Beach Break Entertainment

Who are we you ask? 

Due to COVID-19 and sheltering in place, movie theaters across America were empty for almost a year under coronavirus (COVID) restrictions. Everyone on the coast side turned to Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Apple TV to watch movies and learned to Zoom online to conduct business meetings.

But for most, the viewing experience wasn't the same without the in-person large screens. Coastsiders were confined to their homes with the current lock-in and curfew. Julie Mell, our founder, came up with the idea to host a drive-in to get the community together in a safe, fun, outdoor gathering. Coast siders and beach visitors came out for a family night/ date night/ evening out away from the couch. For many, it was the first time people saw their friends in months, and we couldn't have done it without the help of so many local businesses, our presenting sponsors, and for whom we will always be grateful. (see our Beach Break Entertainment website - we still  proudly list list them), 

Beach Break Entertainment continued to support the community through the love of film by helping with Grad Night for the class of 2021, offering movies for the Downtown Merchants revitalization program Make It Main Street, and private film nights for schools sponsored by their PTOs. 

Beach Break Entertainment's Film Festival was started in 2022 by screening six films over three days, bringing comedian W, Kamau Bell, Director Isaac Halasima of Waterman, local Journalist and Environmentalist Steve Hawk, and local surf legend Jeff Clark to the event as special guest speakers and moderators. This past year, we grew and screened eight films, offering three receptions, live musical acts and a free film for kids and families between Christmas and New Year's. 

The Beach Break Entertainment Film Festival showcases the exceptional storytelling prowess of top talents, each weaving narratives that resonate with our emotions and stimulate our intellect. These compelling stories serve as a source of inspiration, education, and entertainment. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, they celebrate the human spirit and underscore our roles as community members and global citizens shaping the future.

We feel honored that talented film producers and directors choose to share their creations with us. The essence of a film festival lies in collectively experiencing a story and engaging in discussions with the creators and topic experts. Often, the end of a film marks the beginning of meaningful conversations about what comes next.  We offer hope that by watching, listening, and learning, our guests will feel the impact and make a difference to the many subjects we bring to light in the art of storytelling through the lens.