UPCOMING EVENTS
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2025 CENTRAL COAST ENTERTAINMENT EXPO
November 16th, 2025 - SLO Film Center Save the date for the 2025 Central Coast Entertainment Expo, coming November 16, 2025 to the SLO Film Center! This event is a large-scale networking event created to foster a creative, exciting space for Central Coast Filmmakers to connect, network, and collaborate through: - Screenings - Workshops - Hands-on Demos - Panels - Networking & Mentor Events - and more |
Stay tuned for more events!
Past Events
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RE-ANIMATOR: 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
October 20th, 2025 - Bay Theatre FROM IGNITE FILMS AND EAGLE ROCK PICTURES. Grab your crew and gear up for a bloody good time celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Re-Animator! Join us at the Bay Theatre to indulge in some gory fun, along with an immersive behind the scenes experience featuring never before seen BTS images from the production of the film, a conversation with on-set photographer and Los Osos resident Abe Perlstein, and even more! |
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FALL FILMMAKER MIXER
Friday, September 19, 5:00pm - HEADROOM Join us at our next filmmaker mixer, this time hosted at HEADROOM - the official HQ of Microhorrors! Mix, mingle, and learn about all of the fall CCFS happenings. All attendees also get an exclusive sneak peek at the 2025 Central Coast Entertainment Expo, and what brand new offerings will be added to this year's event! This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for connection, networking, collaborators, or just a good time! |
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SUMMER KICK-OFF FILMMAKER MIXER
Join us on Friday, July 18th at Woodstock's Pizza in SLO for a night of networking, collaboration, fun, and FREE pizza!
RSVP here: https://forms.gle/PkQFd4FtJcbkMFpR8 |
Shaun of the Dead - 20th Anniversary Screening & Fundraiser
October 23, 2024 - 5:30pm - Bay Theatre
Get your zombie on and join the Central Coast Film Society for the 20th anniversary screening of the cult classic Shaun of the Dead! Come in your best ghoulish garb and get ready for a killer costume contest with sweet prizes and even more surprises in store (prizes for Best Shaun of the Dead Costume and Best Overall Costume available)!
Before the show, enjoy a specially curated selection of short films from MicroHorrors over a glass of wine, beer or your favorite theater snack!
This event is a fundraiser for our 2024 Central Coast Entertainment Expo.
October 23, 2024 - 5:30pm - Bay Theatre
Get your zombie on and join the Central Coast Film Society for the 20th anniversary screening of the cult classic Shaun of the Dead! Come in your best ghoulish garb and get ready for a killer costume contest with sweet prizes and even more surprises in store (prizes for Best Shaun of the Dead Costume and Best Overall Costume available)!
Before the show, enjoy a specially curated selection of short films from MicroHorrors over a glass of wine, beer or your favorite theater snack!
This event is a fundraiser for our 2024 Central Coast Entertainment Expo.
Trick 'r Treat
Screening & Fundraiser
October 16, 2024 - doors 6:30pm - Palm Theatre (SLO Film Center)
The Central Coast Film Society invites you to get into the Halloween spirit at the SLO Film Center with a modern horror classic - Trick 'r Treat! This event is hosted by the Central Coast Film Society as a fundraiser for the Central Coast Entertainment Expo.
Four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween: an everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the one guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank, and a bitter old recluse receives an uninvited guest.
Screening & Fundraiser
October 16, 2024 - doors 6:30pm - Palm Theatre (SLO Film Center)
The Central Coast Film Society invites you to get into the Halloween spirit at the SLO Film Center with a modern horror classic - Trick 'r Treat! This event is hosted by the Central Coast Film Society as a fundraiser for the Central Coast Entertainment Expo.
Four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween: an everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the one guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank, and a bitter old recluse receives an uninvited guest.
4th Annual Central Coast Film and Media Arts (FAMA) Competition!!
