf Documentary going to Trilogy, Best Sports Documentary going to Teahupo’o Surf Camp – Road to Paris 2024 and Special Jury Award went to To be Frank. Additional winners included Beyond Normal, Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool, Ministry of Surf, Dive into Darkness, Orca Black and White, Send Kelp, Walkabout, The Crossing: Through Blue, Fifth Tide, Dear Ocean, Resilience, The Cinematic Ocean: Indonesia, Martian Shapes, Poororoca Hydrofoiling the World’s Longest Wave, Ride the Wave, and Mr. Trash Wheel.
Friday set a vibrant tone for an endless summer. Hosted by Volcom at Salt Creek Beach Park, the evening featured a film showcase including Volcom Entertainment’s “MUNCH” and the classic “Psychic Migrations.” Attendees enjoyed an array of foods from Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, drinks from Tequila Eterno Verano and Endless Summer Hard Seltzer, and live performances by DJ Chris Cote and SUNBENDER, all under a stunning Salt Creek Beach sunset.
Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed over 40 hours of films at the Dana Point Women’s Club and the OC Sailing and Event Center, featuring discussions with global oceanic experts on marine conservation. Highlights included a free CPR clinic on Saturday led by I-SEA Sunglasses with athletes Greyson Fletcher, Ivan Florence, and Blair Conkin teaching life-saving skills. The day concluded with a vibrant beach party at Salt Creek Beach, where surf reggae band Common Sense performed, followed by a screening of Dana Brown’s classic film, “Step Into Liquid.” The events offered engaging experiences for all ages.
Presented by Hawaiian Island Creations, Sunday offered a festive and relaxing conclusion to the festival. Attendees enjoyed performances by Heali’I’s Polynesian Revue and Hawaiian artists Kawika Kahiapo and Kevin “Nappy” Napoleon. The Southern California Woodie Club showcased their vintage cars outside Killer Dana Surf Shop, adding to the day’s charm. The festival closed with a screening of Disney’s “Moana,” appealing to both children and adults. The Dana Point Film Festival team was thrilled with the turnout and support for ocean conservation.
For more information and updates on winning films, visit https://www.danapointfilmfestival.org/.
About Dana Point Film Festival & Endless Summer Events, Inc.
The Endless Summer + Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF), owned by Endless Summer Events, Inc., showcases ocean-themed documentaries emphasizing conservation, exploration, education, recreation, and surfing. This California-based “for cause” benefits corporation, led by CEO Anthony Cordova, is committed to enriching communities globally through art and entertainment. Founded and directed by filmmaker Lloyd Bryan Molander and co-founded by Alex Mecl of Bruce Brown Films, the festival celebrates the ocean’s magnificence through cinematic storytelling.
