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Calendar of Events

Oceanside International Film Festival Presents – The Road Back: A Mental Health Film Series for the Mind, Body & Soul


In honor of Mental Health Week 2025, Oceanside International Film Festival—in partnership with Oceanside Theatre Company—invites our creative community to THE ROAD BACK, a specially curated film series celebrating the vital role of the arts in the healing process, mental well-being, and the resilience of the soul. This 76-minute showcase features the following short films:

  • ALONE TOGETHER: After breaking off their budding relationship, Julian and Devon struggle to return to their lonely lives apart. With a unique storytelling device, the audience is able to view two characters’ stories at once. Directed by Erin Martinez | San Diego, CA | Narrative Short | 7 Minutes 
  • SEEN AGAIN: A troubled man, trying to make sense of his life while driving through the Arizona desert, encounters difficult memories from his past that appear as a storm of personal objects falling from the sky. This experimental, hand-drawn and collage, 2-D animation explores the power of memory as manifested through objects from our past. Directed by Peter Murphy | Rochester, NY | Animation | 10 Minutes 
  • WILD SEA: Wild Sea delves into the life of Jeff Allen, a trailblazing figure in the world of Sea Kayaking. The film traces Jeff’s journey from his formative years to his role as one of the foremost Sea Kayak guides and coaches of our time. As we accompany Jeff on his odyssey, we are immersed in the depths of his past, including his experiences in the military and are granted access to his own personal traumas. The film illuminates the transformative power of the sea as Jeff finds purpose and healing through his connection with the ocean. In particular, his 2004 Japan circumnavigation serves as a poignant testament to the cathartic influence of the ocean environment on his life. Directed by Tom Vetterl | United Kingdom | Documentary | 14 Minutes 
  • OCEAN STATE OF MIND: As adulthood brings increasing complexity, Rhode island surfer Curtis Perdue finds space for his mental health in the icy waters of New England. With a deep love for the ocean instilled by his late father, Curtis aims to inspire lifelong passions in his own children and pass down a legacy of stoke. Directed by Danny Hardesty | Auburn, MA | Documentary | 4 Minutes 
  • RESURRECTION ARTIST: If you died and came back, what would your art look like? Matthew, a doctor and artist drowns during a bodysurfing accident, 10 minutes later he is resuscitated by strangers but is paralyzed from the neck down. After surgery and rehabilitation, he walks out of the hospital. Once home, he must navigate a return to life with a changed body. Matthew explores the significance of his harrowing death experience through creating art, mounts a comeback to his work as an ER doctor, and sets an audacious goal to surf within a year of his death experience. Directed by Scott Fitzloff | San Francisco, CA | Documentary | 22 Minutes 
  • LAST CALL: Last Call tells the story of Kate(Lindsay Duncan), a desperate mother who is trying to reconnect with her son(Tom Holland). Navigating an obvious void, Kate will finally have the chance to ask the questions that have haunted her past and will decide her future. A meditative perspective on the complexity of depression and grief and search for understanding and absolution. Directed by Harry Holland | United Kingdom | Narrative Short | 19 Minutes

Artist Open House: Black Perspectives 2 & Miss Mary Grand Reveal


This very special Artist Open House is celebrating the opening of the BLACK PERSPECTIVE 2 exhibition in honor of Juneteenth. The exhibition was so popular and successful last year, that we are thrilled to have previous exhibitors and new POC artists sharing their vision of Black history, culture, family and community. Come meet the artists and discover the beauty and power of art from the black perspective.

In addition, noted pianist Robert Parker will “tickle the ivories” for everyone’s listening pleasure as visitors to the Gallery meet “Miss Mary”, an upright piano designed by artist BJ Lane as a visual celebration of theater and the performing arts and donated by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation. Everyone is welcome to this free event between 5:30 and 8 pm.

Artist Open House: ON THIS ISLAND


Stop by the Brooks Theater Gallery between 5:30–8 PM for a mellow evening of art, conversation, and community. The Artist Open House on Friday, May 9th celebrates NHPI Heritage Month. The artwork in the ON THIS ISLAND exhibition showcases the rich culture, art, and heritage of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti and the many other Pacific Islands represented in the diverse communities of Oceanside.

Everyone of all ages is welcome to enjoy some tasty Island treats, watch a guest artist at work, chat with artists, and savor the amazing artwork. Drop in between 5:30 – 8 pm to this free event and discover the beauty of the Pacific Islands.

IMPOSSIBLE: Exploring the Powers of the Mind with Tracy Gray


Impossible is an extraordinary performance by Tracy Gray and Frank Prince that takes audiences on a mind-bending journey into the realm of the impossible.  Combining their exceptional skills in mentalism and hypnosis, Gray and Prince create a seamless partnership on stage, performing intricate feats that blur the lines between reality and illusion. Their electric chemistry and impeccable timing make the telepathic feats they perform feel organic and convincingly real, leaving the audience spellbound.

What sets Impossible apart is the storytelling and audience participation.  Audiences can’t help but leave with a sense of wonder and a smile on their face.  “Blurring the line between reality and illusion, they shatter the limits of the mind with jaw-dropping feats of prediction, suggestion, and mind reading—where boundaries break and infinite potential takes center stage.”

Gray and Prince prove that with the right mindset, the impossible is simply unexplored, making this show an unforgettable experience.  It’s a blend of magic, comedy, inspiration and wonder.  A must see for anyone ready to experience the power of their own mind!

Jesus Christ Superstar Film Screening


Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American musical historical drama film directed by Norman Jewison, and co-written by Jewison and Melvyn Bragg, based on the 1970 concept album of the same name written by Tim Rice and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which in turn inspired a 1971 musical. The film, which stars Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman and Barry Dennen, depicts the conflict between Judas and Jesus and the emotions and motivations of the main characters during the week of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus Christ Superstar Film Screening


Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American musical historical drama film directed by Norman Jewison, and co-written by Jewison and Melvyn Bragg, based on the 1970 concept album of the same name written by Tim Rice and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which in turn inspired a 1971 musical. The film, which stars Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman and Barry Dennen, depicts the conflict between Judas and Jesus and the emotions and motivations of the main characters during the week of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Top Gun Maverick Film Screening


After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchel is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw, call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.” Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.

Top Gun Maverick Film Screening


After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchel is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw, call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.” Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.