The Central Coast Film Society Student Film & Media Arts Competition is an opportunity to celebrate Central Coast students by showcasing their talents in film and digital media arts, including:
- Filmmaking
- Screenwriting/Creative Writing
- Photography/Cinematography
- Editing/Animation/Special FX (Highlight Reel)
All students who submit their films or creative works will receive constructive feedback from the Central Coast Film Society board members and will be eligible for entry in the Central Coast Film Society Student Showcase. Finalists selected for the Student Showcase will have their works reviewed by a panel of judges from the industry and academia to earn Awards for Excellence and Student Scholarships.
This year's venue will be held on May 21, 2023 from 2-5PM at:
Allan Hancock College - C-40 Auditorium (Near Parking Lot 3)
800 S College Dr
Santa Maria, California 93454
United States
Student Showcase includes: "Navigating Film School" Q&A with recent film graduate, Carlos Plumer.
The Central Coast Film Society Student Film & Media Arts Competition is an opportunity to celebrate Central Coast students by showcasing their talents in film and digital media arts, including:
- Filmmaking
- Screenwriting/Creative Writing
- Photography/Cinematography
- Editing/Animation/Special FX (Highlight Reel)
All students who submit their films or creative works will receive constructive feedback from the Central Coast Film Society board members and will be eligible for entry in the Central Coast Film Society Student Showcase. Finalists selected for the Student Showcase will have their works reviewed by a panel of judges from the industry and academia to earn Awards for Excellence and Student Scholarships.
This year's venue will be held on May 21, 2023 from 2-5PM at:
Allan Hancock College - C-40 Auditorium (Near Parking Lot 3)
800 S College Dr
Santa Maria, California 93454
United States
Student Showcase includes: "Navigating Film School" Q&A with recent film graduate, Carlos Plumer.
SLO FILM FESTIVAL
We were so fortunate to be able to sponsor TWO events at the recent SLO FILM FEST!
First was the Central Coast Filmmaker Mixer where our board members Sarah Risley and Kyle Plummer joined our Exec. Director Daniel Lahr to do a fun mixer with local film industry folks.
THEN - CCFS co-sponsored the screening of classic Spielberg film "E.T." on Thursday, April 27, at the Sunset Drive-In in SLO.
There was a fun trivia contest prior to the screening with questions about "E.T."
Thank you SLOFILMFEST for all the fun and hope to come back next year!
First was the Central Coast Filmmaker Mixer where our board members Sarah Risley and Kyle Plummer joined our Exec. Director Daniel Lahr to do a fun mixer with local film industry folks.
THEN - CCFS co-sponsored the screening of classic Spielberg film "E.T." on Thursday, April 27, at the Sunset Drive-In in SLO.
There was a fun trivia contest prior to the screening with questions about "E.T."
Thank you SLOFILMFEST for all the fun and hope to come back next year!
"Dear Rider, The Jake Burton Story" Central Coast Premiere & Filmmaker Q&A
Saturday, Jan. 14, at The Palm Theatre
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Central Coast Film Society Sponsored Events |
Central Coast Filmmakers Mixer - April 27th
The Central Coast Film Society will be hosting the SLO IFF Central Coast Filmmakers Mixer to kick off the festival with SLO Women in Film and Television. Local filmmakers will meet to network before the festival begins.
Celebrate Central Coast Filmmakers - COAST Screening - April 27th
CCFS and SLO IFF are excited about the SLO Film Fest’s Central Coast Filmmakers event! CCFS Members (current or new) can receive FREE screening tickets to “Celebrating the Central ‘Coast’”.
PRE-SCREENING MEET UP
We’ll be gathering at 6:30pm at Firestone for an impromptu meet-up before the screening, as well.
RSVP below and let us know how many tickets you need, and also whether you’ll join us at Firestone!
The Central Coast Film Society will be hosting the SLO IFF Central Coast Filmmakers Mixer to kick off the festival with SLO Women in Film and Television. Local filmmakers will meet to network before the festival begins.
