Arts & Culture Archives - Visit Oceanside

Oceanside International Film Festival 15th Anniversary Q&A

Veronica Voorhees — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:05:21 +0000

oceanside international film festival

Celebrating 15 Years of Independent Film by the Sea

Every February, the Oceanside International Film Festival (OIFF) transforms this laid-back surf town into a cinematic hub where Hollywood creatives, indie filmmakers, and local dreamers come together to celebrate storytelling. We caught up with the festival team—Lou Niles (Executive Director), Sterling Anno (Co-Director of Programming), and Carly Starr Brullo Niles (Artistic Director & Co-Director of Programming)—to talk film, community, and what makes OIFF a true reflection of Oceanside’s creative soul.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourselves. How did each of you get involved with OIFF?

Lou: I’ve been Executive Director since 2018, curating the festival through my background in music, film, and surf culture. Outside OIFF, I co-host 91X Loudspeaker, a legendary local music show that’s been championing the San Diego scene for over 37 years.
Sterling: I’ve worked in the film festival world for 16 years, from San Diego Underground to Horrible Imaginings. I joined OIFF back in 2011 and have watched it evolve into something truly special for the community.
Carly: I’ve spent three decades in Hollywood as a producer, director, and writer. As OIFF’s Artistic Director and Executive Director of KOCT Television, I love bringing my industry connections and passion for storytelling home to Oceanside.

Q: How has the festival evolved over the years?

The festival began 15 years ago under the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation. Our team took the reins in 2017 and later formed a dedicated nonprofit to grow OIFF into an internationally recognized destination for filmmakers and film lovers. What started as a grassroots event has evolved into a world-class festival, attracting award-winning films, rising directors, and even Hollywood icons—many of whose works have gone on to earn critical and industry acclaim.

Q: The surf and skate block is a fan favorite. Any standout moments?

There have been so many! Our on-stage talk with surf filmmaker Taylor Steele was unforgettable, The Tony Alva Story celebrated a hometown legend, and Big Wave Guardians—written by Oceanside Surf Museum president Jim Kempton—was a true community favorite bringing together surfers and lifeguards. In a city built on surf culture, the surf film block always brings fun energy.

Q: You have deep roots in the music world. How does that show up in the festival?

Music and film are inseparable for us. We’ve hosted composer Jason Hill (Mindhunter) who gave us an inside look at his process for creating iconic film and TV scores, screened the Jason Mraz–produced The Opener, and featured documentaries like I Am Alright that explores mental wellbeing in the music businesses.

Q: How does OIFF reflect Oceanside’s unique arts culture?

Oceanside’s creativity runs deep—from the beaches to the backstreets. OIFF brings those voices together, blending global stories with homegrown talent. With local art installations, afterparties downtown, and surf culture front and center, the festival feels like an authentic extension of the city itself.

Q: Any partnerships that have been especially meaningful?

When Animal Kingdom was filming in Oceanside, Warner Bros. and TNT gave us exclusive access to debut the latest episodes at the festival. Over the years, the cast and crew became an annual highlight, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and participating in special panels for the show’s passionate fanbase.

Q: What sets OIFF apart from other regional film festivals?

We bring a touch of Hollywood sparkle to the coast! Our 20-year reunions for Blue Crush—with Kate Bosworth, Sanoe Lake, and a virtual cameo from Michelle Rodriguez—and Stephen King’s Thinner at the Star Theatre were unforgettable. We love creating those moments where fans can connect with film legends in a relaxed, beachside setting.

Q: What can audiences look forward to this year?

Four action-packed days of independent film from around the world, live Q&As, special opening and closing nights, an awards ceremony, and afterparties that extend the fun. It’s equal parts culture, creativity, and coastal cool.

Q: Why plan a visit around OIFF?

Because Oceanside’s creative energy is contagious. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore vibrant galleries, sip craft cocktails, dine farm-to-table, and stroll the beach at sunset—all within one of California’s 14 designated cultural districts. Once you experience OIFF, you’ll understand why so many people come for the films and stay for the vibe.

The post Oceanside International Film Festival 15th Anniversary Q&A appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Protected: Jason Mraz: At Home in Oceanside

Jenny Roberts — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:06:58 +0000

The post Protected: Jason Mraz: At Home in Oceanside appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Oceanside Art Events

Andrew Sumichan — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Oceanside Art Events

Much like the culinary and brewery explosion happening in Oceanside, Oceanside is also becoming a mecca for the arts! With numerous talented local artists putting out fantastic work, Oceanside businesses happy to show the art off, passionate locals pushing art as a priority, and a strong foundation of established art institutes and museums, Oceanside has developed a diverse and welcoming art community that is here to stay! And with this solid footing comes fantastic art events throughout Oceanside for you to enjoy, and now that it is Spring time these events will be happening nearly every week! To help make sure you never miss out we put all things art together in one place so that you can plan your next art adventure! So grab a friend, your significant other, or even your kids and check out these amazing Oceanside art events!

[vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/dektFx6auzo”]

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Art Mart on the Terrace – Revive Artwork

What: The Oceanside Museum of Art in collaboration with Art n Soul on 101 and Visit Oceanside present Art Mart on the Terrace, a new monthly event featuring unique local artist made creations centered around a theme. In addition, the Art Mart coincides with the Sunset Market down the street making for a great night out filled with shopping, food, and entertainment.

This month come to the Art Mart on the Terrace for one of a kind art crafted from recycled and re-purposed items centered around the theme “Revive Artwork.”

To learn more visit Art Mart.

When: Thursday, June 22nd, 5pm – 8pm

Where: Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way Oceanside, CA 92054

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

Write on, Oceanside: Author’s Night

What: Author’s Night marks the beginning of the Write on Oceanside & Summer Shorts Play Festival taking place June 22nd-25th. Authors Night involves San Diego County authors displaying their works for sale at the Sunset Market Main Stage Lot. Join in the fun of the Sunset market coupled with the chance to talk with your favorite writers, meet new local authors, take pictures, get autographs, and more. For more information visit https://www.ocaf.info/write-on/.

When: Thursday, June 22nd, 5pm – 9pm

Where: Sunset Market Main Stage Lot, Pier View Way, Oceanside CA 92054

Thursday, June 24th, 2017

Write on, Oceanside: Panels and Presentations

What: Featured author panels and presentations will be held during the day at Oceanside’s Civic Center Plaza and Library Community Rooms. There will be two panel presentations: “A Journalist Roundtable” at 10:30am, and “Publish or Perish: Tips for Unpublished Authors” at 1pm. The “Write On, Oceanside!” festival will close with a special book talk with acclaimed Oceanside author of The Mothers, Brit Bennet, at 3pm. For more information visit https://www.ocaf.info/write-on/.

When: Thursday, June 24th, 10:30am – 3pm

Where: 330 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054

Wednesday, June 28th, July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 2017

Paint N Enjoy

What: Enjoy a beer while feeling artistic! Paint N Enjoy is happening every Wednesday evening at Surfside Tap Room. Relax with a painting session and some pints of your favorite hand-craft beers, seasonal ales, porters, or stouts from local micro-breweries. The painting begins at 6pm and entrance includes paint, canvas, brushes, and lesson. Anyone who participates receives 15% off their bar tab as well!

When: Every Wednesday, 6pm – 7:30pm

Where: Surfside Tap Room, 507 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA

Friday, July 7th, 2017

First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk

What: Celebrate the thriving arts and culture scene in the heart of downtown Oceanside! The First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk will showcase live performances, music, poetry, art education, and culinary and pop-up art galleries showcased in local businesses and public spaces. Admission to all venues is free and open to the public, and event maps will be distributed every month, listing that month’s locations, art happenings and sponsors. For more information visit www.oceansideartwalk.org/.

When: Friday, July 7th, 5pm – 9pm

Where: Downtown Oceanside, 311 N Tremont St Oceanside, CA 92054

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Artist Talk With Ted Meyer

What: Join artist Ted Meyer for an inspiring talk about his efforts to document people’s stories by painting, photographing, and printing from their scars in his Scarred For Life project. The price to attend is $10 for visitors, or free for members.

When: Wednesday, July 12th, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Where: Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way Oceanside, CA 92054

Thursday, July 13, 2017

A Taste Of Art: Collage And Assemblage

What: Come to the Oceanside Museum of Art and join Robin Douglas in using unique and chaotic materials to create a cohesive composition. Weave, tape, build, shape, glue, and join materials into a single piece in the style of Ann Hamilton and Andy Goldsworthy. While creating art enjoy drinks and appetizers as well! All supplies are provided. Members $35, Visitors $45

Where: Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way Oceanside, CA 92054

When: Thursday, July 13th, 6pm – 8pm

Friday, July 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th, 2017

The Star Theatre: West Side Story

What: The Star Theatre Company Proudly Presents its latest production, West Side Story. This show will be performed July 21st-23rd and July 28th-30th, with the opening night reception taking place Friday July 21st at 6:45pm.

When: July 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th – 7:30pm, July 23rd, July 30th – 2pm

Where: Star Theatre, 402 North Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054