Oceanside, CA Nov. 17, 2008 – The shores of Oceanside welcomed the inaugural California Surf Film Festival early this November. The Grace Theater played host to hundreds of surf film fans, filmmakers and special guest over the three day Festival to benefit the California Surf Museum.

One of the highlights was a 50 Year Anniversary Celebration honoring Bruce Brown as a filmmaker. In 1958 Brown came out with his first film Slippery When Wet (1958) which then started his career as a successful action sport documentary filmmaker. To honor that tribute the Festival was able to have Bruce, son Dana and Grandson Wes Brown all contribute to a “LIVE” narration of the classic Endless Summer (1964). An electric vibe was at the Festival with filmgoers, Surf Legends and filmmakers mingling about. Many surf film fans had a myriad of items clutched in their hands waiting to meet the filmmakers and surf stars to have them sign the pictures, flyers and DVD’s for their collections.

The Theater was standing room only as the Mayor of Oceanside declared that November 8th, 2008 would be known as Bruce Brown Day in the City of Oceanside.

Also on hand was a who’s who of surf notables as well as the original team that were part of Endless Summer. Bruce Brown, Mike Hynson (star of the film), Gaston Georis (wrote the music), R. Paul Allen (Promoter of Endless Summer), John Van Hamersveld (Artist of the Classic Endless Summer Poster). The screening was a momentous and one time only event for the Festival.

The pre reception held at the California Surf Museum was over flowing with Surf Legends such as Walter Hoffman, Skip Frye, and Linda Benson, all enjoying the food from The Fish Joint, Longboard Café and Mary’s Lumpia and beverages by Karl Strauss.

Other films screened during the California Surf Film Festival were; West Coast Premieres of Musica Surfica, by Mick Sowry, One Track Mind by Chris Malloy, June by Christian and Spencer Diggs, Surf Noir by Suyen Mosley, as well as; Chasing Dora by TJ Barrack and Wes Brown, WaterMan By BamMan Productions, The Life by Jamie Brisick, Out There by Teton Gravity Research, Under The Sun by Cyrus Sutton, RIP Tide by Dennis Jarvis, Carving by Roberto Vennzoe, Together by Jeff Beals, and Play Mobil French Surf Shorts.

You may go to the Website at www.californiasurffestival.com Sponsors of the Festival were FUEL TV, 91X, O’Neill, Billabong, Wahoo’s, Anarchy/Angel eyewear, Honest Tea, Red Bull, Pac Sun, Rainbow Sandals, Marriott of Oceanside, Marina Suites, Wyndam resorts, GFH Skateboards, Globe shoes, Pac Sun and Surfshot.com to name a few. Thank you to the volunteers and non-profits who participated in the Community Outreach Day: Surfrider, Rell Sunn Foundation, Christian Surfers Association, Boarders 4 Breast Cancer and Outdoor Outreach.

The California Surf Festival is a presentation of FUEL TV and the California Surf Museum. The CSM will be sharing the progress of its new location in Oceanside and encourage your support. The Festival is a continuing aspect of the Museum and its focus on preserving the culture and history of the surfing lifestyle. This Festival will enrich the locals and visitors on the world of surfing and share the surroundings of downtown City of Oceanside. www.surfmuseum.org.

The festival for 2009 is already in the planning stages so set your calendars for the early weekend in November and check www.californiasurfmuseum.org for more information.