News Summary
The Newport Harbor High School Alumni Association is set to host the Surf Saturday Film Festival at the NHHS Robert B. Wentz Theater. The event on June 7 will feature two significant documentaries exploring Newport Beach’s surfing history, along with live music, food, and a post-film discussion led by the filmmakers. A ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ ticket pricing aims to support the NHHS Alumni Association Scholarship program while making the event accessible to all.
Newport Beach – The Newport Harbor High School Alumni Association is set to host the Surf Saturday Film Festival on June 7 at the NHHS Robert B. Wentz Theater. This engaging event will highlight two significant documentaries that delve into the surfing history of Newport Beach, providing attendees with an opportunity to explore the evolution of the local surf culture.
The festival will kick off at 4:30 p.m. under the iconic bell tower, where visitors can reconnect with friends while enjoying live music provided by the Surftones. Food will be available for purchase at the venue, enhancing the community experience ahead of the film screenings. The documentaries will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a discussion featuring the filmmakers and experts in local surfing history, focusing on the significance of Newport’s renowned surf spots.
Ticket pricing for the event is set as Pay-What-You-Can, with a suggested donation of $25 for adults and $10 for students. This approach aims to make the event accessible to a broad audience while encouraging contributions. All proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the NHHS Alumni Association Scholarship program, and attendees are welcome to make donations of any amount to contribute to this cause.
The two films scheduled for screening are “The Wedge: Dynasty, Tragedy, Legacy” and “Living It Forever.” “The Wedge: Dynasty, Tragedy, Legacy” explores the rich history of The Wedge, a famous surf spot in the area. This documentary examines pivotal local events, including a family tragedy that has had a lasting impact on the surfing community. Written, hosted, and co-produced by Academy Award nominee Bob Rogers, the film includes a mix of archival footage and personal anecdotes from the Rogers family, creating a heartfelt narrative about the legacy of this storied surf location.
On the other hand, “Living It Forever” focuses on Newport Beach’s surfing culture during the mid-1950s to the 1960s. This documentary captures the vibrant spirit of the era through archival footage and interviews, showcasing testimonials from local surfing legends. The film, which was a highlighted feature at the 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival, illustrates the personal connections people have to the ocean and surf culture in the area.
Both documentaries not only serve to entertain but also provide insightful commentary on the development of surfing in Newport Beach and its broader cultural implications. The filmmakers, Bob Rogers and Rick Chatillon, who are both alumni of Newport Harbor High School (Class of 1968 and Class of 1970 respectively), will lead the post-film discussion. This conversation aims to deepen the understanding of the local surf spots and their significance within the surfing community.
For ticket purchases and additional information, individuals are encouraged to visit the dedicated website for the event at newportharboralumni.org/surf-saturday-film-festival. The Surf Saturday Film Festival presents a unique opportunity for community members and surf enthusiasts alike to gather, reminisce, and appreciate the historical narratives that have shaped the iconic surf culture in Newport Beach.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy
- Wikipedia: Surfing
- Surfline
- Google Search: Newport Beach surf spots
- The Inertia
- Google Scholar: Newport Beach surf culture
- OC Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing in California
- Courthouse News
- Google News: Newport Beach surfing lawsuit
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
