film Archives - Visit Oceanside https://visitoceanside.org/tag/film/ Destination Marketing Organization for Oceanside, CA Tue, 02 Dec 2025 01:34:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://visitoceanside.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/favicon-32x32-1.png film Archives - Visit Oceanside https://visitoceanside.org/tag/film/ 32 32 Oceanside International Film Festival 15th Anniversary Q&A https://visitoceanside.org/blog/oceanside-international-film-festival-15th-anniversary/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:05:21 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?p=45885 Celebrate 15 years of storytelling at the Oceanside International Film Festival. In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with the festival’s directors to explore its creative impact, community roots, and the cinematic experiences that continue to make OIFF an iconic cultural event on the coast.

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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.

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]]> Movie in the Park: Wonka https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-wonka/ Tue, 14 May 2024 21:17:09 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?post_type=mec-events&p=39370 Movie in the Park: Wonka Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this Summer for Movie in the Park for Summer 2024 at Buddy Todd Park! Around 6pm, they will have family-friendly activities and fun crafts for children to enjoy. Around 7:45pm, they will be screening the movie “Wonka”! Parking will be limited, so we encourage […]

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Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this Summer for Movie in the Park for Summer 2024 at Buddy Todd Park! Around 6pm, they will have family-friendly activities and fun crafts for children to enjoy. Around 7:45pm, they will be screening the movie “Wonka”!

Parking will be limited, so we encourage carpooling, walking, biking, or taking transit to the park. Show us your bike, transit ticket, or your GPS walking route for a free prize (while supplies last). Just stop by our booth to redeem your free item.

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]]> Movie in the Park: Barbie https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-barbie/ Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:55:20 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?post_type=mec-events&p=39371 Movie in the Park: Barbie Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park! Help Oceanside Parks and Rec kick off Barbie summer at the Pier on May 31st! They will be showing “Barbie” at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater at 7:45pm. 🎬   From 6-7:45pm, we’ll have a Barbie box […]

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Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park! Help Oceanside Parks and Rec kick off Barbie summer at the Pier on May 31st! They will be showing “Barbie” at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater at 7:45pm. 🎬
 
From 6-7:45pm, we’ll have a Barbie box photo op and an opportunity to win a Barbie RC car/playset! Barbies, Kens, (and Allans) are encouraged to wear pink!
 
This event is FREE and open to all members of the public.

Can’t make it? They have a whole lineup of Summer Movies at parks across Oceanside! Here’s a sneak peak:

💗 May 31st – “Barbie” at Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater
🍭June 28th – “Wonka” at Buddy Todd Park
🐼 July 27th – TBA at John Landes Park (title released July 2nd due to licensing)
🧜🏾‍♀️ August 10th – “The Little Mermaid” (2023) Dive-In Movie at William A. Wagner Aquatic Center (registration required)
⚾ September 7th – TBA at Luiseño Park (title released soon due to licensing requirements)
 
Movies will be rescheduled in case of rain. If you want to sit up near the screen at the amphitheater, please bring your own chairs.

These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time.

Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks!

For more information call: (760) 435-5041

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]]> Cinephile’s Guide to Oceanside https://visitoceanside.org/blog/cinephiles-guide-to-oceanside/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 01:29:27 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/?p=38331 Whether you’re a dedicated movie buff or an enthusiastic member of a fandom, Oceanside, California offers an experience where cinematic history and coastal charm blend seamlessly for an unforgettable adventure. From Film Festivals to Film Locations (Top Gun, Animal Kingdom, anyone?) you'll find it all in Oceanside!

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A Film Lover's Guide to O'side

Whether you’re a dedicated movie buff or an enthusiastic member of a fandom, Oceanside offers an experience where cinematic history and coastal charm blend seamlessly for an unforgettable adventure. Here, every corner tells a story, setting the stage for an epic journey in a town where Hollywood magic meets oceanfront bliss.

Attend an A-List event

A short 2 hour drive from the glitz and glam of Hollywood, Oceanside has hosted a number of industry events from West Coast premieres to nostolgic film reunions. Notably, the Oceanside International Film Festival, held annually, transforms the town into a buzzing hub of independent filmmakers.

Upcoming Events

OCEANSIDE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
February 18th – 22nd, 2025

An annual week-long event, the Oceanside International Film Festival offers independent local and international filmmakers an opportunity to share their work with audiences and critics alike. Film buffs from all over the world come to O’side, drawn for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and tradition of artistic freedom. the 2025 Oceanside International Film Festival will be held February 18th-22nd with more information to come! Stay Tuned!

LEARN MORE

Be On-Location in Oceanside

Top Gun. Bring It On. Animal Kingdom. Purple Hearts. 