Celebrate Central Coast Filmmakers - COAST Screening - April 27th
CCFS and SLO IFF are excited about the SLO Film Fest’s Central Coast Filmmakers event! CCFS Members (current or new) can receive FREE screening tickets to “Celebrating the Central ‘Coast’”.
PRE-SCREENING MEET UP
We’ll be gathering at 6:30pm at Firestone for an impromptu meet-up before the screening, as well.
RSVP below and let us know how many tickets you need, and also whether you’ll join us at Firestone!
Live Panel Discussion: The Screen Writing Life - May 1st
Feeling stuck in your story? Come workshop it “in the room” with screenwriters Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna (Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur and Captain Marvel). Tell your story in 5 minutes and they’ll help by asking questions and churning up some ideas and inspiration. They’’ll workshop 3-5 projects based on random draws of those who want to participate. Or come and listen and apply to your own work. The workshop will also be featured as an episode of Meg and Lorien”s hit podcast, The Screenwriting Life. As an added bonus, students and WIFT members can attend for only $5!For tickets and more information, visit the SLO Film Festival website.
SPONSORED BY CAL POLY WIFT & SLO WIFT, CENTRAL COAST FILM SOCIETY, CAL POLY INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN LIBERAL ARTS & CAL POLY CENTER FOR EXPRESSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
About the presenters: professional screenwriters, Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna, whose combined credits include writing and production on such films as Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur and Captain Marvel, discuss the craft, journey and business of writing for the screen. From dialogue to delivery, Meg and Lorien will guide you through the process, offering inside tips and tricks to help you become the best writer you can be.
Feeling stuck in your story? Come workshop it “in the room” with screenwriters Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna (Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur and Captain Marvel). Tell your story in 5 minutes and they’ll help by asking questions and churning up some ideas and inspiration. They’’ll workshop 3-5 projects based on random draws of those who want to participate. Or come and listen and apply to your own work. The workshop will also be featured as an episode of Meg and Lorien”s hit podcast, The Screenwriting Life. As an added bonus, students and WIFT members can attend for only $5!For tickets and more information, visit the SLO Film Festival website.
SPONSORED BY CAL POLY WIFT & SLO WIFT, CENTRAL COAST FILM SOCIETY, CAL POLY INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN LIBERAL ARTS & CAL POLY CENTER FOR EXPRESSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
About the presenters: professional screenwriters, Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna, whose combined credits include writing and production on such films as Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur and Captain Marvel, discuss the craft, journey and business of writing for the screen. From dialogue to delivery, Meg and Lorien will guide you through the process, offering inside tips and tricks to help you become the best writer you can be.
2022 CCFS Student Film & Digital Media Arts Competition
The Central Coast Film Society Student Film & Digital Media Arts Competition is an opportunity to celebrate Central Coast students by showcasing their talents in film and digital media arts, including:
- Filmmaking
- Screenwriting/Creative Writing
- Photography/Cinematography
- Editing/Animation/Special FX (Highlight Reel)
All students who submit their films or creative works will receive constructive feedback from the Central Coast Film Society board members and will be eligible for entry in the Central Coast Film Society Student Showcase. Finalists selected for the Student Showcase will have their works reviewed by a panel of judges from the industry and academia to earn Awards for Excellence and Student Scholarships.
Scholarships
$250 scholarship available for each category
$100 scholarship available for the Central Coast Spirit Award
Wednesday April 6th, 2022
6-9PM
San Luis Obispo High School
1499 San Luis Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
6:00 –Photography and Screenwriting Showcase & Student Workshop
Student Screenwriting Workshop – CalPoly Women in Film & Television – Alessandra Gardner
6:30 – Films & Highlight Reel Showcase
8:30 – Awards & Scholarship Ceremony
Judges Panel
Chris Hite, Allan Hancock College, Film Department & Award Winning Filmmaker
Alan Fraser, Co-Founder - Cambria Film Festival
Chachi Ramirez, Film Producer
Alessandra Gardner, CalPoly Women in Film & Television
Congratulations to the Winners!
