Central Coast locals will have a chance to see the Santa Maria-based film “COAST” in person when it is shown at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, April 27.
Sponsored by The Krush 92.5 and Covelop, Inc., the 7:30 p.m. screening at the Fremont Theater in SLO will be paired with live performances from Pancho & The Wizards, Dog Party and Hannah Kenny, all featured in “COAST.”
The coming-of-age drama was released in select theaters and video on demand (VOD) by distributor Cinedigm on April 8. The film’s ensemble cast is anchored by Fatima Ptacek (longtime voice of “Dora the Explorer”); stand-up comedian Cristela Alonzo (“Cars 3”); and Academy Award winner Melissa Leo (“The Fighter”).
Filmed entirely in Santa Maria, Guadalupe and Oceano, “COAST” revolves around 16-year-old Abby, who is desperate to escape the trappings of small-town life. When she falls for the lead singer of a touring rock band, Abby must decide whether to leave her family and friends behind in search of a better life.
Mia Frampton (“Bridesmaids”), Mia Xitlali (“Max”), Ciara Bravo (“Cherry”) and local actress Kaylee Kamiya round out the cast.
Directed by Jessica Hester and Derek Schweickart, and written by Cindy Kitagawa, who was inspired by her own childhood experiences growing up in Santa Maria, “COAST” blends the explorative experience of self-discovery with the untarnished filter of youth.
“Santa Maria was such a special place for me to grow up, and I am so excited that audiences around the world will get a chance to see and experience a little part of it for themselves,” Kitagawa said..
Film scenes include Rancho Guadalupe Farms, Preisker Park, Santa Maria Fairpark, Paradise Trading Post and Record Store, Oceano Dunes and Guadalupe Police Department.
“COAST could not have been made without the generous support of the Santa Maria community,” Hester said. “We chose to film here over out-of-state tax incentives to stay true to the script and maintain the authenticity of the story. We fell in love with the beautiful people and location which is at the heart of the ‘COAST’ story.”
The film’s live performances and original score feature music by Christian Zucconi and Hannah Hooper (“Grouplove”), Alex Walker, Kane Ritchotte (“More”),The Ceremonies, and Black Match.
Hester and Schweickart produced alongside Dani Faith Leonard, Sonya Lunsford, Wendy Guerrero, and Alex Cirillo. Executive producers from the Santa Maria area include Jeff Barnes, Chris Slaughter, Shelly and Nicholas Miller and Dave Machin.
Tickets for the April 27 SLO Film Fest “COAST” screening event can be purchased at slofilmfest.org.
“Coast” is A Journey Home Film in association with Big Vision Empty Wallet and Gemini Team Go. This year “COAST” was acquired by Cinedigm.