The Second Annual Carp Film Festival invites viewers to three days of short films, filmmaker Q&As, live music, and evening feature screenings, Aug 14-16 at the Alcazar Theater.
These films are not officially rated and viewer discretion is advised, as some content may not be suitable for younger audiences, organizers said. Ticket costs are $25 for reserved seating, $20 for students and seniors.
Michael Lazaro founded the festival to celebrate cinema and give independent filmmakers a chance to share their work with a wider audience, festival organizers said.
“Celebrating independent filmmakers and the art of storytelling, Carp Film Fest offers a welcoming space for filmmakers and audiences to connect on the Central Coast,” they said.
Each afternoon will feature a showcase of short films, followed by a feature presentation each evening.
The lineup includes documentaries, short films, and feature-length movies, along with filmmaker Q&As, special guests, and live music (Saturday).
“The festival ends on Sunday with a special beach and surf program made just for our town,” festival organizers said.
Event lineup includes:
“GOAT” (2026) — 3 p.m. Aug. 9. A small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world.
Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”
Pay at the door: $7 general admission, $5 senior/student.
Comedy Special with Tommy Lama LIVE! — 7 p.m. Aug. 8. Be part of the live audience for an upcoming broadcast recording. Free admission; VIP tickets available for $15,
A multiple winner of the top North American comedy competitions, with critically acclaimed residencies in Las Vegas, Tommy Savitt is taping two shows of his “Tommy Lama” special live at the Alcazar Theatre.
Savitt’s metamorphosis into the Tommy Lama is a blessing to the human species and some trainable animals. His presence creates a vortex of laughter silencing the inner voice and humorously aligning the shakti to cruise smoothly along the nadis pathway.
“Finding Nemo” (2003) — 3 p.m. Aug. 19. After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home. Tickts: $7 general admission, $5 senior/student.
This event is partially funded by a grant from The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning.
For tickets, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thealcazar/2333477.