Dana Point Film Festival

Celebrating Oceans, Film and Community

The 3rd Annual Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) returns October 9-12, 2025, to celebrate the beauty, wonder and importance of our oceans through the art of documentary filmmaking. Over four days, DPFF showcases films that promote education, conservation, preservation of marine environments, ocean sports and Surfing Films. DPFF is inspiring our audiences to become positive stewards of the sea.

This year’s 4-day festival features five internationally recognized feature documentaries, averaging sixty minutes each, along with twenty-eight compelling short films—including animated educational shorts and traditional documentaries from talented filmmakers around the world. The carefully curated selection highlights the critical issues facing our oceans and showcases stories of passion, science, conservation and adventure.

Family and Youth Engagement:
On Sunday, October 12 at 11 a.m., celebrate with kid-friendly programming at Craft House in Dana Point. Youth from The Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley will debut their own films, exploring fascinating topics such as Orcas, the Great Barrier Reef, wave science and extinct ocean species.

Festival Events & Highlights:

• Thursday, October 9: A Special Opening Night Event begins with “Meet the Filmmakers” at the Craft House, featuring food, music, culture and community.
• Friday, October 10: Opening Night Film & After Party screening at 6 p.m. in the “Film House,” at OC Sailing Club next to Baby Beach. Immediately after, join us at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows for lite bites, music and libations.
• Saturday & Sunday: Film screenings run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with various films screening throughout the day.
• Saturday Night VIP Party: Following the feature film, the Killer Dana party is at 7:30 p.m.— a VIP Experience is available!
• Sunday, October 12: The festival concludes with a stunning sunset free screening of Jaws on Baby Beach at 6:30 p.m., offering a perfect end to the weekend.

Tickets:
Secure your tickets now in October at the discounted price of $10 by visiting DanaPointFilmFestival.org and using the promo code (DPFFinSept).

About DPFF:
The Dana Point Film Festival is a Stand Up to Trash, Non-Profit event produced by Tenacity Entertainment with support from our OC Supervisor Katrina Foley, the City of Dana Point, Local Art & Culture Ambassador Maria Elena Banks, business and community members who are ocean advocates dedicated to celebrating and protecting our oceans. Join us for a wonderful weekend of inspiring storytelling, community engagement, ocean awareness, conservation and good ole fun.