Screenwriting
Sweet on You
Rhys Eleanor Demarest, Morro Bay High School
Photography
Cat Reflection (Shown above)
Ashley Robinson, Central Coast New Tech High School
Highlight Reel (Editing/Animation/FX)
Light to My Path
Abigail Reinstedt, Calvary Christian School
Film
Out of My Mind
Colin Dowse, Carmel High School
Central Coast Spirit Award
Lost- A Backyard Adventure
Coleman Howe, San Luis Obispo High School
- Filmmaking
- Screenwriting/Creative Writing
- Photography/Cinematography
- Editing/Animation/Special FX (Highlight Reel)
All students who submit their films or creative works will receive constructive feedback from the Central Coast Film Society board members and will be eligible for entry in the Central Coast Film Society Student Showcase. Finalists selected for the Student Showcase will have their works reviewed by a panel of judges from the industry and academia to earn Awards for Excellence and Student Scholarships.
Scholarships
$250 scholarship available for each category
$100 scholarship available for the Central Coast Spirit Award
Wednesday April 6th, 2022
6-9PM
San Luis Obispo High School
1499 San Luis Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
6:00 –Photography and Screenwriting Showcase & Student Workshop
Student Screenwriting Workshop – CalPoly Women in Film & Television – Alessandra Gardner
6:30 – Films & Highlight Reel Showcase
8:30 – Awards & Scholarship Ceremony
Judges Panel
Chris Hite, Allan Hancock College, Film Department & Award Winning Filmmaker
Alan Fraser, Co-Founder - Cambria Film Festival
Chachi Ramirez, Film Producer
Alessandra Gardner, CalPoly Women in Film & Television
Congratulations to the Winners!
Screenwriting
Sweet on You
Rhys Eleanor Demarest, Morro Bay High School
Photography
Cat Reflection (Shown above)
Ashley Robinson, Central Coast New Tech High School
Highlight Reel (Editing/Animation/FX)
Light to My Path
Abigail Reinstedt, Calvary Christian School
Film
Out of My Mind
Colin Dowse, Carmel High School
Central Coast Spirit Award
Lost- A Backyard Adventure
Coleman Howe, San Luis Obispo High School
CCFS Board member Kyle Plummer, AHC Film Prof. Chris Hite, CCFS Executive Director Daniel Lahr, CCFS Board President Sarah Risley, Cambria Film Festival Co-Founder Alan Fraser, film producer and owner of the Guadalupe Royal Theater Chachi Ramirez, and CCFS Board member Robert Oliver.
30th Anniversary Rocketeer Screening, Dinner & Museum Tour
Saturday, November 13, 2021
At the Santa Maria Museum of Flight
At the Santa Maria Museum of Flight
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Locals who appeared in the film gather for the screening at the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, which was the hanger set used in the film.
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The REEL Challenge
Presented by the Central Coast Film Society and the SLO International Film Festival
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The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival in partnership with the Central Coast Film Society is excited to announce their newest weekend-long film competition, The Reel
Challenge. Inspired by the current creativity being exhibited across todays social media platforms we want to dive into this creative process and give filmmakers, creators, students and anyone interested in the medium a chance to be a part of a popular international film festival. Are you a filmmaker, actor, editor, or avid social media-er looking to practice your craft for a chance to screen in an International Film Festival? In this fast paced and adrenaline filled competition, you have just 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit a short film. No cheating! Just minutes before the competition clock begins ticking we’ll reveal the prop that must be written and showcased in your film. Eligibility: All creatives residing on the Central Coast of California - Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County or Santa Barbara County. All ages, group/crew sizes and experience levels welcome. Registration: You must register for The Reel Challenge by 4:00pm PST on Friday, November 19. To register, please fill out: this form |
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Networking Event - Sunday, Oct. 3
The Central Coast Film Society is hosting a networking event at SLO Backlots from 1 - 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. Address is 3001 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo.