These are just some of the films and shows that have helped make O’side settings and backdrops famous!

TOP GUN

The 1984 Tom Cruise classic, Top Gun, used one of Oceanside’s oldest building, the Graves House, as Charlie’s house. Now largely referred to as the Top Gun House, it is now home to a nostolgia pie shop. Stop in for some epic film memorabilia, tastey treats and a great photo ops!

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In Oceanside the vibes are chill but the tea is HOT! Season 13 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills brought us 2 episodes (episodes 3 & 4) in Oceanside. Kathy Hilton’s weekend away went a little array in Oceanside with tensions boiling over between Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley. 

animal kingdom

The acclaimed TNT show Animal Kingdom set its sights on Oceanside’s quaint beach town qualities to film the hit drama series Animal Kingdom which premiered in 2016. The show was set in a fictional version of Oceanside and used it as base throughout it’s entire 7 season run. Learn more about the production here.

Purple Hearts

Netflix’s hit 2022 film Purple Hearts, starring Sophia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine, was set in and filmed throughout Oceanside and Camp Pendleton. The film’s star, Sophia Carson can be seen belting out the film’s original songs from the Jeau Seau Pier Amphitheatre, amongst a number of other filming locations

Bring It On

Get your spirit fingers out! The final scenes of the 2000 cheerleading cult classic, Bring it On were filmed at Oceanside’s own, Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre! Whether you were rooting for the Clovers or the Toros, Oceanside is the spot it happened!

More Past O’side Productions

Animal Kingdom (2016)
Gigging & Grubbing (2015)
Little Women: LA (2014)
Sister Wives (2012)
American Pickers (2011)
Getting Away Together (2011)
Veronica Mars (2004)
Bring It On (2000)
Top Gun (1986)
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)
The Outsider (1961)
Zorro (1957)
Battle Cry (1955)
Flying Leathernecks (1951)
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Purple Hearts (2022)
Rose of the Rancho (1914)

stay like a star

Be the Main Character of your own story in Oceanside! From the moment you arrive, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience. Treat yourself to a luxurious stay, where the glamour of Hollywood meets the tranquility of the Pacific. Whether it’s waking up to the soothing sound of waves or indulging in a spa treatment fit for the stars, every detail is designed to make you feel like you’re living in your own personal movie. Push play on your perfect Oceanside trip here!

BOOK NOW

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]]> Movie in the Park: Luca https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-luca/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:37:05 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-luca/ Movie in the Park: Luca Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park! These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time.  Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks! Due to limited space registration is required for […]

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Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park!

These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time. 

Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks!

Due to limited space registration is required for this event. 

For more information call: (760) 435-5041

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]]> Movie in the Park: Space Jam – A New Legacy https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-space-jam-a-new-legacy/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:37:05 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-space-jam-a-new-legacy/ Movie in the Park: Space Jam – A New Legacy Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park! These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time.  Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks! For more information […]

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Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park!

These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time. 

Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks!

For more information call: (760) 435-5041

The post Movie in the Park: Space Jam – A New Legacy appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

]]> Movie in the Park: Encanto https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-encanto/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:37:05 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-encanto/ Movie in the Park: Encanto Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park! These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time.  Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks! For more information call: (760) 435-5041

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Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park!

These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time. 

Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks!

For more information call: (760) 435-5041

The post Movie in the Park: Encanto appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

]]> Outdoor Movie Night: Sing 2 at The Proper 32 https://visitoceanside.org/events/outdoor-movie-night-sing-2-at-the-proper-32/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:37:04 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/events/outdoor-movie-night-sing-2-at-the-proper-32/ Outdoor Movie Night: Sing 2 at The Proper 32 The Proper 32 invites you and your crew to an outdoor movie, featuring: SING 2! Doors open – 7pm and movie starts @ 8:15pm Bring your own beach chairs and blankets! Free admission!! 

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The Proper 32 invites you and your crew to an outdoor movie, featuring: SING 2!

Doors open – 7pm and movie starts @ 8:15pm

Bring your own beach chairs and blankets!

Free admission!! 

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]]> Movie in the Park: Raya and the Last Dragon https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-raya-and-the-last-dragon/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:37:04 +0000 https://visitoceanside.org/events/movie-in-the-park-raya-and-the-last-dragon/ Movie in the Park: Raya and the Last Dragon Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park! These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time.  Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks! For more information call: […]

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Join Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department this summer for Movies in the Park!

These family-friendly movies will start at dark so be sure to check sunset times to make sure you are there on time. 

Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks!

For more information call: (760) 435-5041

The post Movie in the Park: Raya and the Last Dragon appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

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