Special Engagement: Unfurling the World The Voyage of Irving and Electra Johnson

"Hollywood, Military and Coronado Connections" with Filmmaker Gary Jobson and Historian Tim Reid

Tim Reid joins CIFF once again for his ever popular historic presentations on Coronado and Hollywood!  Don't miss this one!

Ahoy! Join us for a special screening of Unfurling the World, The Voyage of Irving and Electra Johnson, an inspiring documentary by renowned filmmaker, sailor, and America's Cup winner Gary Jobson.

FILM SYNOPSIS:  Between 1933 and 1956, Irving and Electa Johnson sailed with young, inexperienced sailors aboard two schooners, both named Yankee. Each time the Johnsons set sail for a voyage, they witnessed new and remote places that few people had visited. World class sailor and film producer Gary Jobson narrates the original footage shot by Captain Johnson and the Yankee crew which is now archived at Mystic Seaport. In exclusive new interviews some of the crew members pay tribute to the Johnsons and share their lifetime memories of the voyages around the world.

The travels took the Johnson and the crews to mysterious Easter Island and the beautiful Bali where they meet intriguing inhabitants, and experienced true maritime history when they raised the anchor of the HMS Bounty on Pitcairn Islands.

GARY + TIM Known for his illustrious career as a sailing commentator, including his role as the sailing race host for the Paris Olympics and countless prestigious races, Jobson brings a unique perspective to this film about global exploration and the human drive to discover. In this exclusive event, Jobson will be joined by historian Tim Reid, offering insights into the film's narrative and its deep connections to Coronado and San Diego’s maritime and military heritage. Together, they explore how history, adventure, and the spirit of exploration come alive in both the film and this region.

The Presentation will include and introductory film revealing the very significant connections of the schooner Yankee to Hollywood history and it's starring role in John Ford's Academy-Award winning film, The Hurricane, Sterling Hayden, who made two films on and involving Coronado aircraft carrier, and a major Hollywood premier conducted on Coronado!

Presentation with Leonard Maltin, Gary Jobson and Tim Reid 

"VOICE OF SAILING" Gary Jobson is a former All-American collegiate sailor. He won the America's Cup in 1977 as tactician for Ted Turner. As a broadcaster/producer (he is ESPN's Sailing Analyst), lecturer, and writer (he is an Editor at Large for Sailing World and Cruising Worldmagazines), Jobson is the pre-eminent ambassador for sailing in the U.S.

Dive into the creative fusion of music, film, and pop culture with the first-ever short film collaboration between the Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) and WONDERFRONT. This special engagement explores the powerful synergy between festivals and the arts, showcasing how music influences film and resonates across pop culture. Join key creatives as they discuss the ethos of festivals, the impact of music in storytelling, and the collaborative spirit that brought this groundbreaking project to life. Discover how festivals like CIFF and WONDERFRONT are shaping the future of cinematic and cultural expression.

Q+A with Director, Eli Liebow, Wonderfront Producer, Jaxson Powers Thorton, CIFF CEO, Merridee Book

LIVE MUSIC BY SAINT LUNA!

Screening followed by a conversation about how comedy is a tool for discussion and social change.

TINA TINA BO BINA Screening Synopsis: While preparing for a live performance where she will iron her belly stretch marks flat, an artist struggles to balance the expectations of motherhood while fulfilling her wild creative side.

Conversation with Filmmaker, Womanhood Series Creator + Producer and SDSU Professor, Jessica McGaugh

CONVERSATION ON CONSERVATION - Join in discussion with experts, scientist and advocates for this screening and conversation. RETURN OF THE MANATEES: Florida’s Crystal River has long been a safe haven for the Florida manatee, but when an invasive algae wiped out the eel grass that manatees need for food, the community rallied to restore the river and save the animals that call it home. WILD HOPE is a series that highlights the conservation changemakers who are sparking new hope for the future of our planet. TURTLE TRACKERS: Three species of sea turtles nesting in southeast Florida face a range of manmade threats. Thanks to conservation measures, loggerhead and green sea turtles are recovering, but leatherbacks remain at risk. Researchers know little about this amazing species — and in the battle to save leatherbacks, knowledge is key.

WILD HOPE is a series that highlights the conservation change makers who are sparking new hope for the future of our planet. A Tangled Bank production

Q+A Conversation with Ricky Rhodes, Filmmaker, Director, United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of The Sea (UNDOALOS).

Ricky Rhodes is a film director dedicated to telling human stories that connect us with nature. He currently leads a United Nations video campaign in Fiji and Cameroon, showcasing efforts to build sustainable ocean economies in developing countries. Ricky's films Humanatee, Yellow Wallpaper, and Not Just Another Day have been featured in numerous festivals, including the Oscar-Qualifying LA Shorts Film Festival, winning multiple awards and earning a mention in Forbes. His upcoming documentary series, Impossible Cleanups, follows Simon Bernard, co-founder of Plastic Odyssey, and a team of scientists and explorers as they tackle a challenging cleanup on the remote South Pacific island of Henderson. Visit www.rhodes.film to check out Ricky's work!

SAN DIEGO PREMIERE

WATER BROTHER is a poignant reflection on a life well-lived and a tribute to the enduring spirit of surf culture. The film celebrates the people and places that make surfing & skating more than just hobbies and shows how one man's dedication can inspire a community.

This feature documentary that follows the life of Sid Abbruzzi, an East Coast legend and culture icon. The film explores Sid's lifelong passion for surfing, skating and his commitment to protecting the sport's history and culture.

Through a mix of never before seen archival film, personal interviews, and large format cinematic footage, including exclusive interviews with Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, and other giants of the surf and skate world, this documentary takes the audience on a captivating journey through the history of surfing and skating; from 1960s Newport, to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa's Jeffrey's Bay, and beyond. The film highlights Sid's influential role in shaping the surf and skate world, his remarkable achievements, and his unwavering dedication to preserving access to endangered surf breaks, skateparks, and public spaces for future generations to discover their passions, just as he did.

Q+A with SID ABBRUZZI, + filmmakers and special guests!

This will be an incredible afternoon celebrating skate & surf icons!