LA COSTA, CA (April 30, 2013) – The first annual La Costa Film Festival (www.lacostafilmfestival.org) will make its grand debut October 24-27, 2013 at the world famous La Costa Resort and Spa, it was today announced by festival founders Michael and Ruby Callihan, of the nonprofit La Costa Dreams, Inc. In addition, as of today, the festival is accepting film submissions via Without A Box (www.withoutabox.com).The deadline is June 15; the late deadline is July 15.
The Callihans, who are La Costa residents, have brought on film festival veteran Nancy Collet (AFI FEST, The Toronto International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, and Heartland Truly Moving Pictures) as Festival Producer as well as Consultant Jon Fitzgerald (AFI, Santa Barbara, Abu Dhabi – Festival Director) to help execute the inaugural event.
The La Costa Film Festival will deliver a new cultural experience to North San Diego County, integrating a series of film screenings, panels, retrospectives and gala events in celebration of the art and impact of motion pictures. All net proceeds of the festival will go to the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.
The annual event will showcase some of the most engaging international documentaries, narrative features, and short films of the past year and present them in a variety of unique local venues. The Opening Night Gala will feature a red carpet and a screening under the stars, on the beautiful grounds of the La Costa Resort and Spa. Additional screenings will be offered at the nearby, luxurious La Costa Cinepolis Theaters, as well as the spacious Ruby G. Schulman Theater, at the Carlsbad Dove Library next door to the Resort. Film enthusiasts may join in Q&As and mingle with participating filmmakers as well as celebrity guests at numerous intimate parties where all pass-holders are welcome.
In recognition and celebration of the La Costa area’s love of sport, in particular the world-class championship golf and tennis that the Resort is known for, the La Costa Film Festival will feature a special competition focusing on sports-themed films.
There will also be a special shorts competition for local high schools, offering them the opportunity to exhibit their talent and to participate in the festival. The winning school will receive a cash prize to support its film program.
“We have been amazed by how many people living around La Costa have Hollywood connections,” said festival co-founder Ruby Callihan. “So, when we began to share our dream, they all said, ‘yes, let’s bring Hollywood to the beach!’”
Adds co-founder Michael Callihan, “La Costa Resort and Spa used to have these glamorous pictures of Hollywood celebrities, throughout the hotel. Every time I glanced at them, I felt the mystique of a different era. Wouldn’t it be magical, I thought, if we could recreate that same experience, but this time blend in the relaxed luxury of La Costa. What a perfect location for a true destination film festival.”
Long renowned as a playground for the rich and famous, the La Costa Resort and Spa is proud to host this groundbreaking event, with its newly remodeled rooms and over 50 million dollars in renovations. “We applaud the Callihans for bringing this new cultural experience to the Carlsbad community. La Costa Resort and Spa’s long-standing Hollywood connections and picturesque setting make this an ideal location for the festival, “ adds La Costa Resort and Spa VP & General Manager, Paul McCormick.
CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Brad Holland, said, “With little fanfare or commotion, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad has become a vital part of Carlsbad’s social safety net. In fact, we recently celebrated 60 years of impacting lives! We are grateful to be a beneficiary of the La Costa Film Festival, and are excited to have an event of this caliber enrich our community.”
For more information on the inaugural La Costa Film Festival, visit www.lacostafilmfestival.org. For sponsorship information, contact Michael Callihan at (619) 300-4577, or Michael@lacostafilmfestival.org.
