The Coronado Island Film Festival: A Weekend of Stars, Stories, and Community Magic
This weekend, the Coronado Island Film Festival took center stage and what a celebration it was. From red-carpet moments to intimate filmmaker conversations, Coronado felt like the center of the cinematic universe.
We kicked things off at the Leonard Maltin Gala at the Hotel Del, where the room buzzed with film icons, longtime festival supporters, and Hollywood magic. We even shared a table with Heidi Moneymaker, Scarlett Johansson’s stunt double whose behind-the-scenes stories were just as thrilling as the movies she helps bring to life. Surrounded by legends like Delroy Lindo and Beau Bridges, it felt like Coronado’s own mini-Oscars.
The festival opened strong with the premiere of Dead Man’s Wire, followed by a thoughtful Q&A with screenwriter Austin Kolodney. From there, the energy spilled into the kickoff after-party at The Tavern, which was bursting with filmmakers, locals, and festival fans all swapping stories well into the night.
All weekend long, we’ve also had a blast sponsoring the VIP Hospitality Lounge at the Spreckels Center. It’s become the perfect gathering place to talk movies, meet fascinating guests, and soak in the kind of cinematic magic that only festivals like this can create.
A Standout Screening: “Voices: The Danny Gans Story”
Out of all the incredible films showcased this year, the most powerful viewing experience for me was the documentary Voices: The Danny Gans Story. Moving, intimate, and beautifully crafted, the film paints a heartfelt portrait of a phenomenal performer whose talent left a lasting mark on the entertainment world.
It was an honor meeting filmmaker Andrew Gans, Danny’s son, who managed to capture both the brilliance and the humanity of his father with such grace. Creating a documentary this personal is no small feat, and Andrew delivered something truly extraordinary, a deeply emotional yet filled with joy, admiration, and a son’s love. It’s a film that stays with you.
The Coronado Island Film Festival continues to be one of the city’s crown-jewel events; bringing people together, sparking conversations, and spotlighting the art of storytelling in all its forms. If you haven’t experienced it yet, mark your calendar for next year. You won’t want to miss it.
Coronado is Calling…