COAST - Theatrical Screening in NYC
On April 14th, MovieMaker Magazine hosted a special one-night-only NYC theatrical screening of COAST, followed by a Q&A with Melissa Leo and the creative team, at Angelika Film Center.
Written by Cindy Kitagawa, who was inspired by her own childhood experiences, and directed by Jessica Hester and Derek Schweickart, COAST is about the explorative experience of self-discovery at the turning point from youth to adulthood.
The film’s charismatic cast stars Fatima Ptacek (longtime voice of Dora the Explorer); stand-up comedian Cristela Alonzo (Cars 3); Academy Award® winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter); Mia Frampton (Bridesmaids); Mia Xitlali (Max); Ciara Bravo (Cherry); and Kane Ritchotte.
COAST is presented by Publicly Private and is a Journey Home Film in association with Big Vision Empty Wallet & Gemini Team Go, premiered in theaters and on VOD on April 8, 2022.
Set in a Central Californian farming community, COAST is a coming-of-age drama that revolves around 16-year-old Abby, who is desperate to escape the trappings of small-town life. A chance encounter with the lead singer of a touring rock band sets Abby to her life’s biggest dilemma as she is presented with the opportunity to leave her family and friends behind in search of a better life. The film explores the role of female friendships in the quest of finding home and shows in an insightful way the safety timeless relationships can provide in the future’s uncertainty.
In the journey of self-discovery, COAST is about finding your truth through music. The film’s energetic live performances feature music by Christian Zucconi and Hannah Hooper (Grouplove), Alex Walker, Kane Ritchotte (More), The Ceremonies, Black Match, and others.
Director of photography DJ Harder powerfully draws the audience into the film’s setting with original imagery and absorbing landscapes of nature. By the film’s end, the audience identifies with the struggles of teenage years, and the question of finding yourself becomes a personal one. Where is home, and where do you have to return to when you’re feeling lost?
