The Coronado Island Film Festival presents a quintessential California nostalgic surf adventure!
Join us for two exciting fundraising events in one weekend!
JULY 12th
GIDGET BEACH BASH!
Movie on the Beach
Raffle * Coronado Ukulele * Meet & Greet
7pm –7:30pm Pre-Screening FestivitiesGroove to the sounds of the Coronado Ukulele Club with a cocktail in hand!
7:30pmQ+A with Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman (aka Gidget)
8:00-ish Film Begins (when the sun goes down)SCREENING OF THE ORIGINAL 1959 “GIDGET”
Location & Time: Hotel Del Coronado Beachfront 7:00 pm
Director: Paul Wendkos
Starring: Sandra Dee, James Darren, Cliff Robertson, Arthur O’Connell, Mary LaRoche, Joby Baker
Synopsis: Based on the bestselling book GIDGET! Diminutive teenager Francie Lawrence (Sandra Dee) has a bunch of boy-crazy friends, but she could care less about boys. That is, until she goes to the beach one day and meets surfer Jeffrey “Moondoggie” Matthews (James Darren) and his friends, including Burt “The Big Kahuna” Vail (Cliff Robertson). Now, Francie, whom the boys call “Gidget” wants to learn how to surf, so she buys a used board and dives into the sunny world of Southern California surfing fever.
PURCHASE TICKETS
(Limited VIP packages)
(Limited VIP packages)
JULY 13th
Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story
Documentary Screening & Book Signing
SPECIAL MORNING CELEBRATING THE GOLDEN ERA OF SURFING!
FILM | Q+A | VIP BOOK SIGNING WITH KATHY
Location & Time: Village Theatre 820 Orange Ave., Coronado
Doors Open 10:30 am
Presentation begins at 11:00am
*10:00 am Benefactor Members Pre-screening Meet & Greet with Kathy, includes a complimentary book.
Director: Brian Gillogly
Starring: Layne Beachley, James Darren, Sally Field
Synopsis: The fascinating journey of Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, the inspiration behind the iconic character Gidget. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Southern California, the story follows Kathy’s teenage years as she discovers the exhilarating world of surfing. Through her adventures, mishaps, and triumphs, Kathy transforms into a symbol of youthful rebellion and female empowerment, capturing the hearts of millions around the world. As her surfing exploits gain attention, Kathy grapples with newfound fame, navigating the complexities of identity and authenticity. “Accidental Icon” is a tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a girl who inadvertently became a cultural phenomenon.
Q+A Join CIFF CEO, Merridee Book and Director, Filmmaker and Producer Brian Gillogly, Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, Jericho Poppler, Bruce Bellend (The Four Preps)
PURCHASE TICKETS
(Limited VIP Book Tickets)