The purpose of this event is for filmmakers and industry professionals to meet and greet, as well as introduce them to San Luis Obispo's newest event space SLO Backlots.
This space is a creative, multi-use studio to host everything from mixers to screenings and editing rooms for photography and videography.
Check out our promo video for this awesome new space done by our board member Kyle Plummer!
For more information please contact us [email protected].
The purpose of this event is for filmmakers and industry professionals to meet and greet, as well as introduce them to San Luis Obispo's newest event space SLO Backlots.
This space is a creative, multi-use studio to host everything from mixers to screenings and editing rooms for photography and videography.
Check out our promo video for this awesome new space done by our board member Kyle Plummer!
For more information please contact us [email protected].
SLO Women in Film and Television Chapter Kick off & Meet up
Saturday, August 7th @ 3:00pm
Tolosa Tasting Room, San Luis Obispo
4910 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tolosa Tasting Room, San Luis Obispo
4910 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
With Q&A the Film's Composer, Brad Fiedel
With Q&A the Film's Composer, Brad Fiedel
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Saturday, July 3rd @ 1:00pm
The Movie Experience, San Luis Obispo 
Brad Fiedel (left) and Daniel Lahr (right) at the 30th Anniversary Screening.
Miss the event? You can still listen to the Q&A right here!
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CCFS Student Film & Digital Media Arts Competition - Never Stop Creating
May 1st - 2nd, 2021
We are thrilled to be able to host our community film students and honor their work while they "Never Stop Creating" during these times. The "festival" online is FREE to submit to and FREE to watch.
We are thrilled to be able to host our community film students and honor their work while they "Never Stop Creating" during these times. The "festival" online is FREE to submit to and FREE to watch.
Drive In Event "The Croods"
Friday, November 20th 2020
Riverview Park, Buellton CA |
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Oscar Viewing Party
Sunday, February 9th 2020
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Arroyo Grande CA
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Arroyo Grande CA
CCFS Executive Director & Founder, Daniel Lahr (left) with Red Carpet Show producer Chris Manigault (right) on the Red Carpet in 2019.
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CCFS Student Film Competition
Saturday, January 11th, 2020
"3-2-1 Student Film Competition"
San Luis Obispo Library
Film/Script Requirements:
Must include the TOPIC of DIGITAL DISTRACTION.
3 Pages/3 Minutes
2 Characters
1 Location
"3-2-1 Student Film Competition"
San Luis Obispo Library
Film/Script Requirements:
Must include the TOPIC of DIGITAL DISTRACTION.
3 Pages/3 Minutes
2 Characters
1 Location
Still from "Adamo," a 3-2-1 Student Competition award winning film for Best Director.
Classic Saturday Morning Cartoons!
Saturday, November 30, 2019
9:00am at Parks Plaza Theater, Buellton CA
9:00am at Parks Plaza Theater, Buellton CA
Filmmaker Discussion Panel
11/9/2019
Filmmakers Workshop
SLO County Library Community Room
Filmmakers Workshop
SLO County Library Community Room
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
And "Why We Love Star Wars" Q&A, Saturday, August 24th, 2019
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Field of Dreams (1989) & Fundraiser
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 Thank you to the generous support of Tower Pizza in Solvang, California. They donated 10% of their day's proceeds to the Central Coast Film Society. Check out Tower Pizza here. 
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Pocahontas (1995)
Sunday, April 7th 2019
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OSCAR WATCHING PARTY WITH CENTRAL COAST FILM SOCIETY
Sunday, February 24th, 2019
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His Girl Friday (1940)
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Coast - Exclusive Film Preview
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Night of the Living Dead (1968)
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”Beers & Brains” event, featuring Figeroua Mountain Brewing Co. beer and virtual reality zombie experience from Space VR.
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Charade (1963) - September 1, 2018
"And Man Created Dog" - July 28, 2018
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Stay Up-To-Date!
Check back soon for more upcoming events. PLUS stay updated with the latest news and announcements about our events by signing up for our Newsletter and following us on social media!!